Owls are easily recognized; almost everyone in the world knows about Owls. They are considered creatures of mystery or doom or good luck, depending on where you are. Since Owls are night birds, they are difficult to see although their characteristic songs and calls can often be easily heard.
There are over 300 species of owl in the world, including sub-species. Mainly nocturnal, these predators have several adaptations for night hunting. Large round head and forward facing eyes, exceptionally acute hearing and soft feathers that muffle sound for silent flight. They also have powerful sharp talons and beaks for catching their prey which makes them fearsome hunters.
APPEARANCE
Males and females often have similar markings, though the female can be up
to 25% larger than the male. Owls range in size from 12cm (5 inches) to 84cm
(33 inches) tall.
FEEDING
Owls feed on a variety of living prey including small mammals, birds, insects,
reptiles, amphibians and fish depending on the owl species.
Owls generally swallow their food whole, late regurgitating the indigestible
parts like fur, feathers and bones in the form of a compact pellet. Owls never
need to drink water.
REPRODUCTION
Owls lay their eggs in nests in trees, rock crevices in the ground and even
in buildings. Nesting and chick rearing is times to coincide with the maximum
abundance of prey. Most Owls lay 2 - 7 eggs, which usually hatch at 2 day
intervals, giving large age differences between chicks in a brood. Often the
younger chicks called owlets, will starve if food is scarce due to competition
with older chicks. Owls are generally monogamous, neither the male or the
female having involvement with another bird during nesting. Many owls stay
with the same mate throughout the year, and some species even pair for life.
Owls' heads can turn 180 degrees to both sides!
