Two main families
Most owls belong to the family Strigidae (true owls). Barn owls, with their heart-shaped faces, form a separate family called Tytonidae.
Strigidae
Tytonidae
Nocturnal wildlife spotlight
Owls: Guardians of the Night Sky
Owls are nocturnal raptors with exceptional hearing, near-silent flight, and forward-facing eyes that help them hunt with astonishing precision in total darkness.
About Owls
Owls are birds of prey belonging to the order Strigiformes. They are known for their nocturnal lifestyle, upright posture, and ability to pinpoint prey using sound alone.
Global distribution
From boreal forests and deserts to city parks, owls occupy a wide range of habitats and play a crucial role in controlling rodent populations.
Rodent control
Ecosystem balance
Nocturnal specialists
Large eyes, sensitive hearing, and camouflage feathers allow owls to hunt efficiently at night while remaining nearly invisible by day.
Camouflage
Night vision
Iconic Species
While owl species vary in size, habitat, and behavior, many share the same impressive adaptations that make them successful predators.
Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
Recognizable by its pale, heart-shaped face and ghostly flight, the barn owl is a highly effective hunter of small mammals in open fields and farmland.
Heart-shaped face
Farmland
Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
With bright white plumage and piercing yellow eyes, snowy owls breed in Arctic tundra and are powerful daytime hunters of lemmings and other small prey.
Arctic
Day-active
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
One of the most widespread owl species in the Americas, this adaptable hunter has ear-like tufts and a deep hooting call that echoes through forests and suburbs alike.
Ear tufts
Powerful hoot
Adaptations & Fun Facts
Owls possess a suite of specialized adaptations that help them find, capture, and consume prey under low-light conditions.
Silent flight
Serrated leading edges on their wing feathers break up air turbulence, allowing owls to fly almost silently and avoid alerting prey.
Asymmetrical ears
Many species have ears set at slightly different heights. This lets them detect tiny differences in the time and intensity of sounds, helping them locate prey precisely.
Rotating necks
Owls cannot move their eyes, so they compensate with a flexible neck that can rotate up to 270° in either direction.
- Owls swallow small prey whole and later cough up compact pellets of bones and fur.
- Some owl calls sound like barks, whistles, or screeches rather than the classic “hoot.”
- In many cultures, owls symbolize wisdom, while in others they are associated with mystery or omens.
Conservation & How You Can Help
Habitat loss, pesticide use, and vehicle collisions threaten many owl populations. Simple actions at home can improve their chances.
Protecting nocturnal predators protects ecosystems
By preying on rodents and insects, owls help maintain natural balance and support healthy crops and forests. Conservation efforts focus on preserving nesting sites, reducing toxins, and educating communities about their value.
- 1Keep dead trees and old barns where safe — they can serve as nesting sites.
- 2Avoid rodenticides; they can poison owls that feed on contaminated prey.
- 3Install nest boxes suitable for local owl species in quiet, dark locations.
- 4Support local wildlife rehabilitation centers and habitat projects.
Night ecosystem ally
Small choices in your garden, farm, or neighborhood can create safer hunting grounds for owls and benefit countless other species that share their habitat.