Owl Facts

Owls are nocturnal birds of prey. These birds are known for their large eyes and ability to fly almost in total silence. But there are many other interesting things about them as well. Here are some of the most amazing owl facts.

The Biggest Owl In The World According To Length Is The Great Grey Owl

This species has a round face and a distinct white bow tie across its neck that has a black center. While it may be the largest owl, it’s not the heaviest. The great grey owl actually looks heavier than it is because of its fluffy feathers and long tail.

The Smallest Owl Species In The World Is The Elf Owl

This species typically only reaches a length of around five inches. The elf owl is also the lightest owl species in the world, weighing in at about one ounce. Unlike its larger relatives, the elf owl feeds mainly on insects.    

Not All Owls Nest In Trees

Some species nest on top of the ground such as snowy owls and short-eared owls. Others such as the burrowing owl actually nest in underground burrows. Burrowing owls may dig their own burrows with their feet or move into those that have been abandoned by other animals like ground squirrels.

Owls Have Three Eyelids

This physical feature helps to keep their large eyes protected and it’s one of the more unusual facts about owls. Like most other animals they have both upper and lower eyelids. The upper eyelid closes when the bird blinks and the lower eyelid closes when it sleeps. Their third eyelid is known as a nictitating membrane. It closes diagonally over the eye functioning to both protect and clean the eye’s surface.

An Owl’s Feathers Help It To Camouflage

The markings and patterns on the feathers often look like tree bark. And they are dull in color so that they don’t stand out. Some species have feathers that stand upright on their heads and further break up their outline. When looking at pictures of owls, or owls in the wild that are well-camouflaged, the easiest way to spot them is usually to look for their large eyes.

Owls Regurgitate Food That Can’t Be Digested In The Form Of Pellets

When owls eat their prey they often swallow it whole. The soft tissue and other digestible parts are passed through their gizzard and digested. However, indigestible parts such as teeth, fur, and bones are formed into what are known as owl pellets. These pellets are regurgitated several hours after the prey is eaten and often when the owl is roosting. Several other types of birds spit up pellets as well such as herons, hawks, and swallows.

Owls Are Classified Into Two Families

All owl species belong to the group of birds known as strigiformes. This group is further divided into two families: tytonidae and strigidae. The tytonidae family is made up of the barn owls, which can be identified by their unique heart-shaped faces. The strigidae family includes the true owls also called the typical owls which normally have round-shaped faces.

Owls Don’t Have A Crop

A crop is a special sac, where a bird can store food after it is swallowed, and consume it later on. Most bird species have one. When owls eat, however, the food goes straight from the mouth to the gizzard where it becomes part of the digestive process.

Unlike Other Birds Of Prey Owls Typically Hunt Close To The Ground

This helps them to both hear and see their prey, especially when hunting at night. They hunt in a variety of ways including flying, hovering over prey, and swooping down from a perch. The burrowing owl will even run after its prey on the ground.

Owls Have The Ability To Rotate Their Heads Close To Two Hundred And Seventy Degrees Around

This special characteristic is not just one of the most interesting owl facts but it also gives them a big advantage. It helps them to minimize their movement and therefore keep their prey unaware of their presence. Owls can actually look behind their body without having to move their torso.   

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