Owls are birds of prey that are mostly nocturnal. And there are many interesting things about these solitary and silent hunters. So we’ve collected some of the best owl pictures to show just how amazing they really are.
Barn Owl
The barn owl has the widest range of any owl and can be found on six continents. There are anywhere between twenty and thirty sub-species. In general, the barn owl is a pale bird with white under-parts and brown or golden speckled wings. Some sub-species may be darker in color.
The barn owl has a distinct heart-shaped face and dark eyes. Its unique face is often compared to that of a mask or a ghost. Unlike many other owls, the barn owl doesn’t hoot instead it screams or shrieks. It often roosts in barns and can be a big help to farmers since its diet consists mainly of rats and mice.
Snowy Owl
The snowy owl is found in arctic regions of both Eurasia and North America. This species is mostly white to help camouflage it in the arctic tundra. Young snowy owls have black flecks on their feathers which turn white as they get older.
Females however will keep many of their dark spots in adulthood. The snowy owl is large and in North America is considered to be the heaviest owl. It hunts in the daytime and while it mostly preys on lemmings it is known to take prey as large as adult geese.
Great Horned Owl
The great horned owl is widespread and can be found throughout North, Central, and South America. It is a large owl that has very big eyes. It has two distinct tufts of feathers on its head that look like horns, which is how it got its name.
These tufts are known as plumicorns. This species eats a variety of prey such as rodents, rabbits, and snakes. But it will also kill and eat larger animals such as hawks, skunks, and porcupines. Because it is such a ferocious and powerful predator it is sometimes also called the tiger owl.
Owl Eyes
Like other birds of prey, owls have excellent eyesight. Their eyes are very large in comparison to the size of their heads. These large eyes allow them to have excellent nocturnal vision.
Because their eyes are set in the front of the face it gives them a very large binocular view and also incredible depth perception. However, their eyes cannot move so in order to change their field of view owls must move the position of their heads.
Great Grey Owl
The great grey owl is a large owl that inhabits the northern hemisphere. It is grey with fluffy plumage and a big head. This species also has long wings and a long tail. Even though it is not the heaviest, based on the overall body length it is considered to be the biggest owl in the world.
Despite its large size, however, up to ninety percent of the great grey owl’s diet consists of small rodents. This species has one of the best senses of hearing of all owls and using its hearing alone it can locate prey under one to two feet of snow. Once the position of the prey is located the owl will then plunge into the snow to catch it.
Owl Feathers
Owl feathers of course help an owl to fly but they are also specially adapted to help it hunt. The feathers are colored to help the owl blend in with its environment. And unlike many other types of birds, the colors on the feathers are dull. This makes it much harder for their prey to see them.
Most owls, except for some fish-eating species, have feathers with special serrated edges. These edges are located on the flight feathers and reduce the amount of noise created by the wings when flapping. This can make owls seem almost silent in flight which is a very helpful advantage as a predator.
Owl Beak
An owl beak looks much different from that of eagles and other birds of prey. It is short and downward curving. This helps to keep the owl’s field of vision as clear as possible. The beak is hooked at the end with sharp edges on both the upper and lower parts. It is used to crush and kill prey along with gripping and tearing through tissue.
Owl Eating
An owl catches its prey by grabbing it with its sharp talons. The initial impact of this will typically stun the animal giving the owl time to kill it with its sharp and powerful beak. The prey animal may then be eaten on the spot or carried away.
Small animals are carried in the beak while larger animals are carried in the talons. When there is an abundance of prey, owls may actually save their kills in a cache located in their nest or in a hole in a tree.
Flying Owl
The majority of owl species have wings that are large, rounded in shape, and also wide. These physical features help to provide a large surface area that allows a flying owl to use little energy and requires minimal flapping.
Owl Claws
All owls have long claws known as talons. They use their talons to catch their prey. When attempting to grab their prey they spread out their talons widely to help increase the chances of success. The shape, length, and color of owl talons can vary depending on the specific owl species.
Baby Owl
Baby owls are fed by the male owl which brings prey items back to the nest several times per day for them to eat. From between one and two weeks of age, they develop a coat of down feathers known as mesoptile. After around three or four weeks baby owls may begin to explore the area outside of their nest.
Pet Owl
Some owl pictures can make owning one as a pet one seem tempting. However, it’s not a good idea for many reasons. In most countries, it is actually illegal to own an owl without a special permit. And as predators, they have sharp beaks and talons that can cause serious injuries and damage.
Most owls are nocturnal and therefore can be very noisy at night, especially during mating season. Owls also require a diet of whole dead animals which will need to be purchased, frozen, and also prepared on a daily basis. And owls can live up to thirty years in captivity which means a lot of care over many years.
Start Shopping for Birding Supplies!
