Owls , members of the order Strigiformes , captivate with their silent flight , haunting call , and striking features , shit them iconic birds of fair game . With over 250 species worldwide , divided into two families — Strigidae ( typical owls ) and Tytonidae ( barn owls)—they inhabit every continent except Antarctica , thriving in woodland , deserts , and urban areas .
Owls , enigmatic chick of prey , captivate with their silent flight of steps and haunting calls , thriving in divers habitats from slow forest to open comeupance worldwide . Their large , forward - facing eye and facial discs , which funnel sound to acute ears , make them exceeding nocturnal hunters . With over 250 species , they vary from tiny , dirt ball - eating varieties to big predators tackling mammals and razz .
These birds are masters of camouflage , with plumage blending seamlessly into Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree barque , snow , or grass , aiding their stealthy hunting . They flow on a wide orbit of fair game , including rodents , dirt ball , and Pisces the Fishes , calculate on their home ground . Their silent wing , edged with soft feather , allow them to pounce undetected , guarantee quarry with astute talons .
Owls ’ vocalism , from hoots to screeches , dish up as territorial birdsong or mating signals , echoing through forests and plains at night . Many species are lonely , nuzzle in Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree cavity , burrows , or abandoned nests , with some adjust to urban areas . Their headspring revolution , up to 270 degrees , enhances their power to scan for target or scourge .
Ecologically critical , owls restraint pest populations , benefiting agriculture and ecosystem . However , habitat loss and human activeness endanger many coinage , draw conservation of the essence . Their occult aureole and nocturnal artistry inspire awe , cement their topographic point as symbol of wisdom and machination .
Types of Owl Species
Barn Owl ( Tyto alba )
The Barn Owl , a far-flung species found on every continent except Antarctica , is a 13 - 15 - column inch bird with a heart - shaped facial disc and pale , creamy plumage . Its apparitional appearance and eerie , raspy calls make it a symbol of mystery . Thriving in unfastened fields and farming area , it hunts small mammal like voles , using exceptional hearing help by its facial record . Its silent flight and globular range make it one of the most adaptable owls .
Great tusk Owl ( Bubo virginianus )
The Great tusk Owl , a 18 - 25 - column inch giant of North and South America , is known for its large “ ear ” tufts and cryptic hooting calls . Found in forests , deserts , and urban expanse , it feed on mammals , birds , and reptiles , including other owl . Its adaptability and fierce hunting skills make it a top predator . nestle in abandon mortarboard or eagle nest , it ’s a twelvemonth - round resident with a range from Alaska to Argentina .
Snowy Owl ( Bubo scandiacus )
The Snowy Owl , a 20 - 28 - inch Arctic picture , boasts striking bloodless plumage with dark-skinned flecks , blending into white tundra . Unlike most owls , it ’s often diurnal , hunt lemmings and other small mammal . Its intense yellow eye and mobile behaviour , sometimes jeopardize south during food shortages , make it a birder ’s prize . Found in North America and Eurasia , it nests on the ground in open landscapes .
Eastern Screech - Owl ( Megascops genus Asio )
The Eastern Screech - Owl , a minor 6 - 10 - inch bird of eastern North America , is a overlord of camouflage with gray or red morphs intermingle into tree bark . Found in woodland and suburbs , it feeds on louse , birds , and small mammals , using a trilling , non - screeching call . Its modest size and excellent concealment make it hard to spot , but its far-flung bearing delights backyard birders .
Barred Owl ( genus Strix varia )
The Barred Owl , a 16 - 25 - in chick of North America , is known for its brown , block plumage and “ who cook for you ” hoot call . Inhabiting dense woodlands and swampland , it preys on small mammals , bird , and amphibians . Its dark centre and lack of ear tufts secernate it from other owls . Expanding westwards , it competes with the imperil Spotted Owl , levy preservation concerns .
northerly Saw - whet Owl ( Aegolius acadicus )
The Northern Saw - whet Owl , a petite 7 - 8 - inch skirt of North America , has a round face , yellow eyes , and a distinctive “ toot - carousal ” call resembling a whetstone . Found in dense forests , it feeds on modest rodents and insects , often migrating across large consistency of water . Its mystifying plumage and secretive nature make it a challenge to descry , but its call is a forest treasure .
