Owls are one of the most fascinating species of birds. They have unique physical characteristics, mysterious behaviors, and have been revered throughout history for their intelligence and wisdom.
Because of their nocturnal nature, owls have long been associated with the night and the unknown, leading to a variety of myths and superstitions.
These mysterious birds can be found in every continent, living in a variety of habitats from deserts to forests and wetlands.
With over 200 species of owls, they come in a wide range of sizes and colors, and many have distinct calls.
Despite their impressive adaptations, many species of owls are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss and illegal hunting.
1. Barn Owl
Barn owls are a beautiful and fascinating species of birds found around the world, with the exception of polar and desert regions, most of Indonesia and some Pacific Islands.
They have large eyes, thin legs and long wings that help them to hunt silently in low light conditions.
Their white colouring helps them blend into their surroundings making it easier for them to catch prey.
Barn owls are nocturnal hunters who use their impressive hearing capabilities to locate rodents moving within vegetation or tunnels beneath the ground.
They also feed on insects such as beetles, moths etc., which they can detect from high up in flight using their excellent vision even at night time.
The barn owl plays an important role in balancing ecosystems by controlling rodent populations which is why they should be protected wherever possible so that this vital service continues uninterruptedly.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Tytonidae |
| Genus | Tyto |
| Species | T. alba |
2. Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl is an impressive bird native to the Americas. It is well-known for its wide range and adaptability, as it can be found in many different habitats across the continent.
Its diet consists primarily of rabbits, hares, rats and mice; however, they are also known to consume skunks, geese and other birds too.
With their powerful talons capable of crushing prey with ease, these owls have earned themselves a fearsome reputation due to their incredible strength.
Their iconic horn-like tufts on either side of its head add another layer of intimidation which helps them stand out from other owls in the area.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Bubo |
| Species | B. virginianus |
3. Snowy Owl
The Snowy Owl is an impressive bird of prey native to both the North American and Palearctic Arctic regions.
It has a unique white plumage that helps it blend in with its snowy tundra habitat, as well as several adaptations that make it suitable for life in cold climates.
These include thick feathers which insulate their bodies from frigid temperatures, large eyes adapted for hunting during long winter nights, and talons designed for gripping slippery surfaces such as ice or snow.
This majestic owl will soar high above its territory searching for food before gliding back down again to perch atop rocks or trees.
The Snowy Owl truly stands out amongst other birds of prey – an iconic symbol of the beauty and mystery of the north.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Bubo |
| Species | B. scandiacus |
4. Barred Owl
The Barred Owl is a large species of owl native to eastern North America. It belongs to the genus Strix, which is part of the true owl family Strigidae.
These beautiful birds are mainly brown with distinct stripes on their bodies and wings. Its face has dark eyes, a white chin patch and two black bars across its yellow-brownish beak, giving it an intimidating appearance.
The barred owls have powerful talons that they use for hunting small mammals like mice and voles as well as other animals such as fish, amphibians or insects.
They also rely heavily on hearing when looking for prey in low light conditions.
With their amazing camouflage abilities these birds can often remain undetected while observing potential threats from predators – making them highly successful hunters.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Strix |
| Species | S. varia |
5. Eastern Screech Owl
The Eastern screech owl is a small nocturnal bird native to most wooded areas in Mexico and Canada. It has adapted well to human development, making it relatively common in East North America.
This species is known for its unique call which often sounds like a horse whinnying or an electronic beep.
Its feathers are mainly grey with brown bars, but they can also range from red-brown to blackish-grey depending on the individual bird’s location.
They feed primarily on insects and other small animals such as mice and lizards that live near their nest sites at night.
The eastern screech owl is an amazing creature adapting well to humans while still managing to stay hidden under cover of darkness.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Megascops |
| Species | M. asio |
6. Short-Eared Owl
The Short-eared Owl is a species of owl belonging to the genus Asio, commonly known as ‘Eared Owls’. It has short tufts resembling mammalian ears that may or may not be visible.
When threatened they will display their tufts defensively; however these very short tufts are usually hard to spot.
This bird can be found in grassland habitats across much of the world and hunt mainly small mammals such as voles at night by swooping low over the ground from perches like trees and posts.
They also take other prey including birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects when available.
