Owls are birds from the order Strigiformes[1] (/ ˈstrɪdʒəfɔːrmiːz /), which includes over 200 species of mostly solitary and nocturnal birds of prey typified by an upright stance, a large, broad head, binocular vision, binaural hearing, sharp talons, and feathers adapted for silent flight.

Feb 27, 2025 · owl, (order Strigiformes), any member of a homogeneous order of primarily nocturnal raptors found nearly worldwide. The bird of Athena, the Greek goddess of practical reason, is the little owl (Athene noctua). Owls became symbolic of intelligence because it was thought that they presaged events.

Jan 21, 2020 · Nineteen owl species are found in the United States. Ranging from the diminutive Elf Owl — the smallest owl on the continent — to the massive Great Gray Owl, these charismatic birds come in many shapes and sizes.

May 27, 2024 · Owls are a diverse group of animals that belong to their own separate order. There are more than 200 recognized species all around the world. With their highly developed binocular vision and accurate flying abilities, they have several unique adaptations that help them hunt for prey at night.

Owls can be found in nearly every environment in the world, from deserts to coniferous forests to the Arctic tundra. All of the roughly 250 owl species live aboveground except for one: the...

Oct 15, 2015 · Owls are intriguing birds that easily capture the attention and curiosity of birders. These facts may help clear up a bit of their mystery and reveal what a hoot owls really are. 1.) Many owl species have asymmetrical ears.

Dec 13, 2019 · There are about 216 species of owls divided into two families: Barn and Bay owls (Tytonidae) and the Strigidae (true owls). Most owls belong to the group of so-called true owls, with large heads and round faces, short tails, and muted feathers with mottled patterns.

owl, Any bird of prey in the mostly nocturnal order Strigiformes, including true owls (family Strigidae) and barn, bay, and grass owls (Tytonidae). Owls’ virtually silent flight and protective (usually brown) coloration aid in capturing insects, birds, and small mammals.

Owls are specialists night-time hunters. They feed on small mammals such as rodents, insects, and other birds, and a few species like to eat fish as well. As a group, owls are very successful. They are found in all parts of the world except Antarctica, most of …

What is an owl - different types of owls, what they look like, where and how long they live, what they eat, their adaptations for hunting, interesting facts, pictures, and more.