Burrowing Owl ( Athene cunicularia )
The Burrowing Owl , a 7 - 10 - column inch species of North and South America , is unequaled for draw close in underground burrows , often dug by prairie dogs . find in grasslands and comeupance , it ’s diurnal and crepuscular , hunting insects and rodents with foresightful legs and head teacher - bob behavior . Its small-scale size of it and ground - dwelling house habits make it a magnetic species , though habitat loss threaten its population .
Long - eared Owl ( Asio genus Otus )
The Long - eared Owl , a 13 - 16 - inch birdie of North America , Europe , and Asia , has slender dead body and long “ ear ” tufts , roosting in slow foliage . It hunts small mammals in timber and marshes , using silent flying . Its down in the mouth , hoot call are insidious , and its camouflage plumage makes it problematical . Communal roosting in wintertime adds to its mystique for birdwatchers .
unawares - eared Owl ( Asio flammeus )
The Short - eared Owl , a 13 - 17 - inch bird found globally , prefers open grasslands and marsh , hunting during dusk or dawn . Its scant capitulum tufts and mottle brown plumage blend into its home ground , where it preys on voles and birds . Its fluttering , moth - corresponding flight and ground - nestle substance abuse are typical , though home ground departure impacts its population in some region .
Elf Owl ( Micrathene whitneyi )
The Elf Owl , the world ’s smallest at 5 - 6 inches , populate deserts and woodland of the southwest U.S. and Mexico . weigh just 1.4 ounce , this grayish - brown owl nests in pecker hollow , feed on worm like moths . Its high - pitch , yip calls echo in desiccate nights . Its tiny size of it and nocturnal habits make it a seek - after mintage for birder .
Northern Hawk Owl ( Surnia ulula )
The Northern Hawk Owl , a 14 - 17 - inch bird of northerly forests in North America and Eurasia , is diurnal , with hawk - like legerity and a long tail . Found in coniferous woodlands , it track down field mouse and small birds , often perching openly . Its penetrating , barking claim and bold behavior make it a striking species , though its outside home ground limits sightings .
Spectacled Owl ( Pulsatrix perspicillata )
The Spectacled Owl , a 17 - 19 - inch hiss of Central and South America , has a dark body with white “ spectacle ” markings around its yellow heart . inhabit slow rainforests , it hunt small mammalian and birds at night . Its rich , rhythmic hoots resonate in tropical forests . Non - migratory , its striking facial pattern score it a standout in its humid range .
Tawny Owl ( genus Strix aluco )
The Tawny Owl , a 14 - 16 - inch hiss of Europe and westerly Asia , has rusty - brown or grey plumage and a round face with dark eyes . find in woodlands , gardens , and cemeteries , it preys on rodents and dirt ball , hunting at Nox . Its iconic “ tu - whit tu - whoo ” call is a classic timber auditory sensation . Its adaptability piddle it one of England ’s most common owls .
Flammulated Owl ( Psiloscops flammeolus )
The Flammulated Owl , a tiny 6 - inch bird of westerly North America , has dark eye and flame - like markings on its grey - brownish plumage . establish in true pine forests , it feeds almost exclusively on insects , make it a unique insectivore among owls . Its delicate , low hoots are hard to discover . Migrating to Mexico , its small size and secretive habit challenge bird watcher .
Spotted Owl ( genus Strix occidentalis )
The Spotted Owl , a 16 - 19 - inch bird of westerly North America , is known for its dark brown plumage with lily-white spot and lack of ear tuft . dwell old - growth forests , it prey on pocket-sized mammalian like flying squirrel , using its first-class hearing . Its deep , skin tinker’s dam echo in dense woods . Threatened by habitat personnel casualty and competition from Barred Owls , its preservation is decisive , make sighting a uncommon delicacy .
Boreal Owl ( Aegolius funereus )
The Boreal Owl , a 8 - 11 - column inch metal money of northerly North America and Eurasia , has a round face , livid facial disc with black delimitation , and dapple brown plume . Found in dense coniferous forest , it hunts small-scale gnawer and bird at night . Its soft , repetitive “ poo - poo - poo ” call is distinctive . mostly non - migratory , its closelipped nature and distant habitat make it a challenge to distinguish .
Great Grey Owl ( Strix nebulosa )
The Great Grey Owl , one of the big at 24 - 33 inches , populate northerly forest of North America and Eurasia . Its grey , blotch plumage and monumental facial disc give it a spiritual appearance . Hunting voles in overt meadow , it apply mute flight of steps and piercing hearing . Its low , prospering hoots resonate in boreal landscape . Its size and problematical doings make it a gallant breakthrough for birders .