During breeding season males can often been seen performing aerial displays with claps of its wings while hovering above potential mates on territories it defends fiercely against intruders including humans.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Asio |
| Species | A. flammeus |
7. Long-Eared Owl
The Long-eared Owl is a medium sized species of owl with an extensive breeding range that spans across Europe and the Palearctic.
It has two distinct features, its long ears and yellow eyes, which can be seen during the day or at night due to their excellent vision.
Its diet consists mainly of small mammals such as voles and mice but it will also eat birds if given opportunity.
During winter months they may migrate south in search for food because there are less prey available in cold temperatures.
The Long-eared Owl prefers open habitats like meadows, fields or wetlands but sometimes uses forests too when hunting for food .
This makes them quite adaptable since they have no restrictions on where they choose to live.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Asio |
| Species | A. otus |
8. Great Grey Owl
The Great Grey Owl is the world’s largest species of owl and is found across the Northern Hemisphere. It has many other names such as Phantom of The North, Cinereous Owl, Spectral Owl and Lapland Owl.
This majestic bird stands at an impressive length of about 24 inches with a wingspan that can reach up to five feet.
Its unique plumage allows it to blend in well with its natural environment which makes spotting this elusive creature quite difficult.
Despite being generally silent during most times, they are known for their deep hooting calls when mating or roosting season arrives.
These magnificent birds feed on small mammals like mice, voles and hares but have also been seen hunting larger prey such as ducks and grouse depending upon availability in their area.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Strix |
| Species | S. nebulosa |
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9. Tawny Owl
The Tawny Owl is a stunning bird found in woodlands throughout Europe to western Siberia. It has seven recognized subspecies, each with its own subtle differences.
This stocky owl usually has pale underparts with dark streaks and either brown or gray upper feathers. They build their nests high up in tree holes and are very territorial when it comes to protecting them.
During the day they roost quietly among branches of trees but become quite active at night as they hunt small mammals like mice and shrews using their extraordinary hearing skills.
The tawny owl’s call can be heard echoing through forests on still nights making it one of the most recognizable owls around.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Strix |
| Species | S. aluco |
10. Northern Saw-Whet Owl
The Northern saw-whet owl is a small species of bird native to North America. It can be found in dense thickets, either at eye level or up to 20 feet high.
These owls are among the smallest species of their kind on the continent and have sharp claws for hunting prey such as rodents and other birds.
Due to its size, it often falls victim to predators like larger hawks and eagles which hunt them down relentlessly.
Fortunately, they camouflage well with their brown feathers that blend into trees easily giving them some protection from these hunters while they search for food during night time hours when most predators are asleep.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Aegolius |
| Species | A. acadicus |
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11. Burrowing Owl
The Burrowing Owl is a small, long-legged owl found in open landscapes throughout North and South America. They are typically seen in grasslands, rangelands, agricultural areas or deserts with low vegetation.
Unlike most owls they nest and roost underground by taking over burrows made by other animals such as prairie dogs.
Their diet consists of insects, rodents and sometimes lizards or frogs that they hunt during the night time hours when their eyesight is sharpest.
This species faces threats due to habitat loss caused by human development but conservation efforts have been successful at reversing some of this damage allowing for populations to remain stable into the future despite these pressures.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Athene |
| Species | A. cunicularia |
12. Little Owl
The Little Owl is a fascinating bird that inhabits much of the temperate and warmer parts of Europe, East Asia and North Africa. It’s also known as the “Owl of Athena” or “Owl of Minerva”.
This species was introduced to Britain in late 19th century and New Zealand’s South Island during early 20th century.
They belong to Strigidae family which are true owls with small bodies but large heads along with big eyes that helps them spot prey at night.
These birds feed on insects, earthworms, rodents like mice etc., making them beneficial for controlling pests around agricultural lands.
Besides these benefits they have become an important part in folklore associated with wisdom and knowledge over years due their silent presence near human dwellings after dark hours.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Athene |
| Species | A. noctua |
13. Spotted Owl
The Spotted Owl is an iconic species of true owl found in old-growth forests across western North America. It is a nocturnal bird that nests up to 60 meters high, typically laying two eggs per nest.
This beautiful creature feeds on small mammals and birds as part of its diet. Its striking plumage has helped make it well known among both amateur ornithologists and professional biologists alike, with the adult being characterized by spotted feathers all over its body along with yellow eyes and a barred tail.
The conservation status for this bird remains vulnerable due to habitat destruction caused by human activities such as logging operations throughout its range.
