Eulen

Eulen, commonly referred to as owls in English, are birds of prey in the order Strigiformes. The order comprises two families: Tytonidae, the barn owls, and Strigidae, the true owls. About 200 species are distributed across nearly every land habitat, from forests and grasslands to deserts and urban areas, with exceptions including Antarctica and many remote islands.

Anatomy and senses: Owls typically have large, forward-facing eyes that provide binocular vision and excellent depth perception in dim light. Although their eyes are fixed in the skull, they can rotate their heads up to about 270 degrees. A facial disc helps funnel sound to the ears, which are often asymmetrically placed to improve hearing. Soft, velvety feathers enable nearly silent flight.

Behavior and diet: Most owls are nocturnal or crepuscular. They hunt small mammals, birds, insects, and occasionally fish or reptiles, using stealth, acute hearing, and surprise to capture prey from perches or during short flights.

Reproduction and life cycle: Pairs often form long-term bonds. Nesting sites vary and include tree cavities, old nests of other birds, cliffs, or buildings. Clutch sizes range from two to six eggs, with both parents incubating and feeding the young. Fledging occurs after several weeks, and juveniles may remain with parents for months.

Ecology and conservation: Owls play a key role in controlling populations of small vertebrates and insects. Threats include habitat loss, pesticide exposure, colliding with structures, and illegal trade in some regions. Conservation status varies by species, from Least Concern to Endangered.