Owls (Order Strigiformes) are a diverse group of birds that includes over 200 species. The Order Strigiformes is subdivided into two families, Family Strigidae (typical owls) and Family Tytonidae (barn owls). Many owls share characteristics such as strong talons, feathered legs, soft plummage, silent flight, keen hearing and eyesight. Their eyes face forward, requiring them to turn their head to see at different angles.
Owls, unlike many birds, do not build nests and instead use nests built by other species or inhabit hollows in trees. They inhabit terrestrial habitats around the world. They hunt prey that includes mammals, other birds, reptiles, and insects.
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References:
- Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. London: Dorling Kindersley. 624 p.
- Cholewiak, D. 2003. Order Strigiformes, Animal Diversity Web. November 28, 2008.
- Gill F. 1990. Ornithology. New York: WH Freeman and Company. 660 p.