As such, the protection of these areas from further disturbance is critical for the survival of this species into future generations.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Strix |
| Species | S. occidentalis |
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14. Boreal Owl
The Boreal Owl is a small, nocturnal bird of the Strigidae family commonly found in North America and Europe.
It’s also known as Tengmalm’s owl after Swedish naturalist Peter Gustaf Tengmalm or Richardson’s owl after Sir John Richardson.
The boreal owl has an elusive nature which makes it difficult to observe due to its shyness towards human activity during daylight hours.
Its feathers are dark brown with white spots on the wings, face and throat while its underbelly is light grey/brown with darker streaks along the sides.
They have long talons used for catching prey such as mice, voles and other small rodents making them effective hunters at night-time when they become more active seeking food sources away from humans.
Their habitat consists of coniferous forests where they can find shelter among large trees that offer nesting sites high up off of ground level keeping them safe from predators like foxes and coyotes who roam around looking for easy meals near the forest floor.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Aegolius |
| Species | A. funereus |
15. Western Screech Owl
The Western Screech Owl is a small bird native to both North and Central America. It belongs to the same family as its Eastern counterpart, standing at an average of 22 cm tall with 55 cm wingspan and weighing about 143 g.
Females tend to be larger than males, while weight can range from 88-220g depending on habitats in Northern populations being heavier than those living further south.
The scientific name for this owl pays homage to American naturalist Robert Kennicott who studied these birds extensively during his life’s work.
Their diet mostly consists of invertebrates such as insects but they may also hunt small mammals when food sources are scarce or seasonally available.
Their habitat preferences vary across different parts of their geographical range due mainly to environmental conditions like climate and vegetation type.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Megascops |
| Species | M. kennicottii |
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16. Eurasian Eagle-Owl
The Eurasian eagle-owl is a majestic bird that inhabits much of Eurasia. It has an impressive wingspan of up to 6 ft 2 in, and females can reach lengths of 30 inches.
The Uhu, as it is sometimes called, boasts distinctive ear tufts which are easily visible against its mottled brown plumage.
This powerful owl preys on small mammals like rodents and hares; however due to their large size they have been known to hunt larger prey such as foxes or even deer.
They usually nest in cavities located high off the ground but will also use manmade structures if available.
With their prominent presence across Europe, these birds are often seen perched atop trees during the day before setting out for hunting at night – truly magnificent creatures.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Bubo |
| Species | B. bubo |
17. Flammulated Owl
The Flammulated Owl is a small, migratory bird found in North America and the only species of its genus.
It was formally described by German naturalist Johann Jakob Kaup with its type location being Mexico.
This owl belongs to the family Strigidae and used to be placed among scops owls due to similar characteristics; however, it stands out for having distinct physical features such as an orange-brown facial disc surrounded by whitish spots and streaks on its upperparts.
Its underparts are grey with white blotches while it has long wings that give them their characteristic fluttering flight when they hunt at night for insects like beetles or moths which make up most of their diet.
The Flammulated Owl is a secretive creature that can often go unnoticed but serve important roles in some ecosystems.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Psiloscops Coues, 1899 |
| Species | P. flammeolus |
18. Northern Pygmy Owl
The Northern Pygmy Owl is a small species of owl native to western North America. It has mottled brown and white feathers, yellow eyes, and a relatively long tail for its size.
They are fairly common in the area they inhabit but have disappeared from some areas due to habitat loss and other factors.
These owls feed on insects, rodents, lizards and frogs in their natural habitats which include open woodlands such as coniferous forests or riparian corridors along rivers or streams where there are plenty of trees for them to perch upon while hunting.
Despite their diminutive size these birds can be surprisingly loud with calls that range from short barks to high-pitched whistles meant as territorial warnings against predators like hawks or cats who might try to make a meal out of one of these tiny hunters.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Glaucidium |
| Species | G. californicum |
19. Elf Owl
The Elf Owl is a small and fascinating bird. It’s grayish-brown in color, with pale yellow eyes that are highlighted by thin white “eyebrows” and a gray bill with a horn-colored tip.
This owl can be found throughout the Southwestern United States, central Mexico, and the Baja California peninsula.
These birds often take up residence in woodpecker holes inside saguaro cacti or natural tree cavities.
They’re nocturnal hunters who feed mainly on insects as well as other small prey such as lizards or rodents.
