Strigidae – True owls

Commonly known as “true owls” or “typical owls,” it is a diverse group of birds known for their nocturnal habits and haunting calls that resonate through the night. These birds of prey are found worldwide, except Antarctica, and are revered and mythologized in various cultures due to their enigmatic nature.

Owls have captivating physical characteristics that contribute to their status as formidable predators. Their forward-facing eyes provide them with excellent binocular vision, allowing for precise depth perception necessary for hunting in low light conditions. Unlike humans, owls cannot move their eyes within their sockets to a great extent. To compensate for this, they have developed an extraordinary ability to rotate their heads up to 270 degrees without moving their bodies, providing a broad field of vision and the ability to spot potential prey with minimal movement.

The silent flight of owls is another marvel of their evolution. The leading edges of their flight feathers have a soft, comb-like structure that breaks up the turbulence into smaller currents, which reduces sound. Their flight is so quiet that it allows them to approach prey stealthily, often unnoticed, until it is too late.

Their acute hearing is as crucial as their vision for nocturnal hunting. The facial discs that frame an owl’s face are not merely for show; they function to direct sound into the owl’s ears, which are asymmetrically placed on the head to pinpoint the location of sounds more accurately. This binaural hearing allows owls to detect prey even under snow or foliage.

When it comes to resting or roosting, owls are masters of disguise. Their plumage is often patterned and colored to blend seamlessly with their surroundings, such as tree bark or leaves, making them nearly invisible in their natural habitats.