Strigiformes

Strigiformes is an order of birds of prey that includes two extant families: Tytonidae, the barn owls, and Strigidae, the typical owls. They are distributed worldwide except Antarctica and occupy a wide range of habitats from forests and grasslands to deserts and urban environments. Most species are crepuscular or nocturnal and rely on stealth and acute hearing to locate prey.

Anatomy and adaptations: Owls have large forward-facing eyes and a rounded facial disc that helps funnel sound to the ears. The beak is hooked and the talons are strong for grasping prey. A key adaptation is silent flight, produced by serrated leading-edge feathers and a fringe along the wing edges, which reduces noise. The neck is extremely flexible, allowing head rotation of up to about 270 degrees, enabling a wide field of view without moving the body.

Behavior and hearing: Owls use a combination of vision and hearing to hunt; many species have asymmetrical ear openings, improving directional hearing. They are typically solitary and territorial, with calls that vary by species and may include hoots, screeches, and whistles. They hunt by perching and swooping on prey or, in some cases, by hovering over open ground.

Diet and reproduction: Diet mainly consists of small mammals, with birds and insects also taken. Nesting occurs in tree cavities, old nests, cliffs, or buildings; clutch sizes range widely but often include 3–7 eggs. Incubation lasts roughly a month, and altricial young fledge after several weeks with care from both parents.

Taxonomy and conservation: The order is divided into Tytonidae and Strigidae. Some species adapt well to human-modified landscapes, while others are threatened by habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and collisions with windows. Conservation measures include habitat protection and the use of nest boxes for cavities.