Eurasian Eagle - Owl ( Bubo bubo )
The Eurasian Eagle - Owl , a 22 - 30 - inch giant of Europe , Africa , and Asia , boasts orange eyes , prominent ear tufts , and mottled brown plume . Found in forests , mountains , and rocky domain , it prey on mammals , chick , and even little cervid . Its deep , resonant hoot carry far . Non - migratory , its muscular front and adaptability make it a top vulture in its range .
Pygmy Owl ( Glaucidium passerinum )
The Eurasian Pygmy Owl , a bantam 6 - 7 - in bird of Europe and Asia , has a orotund head , no pinna tufts , and brown - grey feather with white spots . participating at first light and dusk , it hunts small birds and rodents in cone-bearing woodland . Its richly - pitch , whistling song are typical . Non - migratory , its diminished size and bold hunt make it a vehement , pint - sized predator .
Northern White - face Owl ( Ptilopsis leucotis )
The Northern White - face up Owl , a 9 - 11 - inch bird of sub - Saharan Africa , has a striking white facial magnetic disk with black outlines and orangish eyes . Found in savannas and woodlands , it feeds on insects , gnawer , and small dame , pant up to appear large when jeopardise . Its soft , hoot calls are subtle . Non - migratory , its expressive typeface cause it a favorite in its range .
Scops Owl ( Otus scops )
The Eurasian Scops Owl , a 7 - 8 - in bird of Europe , Africa , and Asia , has grey or chocolate-brown plumage with intricate patterns and small-scale spike tufts . Found in woodlands and gardens , it feed on insect and low vertebrates , hunt at night . Its monotonous , flute - like call echoes in summer . transmigrate to Africa , its camouflage and modest size make it a hidden gem .
Tropical Screech - Owl ( Megascops choliba )
The Tropical Screech - Owl , a 8 - 10 - in bird of Central and South America , has Zane Grey or brown morphs with streaky plumage , blending into tree barque . Found in forests , savannas , and urban area , it hunts insects and low vertebrates . Its trilling , toad - like call is distinctive . Non - migratory , its adaptability make it a common sight in tropical regions .
Barking Owl ( Ninox connivens )
The Barking Owl , a 15 - 18 - column inch birdie of Australia and New Guinea , has chocolate-brown plumage with white muscae volitantes and a dog - corresponding barking call . Found in woodlands and savannas , it preys on birds , mammal , and insects . Its vivid icteric eyes and nocturnal riding habit add mystique . Non - migratory , its unique vocalization make it a standout in its range .
Ural Owl ( Strix uralensis )
The Ural Owl , a 20 - 24 - inch bird of Europe and Asia , has pale gray-haired - brown plumage , a round face , and no spike tufts . Inhabiting fledged woods , it track down rodent and birds , using silent trajectory . Its draw out , hoot call carries through woods . Non - migratory , its large size and subtle sweetheart make it a prized sighting for birder in northerly timber .
Powerful Owl ( Ninox strenua )
The Powerful Owl , Australia ’s enceinte at 20 - 26 inches , has dark brown plumage with white blackball and intense yellow eyes . Found in wood and woodlands , it preys on possums , glider , and birds , often hunting from eminent perches . Its deep , threefold - hoot call resonates at night . Non - migratory , its commanding presence makes it a top marauder in its ecosystem .
Mottled Owl ( genus Strix virgata )
The Mottled Owl , a 12 - 15 - inch snort of Central and South America , has browned plume with mottled formula and a round face with dark eyes . Found in rainforests and plantation , it hunts insects , rodents , and small razzing . Its hooting , syncopated call is distinctive . Non - migratory , its cryptic plumage makes it a challenge to spot in dense forests .
Stygian Owl ( Asio stygius )
The Stygian Owl , a 15 - 18 - inch chick of Central and South America , has dark brown plumage , long ear tuft , and beam orangish eyes . base in forests and open woodland , it preys on birds , bat , and rodents . Its deep , single snort echo in the night . Non - migratory , its saturnine , mysterious appearance suits its nocturnal , elusive nature .
Buffy Pisces Owl ( Ketupa ketupu )
The Buffy Fish Owl , a 15 - 18 - in hiss of Southeast Asia , has buff - brown plumage , ear tufts , and a dieting focused on Pisces the Fishes , crabby person , and amphibians . Found near river and Rhizophora mangle , it hunts from perches over water . Its low , booming calls are subtle . Non - migratory , its specialised aquatic search make it a unique owl in tropical habitat .
