Howl (half hawk half owl)
Howls have mixed traits of both hawks and owls. Howls are known for their great skill as hunters and their ability to hunt at night and also in the day. They live mostly nocturnally and have the ability to hunt in almost complete darkness due to their large eyes. The Howl specializes in hunting fish underwater by diving at high speeds, up to 30 miles per hour, and grabbing the fish with its razor sharp claws. They can weigh up to five pounds, and can live for up to 10 years in the wild. They are native to Portugal but have been sighted as far as the Philippines. The turn radius of the howl’s head is around 270 degrees, enabling them to see behind them without moving the torso. This enables them to be much better hunters than a normal hawk because they are able to scan an area very quickly without moving and makes them quieter when flying. Howls are known for their golden-brown feathers and large black eyes. They have never been domesticated and could not be a house pet because they are too aggressive and can‘t be tamed.
Howls are hunted in Portugal because of the value of their feathers. The feathers are used for designer coats and hats in several parts of the world including Europe. They have been hunted almost to the point of extinction and are now an endangered species. The Portuguese National Bird Society (PNBS) is now creating habitats and repopulating the Azores with these rare birds of prey.