The owl is part of the owl family, and this family includes a vast variety of nocturnal birds. It is characterized by the unique feature of its round head, which is adorned with feathers in the shape of a face mask.
Being one of the most intriguing and mysterious creatures in our world, the owl appears as a being with a distinct nature and remarkable characteristics.
The scientific name for the owl is “Strigiformes.”
Owl specifications and appearance
- Owls belong to the higher order “Strigiformes” and are divided into two main families: barn owls (“Tytonidae”) and true owls (“Strigidae”).
- Owl sizes vary widely, ranging from 13 cm for the pygmy owl to 75 cm for the larger owl.
- It has a cylindrical body, a large, broad head, a hawk-like beak, and a flat face.
- Owls have large, round eyes with exceptional night vision. They can see objects with both eyes simultaneously, similar to human binocular vision.
- The owl can turn its head in a semicircular motion when listening to surrounding sounds, as it turns its head at an angle of up to 270 degrees.
- The weight of owls ranges from approximately 30 grams to 4 kilograms, depending on the species.
- Owls have strong legs and sharp claws that are efficiently used to catch prey.
- Owls live for a long time, up to 10 years or more, depending on their species and environmental conditions.
- The distinctive ears on their heads are used to pick up sounds while hunting.
- Owls are nocturnal birds, good at hunting and flying in the dark. Although they appear calm and peaceful, they use their speed and night vision to hunt.
- Owls have the ability to fly silently, thanks to a special feather structure that allows them to glide quietly without making any noise.
- In some cases, owls are kept as pets, where they display their intelligence and unique interaction with humans.
- Owls express themselves through various sounds, including hooting and melodies, which play a crucial role in communication between owls.
- Owls are useful birds for farmers because they help control pests such as voles, rats and rabbits that damage crops.
Owl feathers
- The feathers are often soft and dense, which helps with thermal insulation, and some are coarse-feathered.
- Plumage colors vary between species, including brown, grey, white and purple.
- Owls have distinctive plumage that provides effective camouflage, making them skilled and elusive hunters. Some species feature attractive patterns of circles and lines.
Origin of the owl
The owl, a member of the bird of prey family, has captivated human interest throughout the ages as one of the enchanting nocturnal birds.
These birds distinguish themselves with their ability to fly silently at night and their superior efficiency in hunting. The owl’s origin spans various parts of the world, and it thrives in diverse environments and regions, becoming an integral part of cultures and traditions in various civilizations.
Historically, owls have fascinated humans and served as a symbol of wisdom in many cultures. Stories and myths have emerged, describing mysterious powers and exceptional wisdom for this nocturnal bird, earning it a special place in our cultural heritage.
Owl locations
The owl is widely distributed around the world, adapting to a variety of environments. Owls can be found in the following regions:
1. In diverse tree species within forests, where they rely on trees for concealment and rest.
2. Some owl species inhabit arid regions and can withstand dry conditions.
3. Barn owls live among farms and fields, benefiting from the abundance of their prey.
4. Certain owl species adapt to mountainous environments, utilizing rugged terrains for concealment.
5. In some cases, owls live in cities and urban areas, taking advantage of urban lighting.
6. The snowy owl, adapting to extreme cold conditions, inhabits polar regions in both the North and South Poles.
The diverse habitats of the owl make it one of the most widespread and adaptable birds in the avian world.
The silent flight of the owl
The silent flight of the owl is a prominent feature that distinguishes these birds of prey. Most owls can fly quietly and slowly compared to other birds of prey. This quiet flying style assists them in hunting effectively, especially during the night when prey is typically cautious of sounds.
The feathers of the owl play a crucial role in this silent flight. Owl feathers are usually larger than those of ordinary birds, with fewer sub-branches, to achieve smooth and quiet edges. The serrated edges on the leading edge of the feathers work to reduce the noise that may occur during the vibration of feathers during flight.
This distinctive structure allows the owl to fly swiftly while maintaining near silence, providing it with a strategic advantage in effectively hunting prey in the dark.
Owl reproduction
- The owl breeding season begins in early spring, and the breeding period varies among species and environments.
- Owls reach sexual maturity at around one to two years old, gaining the ability to engage in reproductive activities.
- The mating process includes displays by the male, such as dancing and making distinctive sounds.
- They build nests in elevated places like trees or rock crevices, using branches and feathers in nest construction.
- The female lays eggs in the nest, and the number of eggs varies by species, typically ranging from 1 to 12 eggs. However, most species lay around 3 to 4 eggs.
- The female incubates the eggs for a period usually ranging from 25 to 35 days until they hatch.
- After hatching, the mother cares for the chicks, providing them with food. The chicks start limited flying about 5 to 6 weeks after hatching and become capable of full flight at around 6 or 7 months old.
Owl food
- Owls are distinguished by their ability to hunt at night, using the darkness to effectively capture their prey. They employ various hunting techniques, ranging from patient waiting to swift pouncing on the prey.
- Common prey for owls include mice and small birds. They may also feed on insects, lizards, and small snakes.
- Occasionally, owls may hunt larger animals such as rabbits, geese, and squirrels.
- Hunting opportunities vary by region, as owls leverage environmental diversity to identify prey types. Potential owl prey can include insects, fish, frogs, and other small animals.
- Generally, owls are convera, and it do not feed on grains or plants, relying primarily on animal proteins.
- Owls may sometimes store excess prey in the nest for later use.
Species of owls
There are more than 200 species of owls around the world, contributing to a great diversity in their sizes and feather colors. Among them:
1. Barn :
– Recognizable by its distinctive facial disc. It is found in agricultural and rural areas.
2. Tawny :
– Light brown in color, often seen near forests and gardens.
3. Great Horned :
– Characterized by long ear tufts and a large body. Widely distributed in North America.
4. Snowy :
– Distinguished by its white feathers, living in polar regions. Known for hunting effectively in snowy conditions.
5. Northern Saw-whet :
– Small in size with a round face, residing in dense forests and shaded areas.
6. Burrowing :
– Lives in self-dug burrows in dry lands, mainly in North and South America. It has long legs and dark brown feathers.
7. Rock Eagle :
– Found in mountainous regions and on rocks. Known for its large size and dense feathers.
8. Elf :
– The smallest owl in the world, living in desert regions. It produces a loud call at dusk.
9. Red-eyed Screech :
– Inhabits tropical forests and has bright red eyes. Appears in various shades of gray and brown.
10. Eurasian Eagle-Owl:
– Large in size and widespread in Europe and Asia. It has long wings and is mainly found in forests.
11. Ferruginous Pygmy:
– Small in size, living in urban and tropical forest areas. It has brown feathers and yellow eyes.
12. Brown Fish :
– Found near water and is skilled in fishing. It has dark brown feathers.
13. Short-eared :
– Appears in meadows and wetlands, with long wings and a round face.
14. Eastern Screech :
– Lives in forests and urban areas. Its feather pattern resembles bark for camouflage.
15. Desert :
– Thrives in dry regions and adapts to desert life. It has a slim body and light brown feathers.
In conclusion
these nocturnal creatures are not just birds; they are living mysteries that harmonize with the beauty of the night. With their large eyes and silent flight, owls narrate the story of the night with its secrets and beauty, remaining symbols of mystery and elegance in the natural world.
