The force of the impact is usually enough to stun the prey, which is then dispatched with a snap of the beak. Owls can adapt their hunting techniques depending on the type of prey. Insects and small birds may be snatched in mid air, sometimes after being flushed from the cover of trees or bushes by the Owl. Other species may wade into the water to chase fish, water snakes, crayfish or frogs. Once caught, smaller prey is carried away in the bill, or eaten immediately.
Larger prey is carried off in the talons.
In times of plenty, Owls may store surplus food in a cache. This may be in the nest, or tree hole, or a fork in a branch.