Despite their size they have impressive vocalizations that include whistles and harsh cries which helps them to communicate within their range during breeding season; however it also serves to alert predators of its presence.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Micrathene Coues, 1866 |
| Species | M. whitneyi |
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20. Ferruginous Pygmy Owl
The ferruginous pygmy owl is a small species of owl that can be found throughout much of Central and South America, as well as parts of the United States.
It has rusty-brown feathers on its body, giving it an overall “ferruginous” colouration. The bird feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates, but also eats some larger prey such as lizards or mice when available.
During breeding season the birds build nests in tree cavities to raise their young. They are usually nocturnal creatures but may become active during daylight hours if disturbed by humans or predators nearby.
This adaptable little raptor is often seen perching atop buildings or street lights in urban areas where they have adapted to live alongside human activity while still finding food sources within cities and townships alike.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Glaucidium |
| Species | G. brasilianum |
21. Northern Hawk-Owl
The Northern Hawk-Owl is a medium sized true owl native to the northern latitudes.
Distinguishable by its white and brown feathers with barring, it stands out from other owls due to its diurnal activity, meaning that unlike most owls which are nocturnal or crepuscular, this bird is only active during the day.
It usually stays within its breeding range but may occasionally irrupt southward for food when prey populations in its normal area become scarce.
It belongs to the genus Surnia of family Strigidae making it one of few species still alive today in this group. Its diet consists mainly on small mammals such as voles and lemmings while also taking some birds like grouse if available.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Surnia |
| Species | S. ulula |
22. Whiskered Screech Owl
The Whiskered screech owl is a beautiful and unique species of small owls found in North and Central America.
It has two color morphs, brown or dark grey plumage with heavy barring on the breast, that makes it look very similar to a western screech owl but slightly smaller in size.
This bird has an impressive round head adorned by ear tufts, yellow eyes, and a yellowish bill. An adult whiskered screech owl measures 6.3 to 7.9 inches long from head to tail making them one of the smallest species of owls around.
They are incredible little creatures that should be appreciated for their beauty as well as their amazing natural abilities such as flying silently through the night skies while hunting for food without being noticed.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Megascops |
| Species | M. trichopsis |
23. Spectacled Owl
The Spectacled Owl is a large tropical owl that breeds in forests from southern Mexico, Trinidad and Central American countries to Southern Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.
It has six subspecies with one of them sometimes considered as a separate species called the Short-Browed or Brown Spectacled Owl.
The bird’s body is covered by an array of feathers which are typically dark brown streaked with lighter shades marking its eyes like spectacles; this gives it its name.
Its call could be described as a series of hoots followed by shrieks making it easily distinguishable amongst other owls.
This nocturnal predator feeds mostly on small mammals such as mice while larger prey items include frogs, bats and even birds.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Pulsatrix |
| Species | P. perspicillata |
24. Ural Owl
The Ural owl is a majestic nocturnal bird of the Strigidae family. It has an impressive wingspan, usually between 28 to 38 inches wide.
This species can be seen throughout much of Eurasia, from northern Scandinavia and Scotland all the way east across Russia into Korea and Japan; it even reaches southern parts of Mongolia.
The Ural owl sports brown feathers with white spots that help it blend in with its environment during the day making it difficult for predators or humans alike to spot them easily.
These owls also have large yellow eyes which helps them hunt better at night by being able to see their prey more clearly in dim light conditions.
All these features combined make the Ural owl one truly remarkable creature.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Strix |
| Species | S. uralensis |
25. Striped Owl
The Striped Owl is a medium-sized owl with large ear tufts and a distinct facial disk. It has black beak, cinnamon-colored eyes, and wings that are slightly rounder than other owls in its family.
Its upperparts have fine black vermiculation against a cinnamon background while the underparts are pale tawny with dusky streaks.
This species can be found throughout South America where it inhabits woodlands near water sources like rivers or streams.
In addition to hunting small mammals during the night, they also hunt insects during the day which helps them survive in their natural environment.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Asio |
| Species | A. clamator |
26. Eurasian Scops Owl
The Eurasian scops owl is a small bird in the Strigidae family. It’s breeding range stretches from southern Europe to Southern Siberia and into western Himalayas.
During winter, it migrates south of the Sahara Desert in Africa. This species was formally described by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus back in 1758.
