What Happens If an Owl Builds a Nest in Your House? | Meaning, Myths & Remedies

If an Owl Builds a Nest in Your House?

Introduction

In Indian folklore and Hindu traditions, birds making nests in homes often carry special meanings. While you may already know about crows and pigeons nesting, today we’ll explore what it signifies if an owl makes its nest in your house.

Mythological Significance of the Owl

Relation to Goddess Lakshmi: In ancient scriptures, the owl is regarded as the vehicle (vāhan) of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.

A Sign of Good Luck: Spotting an owl, especially at night, is traditionally considered an auspicious sign and often signals forthcoming fortune or financial gain.

Mixed Beliefs: Owls are seen as both auspicious and inauspicious birds, depending on context and tradition.

What If an Owl Builds a Nest in Your House?

Common Beliefs
Unfavorable Omen: While seeing an owl is thought to bring good luck, if an owl actually builds a nest or lays eggs in your house, it is generally considered inauspicious.

Believed Consequences:

Onset of poverty in the household.

Increase in hardships, illness, or loss of wealth.

Indications of obstacles or misfortune entering the family.

Why This Belief?

The activities and presence of owls, especially nesting and egg-laying in the home, are considered warning signs of incoming negativity, whereas their mere presence outside or visiting briefly is tied to fortune.

Remedies If an Owl Nests in Your House

Gentle Relocation: If you find an owl’s nest in your home, carefully shift the nest to a nearby sturdy tree without disturbing or harming it.

Why Relocate? This act avoids angering the owl, maintains the respect owed to the vehicle of Goddess Lakshmi, and is believed to avert the negative consequences.

Do Not Harm the Nest: It is strongly advised to handle the owl and its nest with care and respect.

Summary Table

Signal Belief/Consequence Remedy
Seeing an owl at night Good luck, financial gain. No action needed
Owl builds a nest at home. Onset of poverty, illness, loss Move nest to nearby tree
Owl’s nest left at home Persistent misfortune Relocate nest respectfully
Key Notes
Owls seldom nest in houses, often preferring tall buildings or large trees.

Do not panic or get angry if you see an owl’s nest—apply the recommended remedy.

Hearing an owl’s call at night is also seen as a general omen of change or an event in the near future.

FAQ

Where do owls build their nests?

Owls usually prefer quiet, safe, and high-up places to build their nests. Most commonly, they choose large trees, old buildings, abandoned towers, or rocky ledges. Some species also nest in tree hollows, barns, or even in man-made nest boxes.

They don’t actually “build” a traditional nest like other birds. Instead, owls often reuse abandoned nests made by other birds or simply lay their eggs on a flat surface in a sheltered area.

In cities or villages, owls may choose tall rooftops, ventilators, or attic spaces—especially if they’re quiet and undisturbed.

Why are there so many owls in my backyard?

If you’re seeing a lot of owls in your backyard, it usually means your space offers them something they love—safety, food, and quiet. Owls are drawn to areas where they can easily hunt and rest without being disturbed.

Here are some common reasons:

1. Plenty of food: If your backyard has small animals like mice, rats, insects, or even frogs, owls see it as a perfect hunting ground.

2. Tall trees or old buildings: Owls love perching on high, stable places where they can stay hidden and watch for prey.

3. Less human activity at night: If your yard is peaceful after dark, it becomes an ideal resting or nesting area for owls.

4. Water source nearby: A pond or water tank can attract both prey and owls.

5. Mating or nesting season: During certain times of year, owls may gather in a specific area to find a mate or raise chicks.