How is this food digested in the owls body?

Stomach

Owls possess a highly muscular proventriculus (a section of the stomach) which stores food and facilitates trituration (grinding) of ingested materials. The proventriculus is lined with a thick layer of muscles that contract and relax to mechanically break down the food into smaller particles. The secreted gastric juices start chemical digestion, and the softened mass advances through the digestive system.

Pellets

Due to the indigestibility of certain components such as bones, fur, feathers, and exoskeletons, the softened materials are often regurgitated as pellets. Pellets are a distinctive characteristic of owls, often found near their roosting or nesting sites. These pellets provide valuable information for biologists and researchers, as they can reveal the owl's diet and provide insight into ecosystem dynamics.

Small Intestine

After the regurgitation of the pellet, the remaining broken-down food material moves further into the small intestine. Here, the nutrients from the digested prey are absorbed into the bloodstream through the villi (tiny, finger-like projections) lining the intestinal walls. Enzymes secreted by the pancreas, liver, and intestinal glands further aid in nutrient absorption.

Large Intestine and Cloaca

Any undigested matter passes through the large intestine where it experiences a final extraction of water and electrolytes before being eventually expelled through the cloaca (a single opening that functions as the common outlet for the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems in birds). The dehydrated, solid waste is eliminated as feces.