Classification: Owls are mainly nocturnal (active at night) birds belonging to the order Strigiformes, a group that is most closely related to nightjars (Caprimulgiformes). The order is divided into two families: Tytonidae or Barn Owls and related species, of which there are up to 18 species known, and Strigidae, to which the remaining 194+ Owl species belong. This is constantly changing as new species and sub-species are being discovered.
Appearance: A large, round head and large, forward-facing eyes
are a feature that make Owls instantly recognisable. They also have
a downward-facing beak (or bill), and soft, cryptically coloured plumage.
Males and Females are generally similar in appearance, although the
female is often up to 25% larger.
Adaptations: Owls are Raptors, or Birds of Prey, which means
they hunt other living things for their food, using their special adaptations
and unique abilities that set them apart from any other creature.
Exceptional vision, and acute hearing play a major part in an Owl's
hunting technique. Couple these with powerful talons and beak, plus
the ability to fly silently, and you have a formidable predator, using
stealth to hunt down prey.
After Eating, Owls regurgitate pellets, which contain the indigestible
bones, fur and feathers of their victims. These pellets can be collected
by researchers to study Owls' eating habits.
Distribution: Owls are found on all continents except Antarctica, and in a great variety of habitats, from thick forests to open prairies.
Size: They range in size from the tiny "Least Pygmy Owl"
(Glaucidium minutissimum) at 12cm (4½") tall, to the rather
large "Great Grey Owl" (Strix nebulosa) at up to 84cm (33")
tall.
Parts of an Owl
