Striginae

Striginae is a subfamily of owls belonging to the family Strigidae. This subfamily encompasses a diverse group of nocturnal birds of prey, characterized by their typically large heads, forward-facing eyes, and a facial disc that helps funnel sound. Members of Striginae are found across a wide range of habitats, from forests and woodlands to grasslands and deserts, on every continent except Antarctica. Their diet primarily consists of small mammals, insects, and other birds, which they hunt using their keen eyesight and acute hearing.

The subfamily Striginae is distinguished from its sister subfamily, Asioinae, by a number of morphological and genetic characteristics, though these can sometimes be subtle and subject to ongoing research and classification. Some common genera within Striginae include Strix, which contains many of the "typical" owls like the great horned owl and the barred owl, and Aegolius, which includes smaller species such as the saw-whet owl. The breeding habits of Striginae owls vary, with some nesting in tree cavities, others building their own nests, and some utilizing abandoned nests of other birds. Parental care is generally provided by both parents, with the female often incubating the eggs and the male bringing food. Their vocalizations are diverse, ranging from hoots and calls to shrieks and whistles, serving purposes of communication, territorial defense, and mate attraction.