They have ear tufts on their head which are actually feathers used for camouflage among tree branches; they also provide visual communication between other owls nearby – an important part of survival.
The Eurasian Scops Owl typically eats insects such as crickets, beetles and moths found around its habitat.
These birds make sure that our environment stays balanced with nature by keeping insect populations down.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Otus |
| Species | O. scops |
27. Spotted Wood Owl
The Spotted Wood Owl (Strix seloputo) is a medium-sized owl native to South Asia and parts of Southeast Asia.
It has distinguishing features such as its chocolate brown head with an orangish-buff facial disc, which gives it the nickname “tawny owl”.
Its wingspan ranges from 30 to 36 cm in length and its body can grow up to 48cm in size. This species inhabits most regions surrounding Borneo but not on that island itself.
The spotted wood owl mainly lives within deciduous forests where they feed on insects, lizards, frogs, small birds and mammals during the night time hours when their vision is at its sharpest.
They are also known for being quite vocal with their hoots echoing through the darkness of these woodland areas.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Strix |
| Species | S. seloputo |
28. American Barn Owl
The American barn owl is a subspecies of the cosmopolitan barn owl. It has distinct characteristics such as its brownish-gray color and heart shaped face, making it easily recognizable from other species.
The American barn owl can be found in a wide range of habitats including grasslands, open woodland areas, suburban neighborhoods and even agricultural fields.
They primarily hunt small rodents like mice and voles but will also take larger prey on occasion such as rabbits or even birds up to their own size.
Barn owls are silent hunters that rely heavily on their excellent hearing abilities to locate prey at night time.
These incredible animals have been around for thousands of years and they remain an important part of many thriving ecosystems today.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Tytonidae |
| Genus | Tyto |
| Species | T. furcata |
29. Eurasian Pygmy Owl
The Eurasian pygmy owl is an adorable, tiny bird species native to the boreal forests of Northern and Central Europe as well as Siberia.
It has a distinct dark reddish-grey brown coloration with spotted sides and half white ring around its neck.
These birds are considered sedentary, meaning that adult populations will remain in their range for most of the year except during seasonal migrations or dispersals.
They prefer coniferous woodland habitats where they can hunt small prey like insects, lizards and rodents from perches located on tree branches or trunks.
During breeding season male pygmy owls have been observed performing aerial displays involving jumps from one branch to another while calling out loudly in order to attract potential mates.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Glaucidium |
| Species | G. passerinum |
30. Blakiston’s Fish Owl
Blakiston’s fish owl is the largest living species of owl. It belongs to a sub-group of eagle-owls which specialize in hunting riparian areas, such as China, Japan and the Russian Far East.
This majestic bird has an impressive wingspan that can reach up to 1.5 meters wide. Its eyesight is so powerful it can spot prey from more than 50 metres away.
As well as its huge size and keen vision, this species also has incredible hearing; its ears are placed asymmetrically on either side of its head allowing for pinpoint accuracy when locating sounds coming from any direction.
With these combined abilities Blakistons Fish Owl makes an efficient hunter capable of finding food even at night or in murky water conditions.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Bubo |
| Species | B. blakistoni |
31. Mottled Owl
The Mottled Owl is a medium-sized owl native to Central and South America, ranging from Mexico to Brazil and Argentina.
It has mottled brown feathers on its head and back, with whitish underparts marked by vertical bars on the chest and throat.
Its eyes are dark in colouration, while its round head lacks ear tufts of any kind. These owls tend to be territorial creatures inhabiting dry forests as well as jungles at altitudes up to 2,500m (8200ft).
They feed mainly on small mammals such as mice or bats but also take birds if given an opportunity.
The female lays two eggs per clutch which she incubates for around 28 days before they hatch. In terms of conservation status it’s listed as ‘least concern’ due largely in part to their wide range across much of Latin America.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Strix |
| Species | S. virgata |
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32. Tamaulipas Pygmy Owl
The Tamaulipas pygmy owl is a species of owl found exclusively in the mountains of Mexico.
It’s one of the smallest owls in the world, measuring an average length of 13.5 cm (5.3in) and weighing 53 grams (1.9oz).
Though small, it still has slightly more weight than both its relatives –long-whiskered Owlet and Elf Owl– making it quite unique among its family members.
This tiny bird inhabits moist montane forests where they can easily camouflage with their reddish brown plumage while preying on smaller animals like lizards or mice to survive.
