owls

Owls are birds of prey in the order Strigiformes, comprising two families: Strigidae (typical owls) and Tytonidae (barn owls). They inhabit most regions of the world except Antarctica, in forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundra.

Owls are largely nocturnal and hunt mainly by sight and sound. They have large forward-facing eyes fixed in their sockets, but can rotate their heads about 270 degrees. A facial disk helps funnel sound to asymmetrically placed ears, enabling precise sound localization. Feathers are adapted for silent flight, and they possess strong talons and hooked beaks for capturing prey.

Diet consists of small mammals, birds, and insects; larger owls take larger prey. They hunt from perches and strike swiftly. They regurgitate pellets. Most owls form pairs and defend territories; nests are in tree cavities, holes in cliffs, or buildings. Clutch sizes are typically 2–7 eggs; incubation lasts about 28–33 days; fledging takes 4–6 weeks.

Conservation: Owl populations vary by species. Habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and collisions threaten some groups. Owls provide natural pest control and are supported by nesting boxes and habitat protection in conservation efforts.