The owl looks like it has seen a few too many lances.
From The Met
Shields of this shape were inspired by Hungarian light- cavalry shields and were adopted in Germany and Austria for the Hussarisch Turnier (tournament in Hungarian-style costume). The German motto around the owl reads in translation, “Although I am the hated bird, I rather enjoy that.” Below this are the quartered arms of the Tänzl and Rindscheit families, which were united by marriage in 1499.
Perfect owl motto!
That’s incredible 😲
He was probably my favorite in tournament.
This looks strangly like a spectacle owl. I’m the only one to see it?
It’s that black and yellow motif that does it.
I’ve been trying to decide what, if any, real owl this is. Little Owl (Stone Owl, Steinkauz to the Germans) or Eurasian Pygmy (Sparrow Owl, Sperlingskauz) are closest, but I’m curious as to why they picked a small owl instead of Uhu/Eagle Owl, especially if it is in homage to the Hussars, who supposedly wore eagle and other raptor feathers as part of their winged armor. The little guys are cute, not scary.