Unfortunately due to deforestation this beautiful creature might be facing endangerment if measures are not taken soon enough for conservation purposes.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Glaucidium |
| Species | G. sanchezi |
33. Laughing Owl
The Laughing Owl was an endemic species of New Zealand that sadly went extinct in 1914. It had a white face and earned its name from the sound it made when laughing, although some called it the ‘whēkau’.
When settlers first arrived to New Zealand, these owls were plentiful, but unfortunately their numbers dwindled until they could no longer be found.
Before becoming extinct scientists managed to describe them and assign them the scientific name Ninox albifacies which translates as “white-faced owl”.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Ninox |
| Species | †N. albifacies |
34. African Grass Owl
The African grass owl is a species of barn owl, belonging to the Tytonidae family. It has a distinctive heart shaped whitish-cream facial disc with narrow yellowish-buff rims which are densely spotted dark in colour.
Its eyes are brownish black and its bill is painted pink to white.
The entire upper parts from crown to lower back and wing coverts form one uniform shade; usually pale buffy or grey tinged with reddish brown but sometimes very light almost white.
It mainly feeds on small mammals such as rodents, shrews and moles but also eats insects like beetles, crickets & cicadas for sustenance.
This nocturnal bird prefers habitats like open savannahs where it can easily find prey during the night hours.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Tytonidae |
| Genus | Tyto |
| Species | T. capensis |
35. Australian Masked Owl
The Australian masked owl is a beautiful species of barn owl with brown feathers surrounding its distinctive white, heart-shaped mask.
Its dorsal plumage is mostly brown, speckled with light gray spots on the upper back and its front is white with small brown spots.
Depending upon the individual bird’s eye color can vary from black to dark brown.
They inhabit southern New Guinea as well as non-desert areas across Australia where they are most active at night when hunting for their prey consisting mainly of rodents, frogs and reptiles which makes them an important part in controlling rodent populations naturally without any human interference.
The Australian masked owl has adapted perfectly to live in arid parts of Australia making it one unique species that should be protected from threats such as deforestation or habitat destruction caused by humans activities if we want this magnificent creature to still roam our planet for many generations more.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Tytonidae |
| Genus | Tyto |
| Species | T. novaehollandiae |
36. Stygian Owl
The Stygian Owl is a nocturnal bird found across Mexico, Central America and South America. It has six recognised subspecies identified by their dark plumage.
The owl measures between 15-18 inches in length with an average weight of 14 to 24 ounces.
This medium sized bird belongs to the Striginae family which includes typical owls such as barn owls and long eared owls.
They are known for their silent flight and remarkable hearing which helps them find prey even in complete darkness.
Their diet mainly consists of small rodents, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates like insects or worms making them beneficial predators that help maintain balance within ecosystems they inhabit.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Asio |
| Species | A. stygius |
37. Tawny Fish Owl
The Tawny Fish Owl is a species of owl native to southern Nepal, Bangladesh, Vietnam and China. It has yellow feet and was first described by Brian Houghton Hodgson in 1836.
This fish-eating bird feeds on small prey such as frogs and fish which it catches near rivers using its sharp talons.
The tawny coloration helps the owl blend into its natural environment, providing protection from predators while hunting for food at night or roosting during the day.
Its wide geographical range ensures that this species is listed as Least Concern by IUCN Red List due to its relatively stable populations across much of Asia despite some localized threats from human activities including habitat destruction and fragmentation through urban development .Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Ketupa |
| Species | K. flavipes |
38. Pearl-Spotted Owlet
The Pearl-spotted Owlet is a small bird of prey that lives in sub-Saharan Africa. It belongs to the Strigidae family, which are commonly referred to as typical owls or true owls.
These birds have brown feathers with heavy spots, making them easily recognizable among other species of owl.
They usually measure between 14 and 16 centimeters long with an average wingspan of 28 centimeters wide.
Their diet consists mainly of insects such as moths and beetles but they also feed on frogs and small rodents occasionally.
During mating season males will use their sharp call for territorial purposes while females remain silent during this time period.
The female lays 2-4 eggs at one time before incubating them for around 3 weeks until hatching occurs after which both parents take part in feeding their young chicks until fledging age which is when they become independent enough to survive on their own in nature.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Glaucidium |
| Species | G. perlatum |
39. Giant Scops Owl
The Giant Scops Owl is an impressive bird native to the Philippines. Its size and structure make it stand out from other species of owls, being intermediate between a scops owl and an eagle-owl.