What Do Crows Eat?
With roughly 40 different species, crows are a common sight in most places around the world. And while most of us are familiar with their appearance and harsh vocalizations, their diet is not as obvious. So what do crows eat? Here's what you'll want to know. What Do...
What Are Crows Good For?
Crows are widely considered to be pests. However, these large and highly intelligent black birds actually serve quite a few important functions in the environment. So what are crows good for? Here's what you'll want to know. Pest And Parasite Management Crows are...
How Long Do Swans Live?
Swans are graceful and beautiful creatures and as such, people have many questions about them. They want to know about their mating rituals, their diet, their preferred habitats, and even their lifespans. How long do swans live for anyway? Swan lifespans actually vary...
Are Crows Good Pets?
People all around the world see and hear crows on a daily basis. Although these intelligent and dark birds are practically ubiquitous, most people don't think of them as being household pets. Are crows good pets? The general consensus is that crows do not make...
Are There Crows In Australia?
Crows are remarkably smart birds that also happen to be extremely adaptable. They navigate unfamiliar circumstances via observation and interaction. Crows reside in locations all over the globe. While they do not live in certain parts of South America, they do reside...
What Do Swans Eat?
Swans are famously long-necked birds that are symbols of romance, love, beauty, and purity. Since these waterbirds have so many admirers, people often wonder about their eating habits, behaviors, and more. What do swans eat, anyway? Swan Basics Swans typically live in...
Birds That Look Like Owls
Owls are typically solitary and mainly nocturnal birds. And although these well-known hooting creatures have a rather distinctive physical appearance, there are actually various other kinds of birds that resemble owls closely. And people sometimes mix them up. So...
Why Are Swans Protected?
Swans are graceful and gorgeous creatures. They also happen to have protection in the United Kingdom, interestingly enough. Why are swans protected there, anyway? And does the Queen own all the swans? Yes, she actually owns any mute swans that are unclaimed in both...
Birds With Teeth
Birds do not have teeth. However, there are quite a few that really look like they do! These birds have evolved special beaks which help them to perform important functions. So here are some of the most amazing birds with “teeth,” and what you’ll want to know about...
Do Geese Fly?
Although geese are clearly birds, there are many individuals who do not necessarily associate them with flying. So, do geese fly? The honest answer is that these waterfowl do. They do not exactly slouch in the flying department, either. Many people are pleasantly...
Are Geese Dangerous?
Geese, in brief, are waterbirds that are quite substantial in size. Since they're often spotted on golf courses, at schools, and in community parks, people understandably tend to wonder whether they're safety threats. Are geese dangerous? Why Geese Attack...
Do Swans Mate For Life?
Swans are famously elegant waterbirds that are known for their sizable bodies, webbed feet, and lengthy necks. People often associate them with romantic imagery and monogamy. Do swans mate for life? You can find the response to that common and rather fascinating...
When Do Cicada Killers Come Out?
Whether you dread them each year or are waiting for them to emerge and control the cicada population you may be wondering, “When do cicada killers come out? The answer is they come out each summer in late June or July. Here’s what you’ll want to know. Cicada Killer...
Are Cicada Killers Dangerous?
One look at one of these huge wasps buzzing around, your yard, and it’s only natural to ask, “Are cicada killers dangerous?” Fortunately, these wasps are mild-mannered. But here’s what you’ll want to know. Cicada Killer Wasps Basics Cicada killers emerge from the...
What Are Black Swans?
What are black swans? Black swans (Cygnus atratus) are sizable waterbirds. This species primarily appears in Australia's southwestern and southeastern portions. The black swan is nomadic in its homeland. This bird, true to its name, is mostly black. Although the bird...
What Do Cicada Killers Eat When There Are No Cicadas?
What do cicada killers eat when there are no cicadas? Well, while cicada killer wasps do hunt cicadas, the adults don’t actually eat them or kill them, their young do. Read on to learn more! The Cicada Killer Diet While you may have seen cicada killer wasps flying...
Do Cicada Killer Wasps Sting?
As one of the biggest species of wasp in North America the cicada killer wasp can be intimidating. And because of their size, appearance, and scary-sounding name, many people wonder, “Do cicada killer wasps sting? The answer is yes and no, and here’s what you’ll want...
Emu Facts
Did you know? One emu egg can make an omelet that can feed up to six adults. Did you know that the emu is the only bird with calf muscles? Can an emu walk backward? Let us find out by exploring some of the most jaw-dropping emu facts. Emus Have Amazingly Powerful Legs...
Rhea Facts
Doting dads, did you know the male rhea builds the nest, incubates the eggs, and takes care of the young? The rheas are paragons of parental care. It’s a bird like no other, and you will be surprised by the following rhea facts. Rheas Are One Of The Best Dads In The...