It usually inhabits tropical moist lowland forests but unfortunately, this habitat has been drastically reduced due to human activities leaving them at risk of extinction.
The Giant Scops Owl was first described as Pseudoptynx in 1887 by British ornithologist Alfred Henry Garrod and later reclassified into its current scientific name Otus gurneyi.
These birds have striking features like their tawny brown upperparts with white spots on their back feathers along with pale yellow eyes that makes them easy to spot when they’re hunting for prey during night time hours.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Otus |
| Species | O. gurneyi |
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40. Buffy Fish Owl
The Buffy Fish Owl is a large fish owl belonging to the family Strigidae. It is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in tropical forests and wetlands.
This species has an impressive wingspan of up to 1 meter, with its distinctive yellow eyes giving it away from other owls.
They feed mainly on small fishes, frogs, crustaceans as well as insects which they hunt near water sources at night time.
Although their population appears stable according to IUCN Red List 2004 listing them under Least Concern category, habitat destruction due logging activities remains one of the main causes for concern regarding this species’ long term survival in the wild.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Ketupa |
| Species | K. ketupu |
41. Pel’s Fishing Owl
Pel’s fishing owl is a large species of Strigidae found in Africa. It hunts mainly at night, snatching up fish and frogs from rivers and lakes with its sharp talons.
They prefer slow-moving waterways with lots of overhanging trees so they can roost during the day or hunt for prey without being seen.
The owls nest in hollows or forks of large trees to stay safe from predators.
Even though there are many threats that put these birds at risk, conservation efforts have helped secure their population numbers for now.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Scotopelia |
| Species | S. peli |
42. Serendib Scops Owl
The Serendib scops owl is a newly discovered species of bird native to Sri Lanka. It was first heard in the Kitulgala rainforest by prominent Sri Lankan ornithologist Deepal Warakagoda, who would subsequently see it six years later on 23 January 2001 in Sinharaja.
The small nocturnal owl was formally described as new to science and given its scientific name Otus thilohoffmanni in 2004.
This unique avian can be found living primarily in forests with dense vegetation, where they roost during the day and hunt insects at night using their acute hearing abilities.
Unfortunately, due to deforestation, this rare owl’s population has been declining rapidly and conservation efforts are being made by various organisations around the world to ensure its survival for future generations.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Otus |
| Species | O. thilohoffmanni |
43. Australian Boobook
The Australian boobook is a small owl species native to Australia, New Guinea, Timor and the Sunda Islands.
It derives its name from its distinct two-tone “boo-book” call which can be heard at dusk or during the night.
This nocturnal bird has eight subspecies that vary in size and plumage colouration across their range.
Generally they have mottled greyish brown feathers on top with pale underparts covered by dark streaks and spots; while some of these birds also feature white facial discs around their eyes.
The Australian boobook often hunts for earthworms, insects, lizards or frogs near open areas such as grasslands, woodlands or urban gardens – typically roosting in trees during the day to avoid predators.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Ninox |
| Species | N. boobook |
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44. Lesser Sooty Owl
The lesser sooty owl is a nocturnal bird of prey found in the wet tropics region of Australia. It’s generally smaller than its close relative, the greater sooty owl, with females measuring 37 cm and males 33 cm from head to tail.
Its plumage consists mainly of dark grey feathers that help it blend into its environment when hunting for food at night.
It has large yellow eyes which are highly sensitive to light and able to spot even small movements up to 70 meters away.
The diet primarily includes insects, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals like rodents or bats.
Despite their impressive hunting skills they remain vulnerable species due to habitat destruction caused by human activities such as logging or miningScientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Tytonidae |
| Genus | Tyto |
| Species | T. multipunctata |
45. Brown Wood Owl
The Brown Wood Owl is a beautiful bird native to parts of Asia. It measures 45-57 cm in length and has unicolored upperparts that vary from light brown to dark gray, while its underparts are barred with pale streaks.
Its head features large yellow eyes and prominent ear tufts which give it an impressive appearance. This species is part of the typical owl family (Strigidae) and belongs to the genus Strix.
The habitat of this species includes dense forests, woodlands, mangroves as well as plantations across India, Bangladesh Sri Lanka Indonesia Taiwan and south China where they breed all year round.
An interesting fact about these owls is that their diet consists mainly of rodents such as rats or mice making them important for controlling rodent populations in agricultural areas.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Strix |
| Species | S. leptogrammica |
46. Collared Owlet
The Collared Owlet is a small species of owl found in Oriental Asia. It measures just 15cm and weighs 60g, making it the smallest owl in its region.
Its natural habitat consists of submontane and montane forests with open spaces.
This bird was first described back in 1836 by English ornithologist Edward Blyth as Noctua brodiei, though over time it has been more commonly referred to as Taenioptynx Brodiei or simply the Collared Pygmy Owl.
As its name implies, this little creature sports an impressive array of collar-like feathers around its neck which makes for quite a striking sight.
The Collared Owlet is generally solitary but can be seen flying together during migration periods where they will form flocks up to several hundred birds strong – truly amazing.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Taenioptynx |
| Species | T. brodiei |
47. Bare-Legged Owl
The Bare-legged owl is a species of Strigidae family endemic to Cuba and Isla de la Juventud. It was described in 1800, initially thought to be the same as Puerto Rican Owl but later proved distinct.
This monotypic genus bird has distinctive features like brown upperparts with whitish spotting on back, white underparts barred with faint dark stripes and grey facial disk having black border around eyes.
Its legs are bare giving it an unique look alongwith yellow iris which adds more charm to its appearance when seen closely or through binoculars at night time while searching for prey such as small mammals, insects and reptiles.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Margarobyas Olson & Suarez, 2008 |
| Species | M. lawrencii |
48. Maned Owl
The Maned Owl is a unique bird native to Africa, belonging to the Strigidae family. It has an impressive mane of feathers on its crown and ear tufts which give it its namesake.
This owl is medium-sized with a large head and rufous upperparts that are deep chestnut in color with narrow whitish streaks.
Its underparts are dark brown streaked with white and buff while its facial disc is also tawny brown, surrounding yellow eyes.
The wingspan can reach up to 43 cm long. In addition, this species of owl makes loud shrieks during mating season as part of their courtship ritual – quite amazing for such small creatures.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Jubula Bates, 1929 |
| Species | J. lettii |
49. Northern White-Faced Owl
The Northern white-faced owl (Ptilopsis leucotis) is a species of Strigidae family found in Africa.
It ranges from the Saharan Desert to the Equator and can be spotted in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad and Republic of Congo among other places.
This nocturnal bird has impressive eyesight which helps it hunt during night time for small birds as well as mammals such rodents or bats.
White face owls have light brown feathers with long ear tufts on their heads that look like horns; these are used for camouflage when blending into tree bark patterns.
They also use them to communicate with potential mates or rivals by raising and lowering them depending on context.
Besides its unique physical features, this species is known for its loud call: A series of hoots followed by shrieks that increase in intensity before ending abruptly – making sure everyone knows who’s boss.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Ptilopsis |
| Species | P. leucotis |
50. Congo Bay Owl
The Congo bay owl is a species of barn owls, belonging to the Tytonidae family and found in the Albertine Rift montane forests.
It was first described by Belgian naturalist Henri Schouteden in 1952, naming it Phodilus prigoginei as an honour for Russian mineralogist and ornithologist A. Prigogine.
These birds are medium-sized with reddish brown colouration on their upperparts and buff colouring on the underparts.
They have yellow eyes with white eyebrows, along with black speckles across their wings which serve as camouflage from predators.
The diet of these owls consists mainly of small rodents such as mice or rats but may also include other vertebrates like lizards or snakes if available locally.
They usually hunt at night due to its nocturnal nature while roosting during daytime atop trees near riversides or dense woods where food sources can be easily accessed.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Tytonidae |
| Genus | Phodilus |
| Species | P. prigoginei |
51. Mottled Wood Owl
The Mottled Wood Owl is a large owl species native to India. It has distinctive mottling on its feathers, earning it the name “mottled”.
These owls have eerie calls that can be heard at dawn and dusk, including duets between males and females, low hoots and screeches.
They inhabit gardens as well as thin deciduous forests near dry thorn forests or farmland. Due to their large size they may seem intimidating when spotted in the wild but are actually quite timid birds who prefer not to confront humans unless necessary.
The Mottled Wood Owls mainly feed on rodents such as rats and mice which they locate through their excellent hearing abilities before swooping down for capture.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Strix |
| Species | S. ocellata |
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