Varieties of owls with photos and details. Owls are probably the most maximum unique kinds of birds, and because of their nocturnal habits and haunting calls are steadily featured in folklore and myths.
In this web page is an inventory of several types of owls, that includes well known and notable owl species. The IUCN conservation standing (supply) for every species has been equipped, and is proper on the time of writing.
What Is An Owl?
Owls are nocturnal birds of prey identified for his or her unique spherical faces, vast forward-facing eyes, and the power of a few species to rotate their heads as much as 270 levels.
The 238 dwelling species of owls (supply) make up the order Strigiformes and are divided into two households: Strigidae (conventional owls) and Tytonidae (barn owls).
Owls are discovered on each and every continent with the exception of Antarctica and feature tailored to quite a lot of habitats, from dense forests to open grasslands.
Those unique birds of prey have a large number of diversifications for his or her nocturnal life. Their distinctive facial discs lend a hand channel sound to their ears, granting them outstanding listening to. This, blended with prepared eyesight, makes them bold hunters, basically preying on small mammals, birds, and bugs. Specialised feathers permit for silent flight, helping them in stealthily coming near prey.
Owls play a an important function in mythologies and cultures international, steadily symbolizing knowledge, thriller, demise, just right–and dangerous–fortune in numerous portions of the sector.
Other Varieties Of Owls
Australian Boobook
Medical Identify: Ninox boobook
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Australia
Standard Habitat: Forests, woodlands, or even city settings
Wingspan: 0.7-0.9m (2.3-2.9ft)
Weight: 0.2-0.3 kg (0.44-0.66 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
The Australian Boobook is Australia’s smallest and maximum fashionable owl species. Named for its function ‘boo-book’ name, it basically preys on bugs and small vertebrates. Many Australians are aware of its unique name all the way through the night time, particularly in suburban spaces.
Barn Owl
Medical Identify: Tyto alba
Circle of relatives: Tytonidae
Continent(s) discovered: Virtually international (apart from some polar and wilderness areas)
Standard Habitat: Farmlands, grasslands, and woods
Wingspan: 0.8-1m (2.6-3.3ft)
Weight: 0.2-0.5 kg (0.44-1.1 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
The Barn Owl’s ghostly look and eerie, raspy calls have made it the topic of myths and legends in lots of portions of the sector. Recognizable by means of its heart-shaped face and light-colored plumage, this owl is a stealthy hunter, basically feeding on small rodents. The Barn Owl’s superb low-light imaginative and prescient and acute sense of listening to make it an impressive nocturnal predator.
The barn owl has a much wider vary than some other species of owl, being discovered on all continents with the exception of Antarctica.
Barred Owl
Medical Identify: Strix varia
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North The usa
Standard Habitat: Mature forests, particularly close to water
Wingspan: 0.9-1.1m (3-3.6ft)
Weight: 0.4-1 kg (0.88-2.2 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
With its brown eyes and richly barred plumage, the Barred Owl is a charismatic species discovered all through dense woodlands in North The usa. Its hooting name, “Who chefs for you, who chefs for you all.”, is a vintage sound in older forests, and has given the owl an alternate title of “hoot owl” or “8 hooter owl”.
The barred owl has a various nutrition, together with small mammals, birds, and amphibians.
Lately, the barred owl’s vary has begun to extend westwards, the place its presence is considered negative to the threatened noticed owl.
Blakiston’s Fish Owl
Medical Identify: Ketupa blakistoni
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Asia (Russia, China, Japan, North Korea)
Standard Habitat: Dense riparian forests
Wingspan: 1.78-2m (5.8-6.6ft)
Weight: 2-3 kg (4.4-6.6 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Endangered
The sector’s greatest species of owl, Blakiston’s Fish Owl is tailored to seek in aquatic habitats. Its most well-liked foods come with fish and different aquatic creatures. This owl is below danger because of habitat loss, particularly the lack of old-growth timber that it calls for for nesting, and the degradation of river ecosystems.
Regardless of its title, Blakiston’s Fish Owl is extra intently associated with the Eurasian eagle owl than it’s to different fish owls of genus Ketupa.
Boreal Owl
Medical Identify: Aegolius funereus
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North The usa, Europe, and Asia
Standard Habitat: Boreal and mountainous forests
Wingspan: 0.6-0.7m (1.9-2.3ft)
Weight: 0.1-0.3 kg (0.22-0.66 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
A secretive and seldom-seen owl, the Boreal Owl prospers in dense coniferous forests. This small owl has a particular rounded head, missing ear tufts.
The species basically feeds on small mammals, particularly voles, and has a comfortable, haunting, trill-like name that may raise for lengthy distances on calm nights all the way through the breeding season. Its plumage supplies superb camouflage towards the bark of timber.
Burrowing Owl
Medical Identify: Athene cunicularia
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Americas
Standard Habitat: Grasslands, rangelands, agricultural spaces, deserts
Wingspan: 0.5-0.6m (1.6-2ft)
Weight: 0.14-0.24 kg (0.31-0.53 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
In contrast to maximum owls, this small species is steadily lively all the way through the day. It lives in burrows, steadily ones dug by means of prairie canine or different burrowing animals. The species has a various nutrition, which contains bugs, small rodents, and different birds.
Jap Screech-Owl
Medical Identify: Megascops asio
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North The usa
Standard Habitat: Woodlands, forests, suburban and concrete spaces
Wingspan: 0.5-0.6m (1.6-2ft)
Weight: 0.12-0.3 kg (0.26-0.66 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
This small owl is located in a variety of habitats, together with woodlands, forests, and concrete spaces. The species has two major colour permutations, or “morphs”: a pink, or rufus, morph, and a grey morph.
The japanese screech owl has a trilling name, which is steadily heard at night time, particularly all the way through the breeding season. It’s discovered throughout japanese North The usa, and is intently associated with the western screech owl, which is located within the western part of the continent.
Elf Owl
Medical Identify: Micrathene whitneyi
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North The usa (Southwestern United States, Mexico)
Standard Habitat: Desolate tract, thorn scrub, and woodlands
Wingspan: 0.27-0.31m (0.89-1.02ft)
Weight: 0.04-0.09 kg (0.088-0.198 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
The elf owl is the smallest owl on the earth, being most effective rather heavier than a area sparrow. The species nests in previous woodpecker holes in saguaro cacti or timber, and feeds totally on bugs and arachnids.
Eurasian Eagle-Owl
Medical Identify: Bubo bubo
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Europe and Asia
Standard Habitat: Mountains, forests, and grasslands
Wingspan: 1.3-1.8m (4.3-5.9ft)
Weight: 1.5-4 kg (3.3-8.8 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
The Eurasian Eagle-Owl is among the greatest and maximum tough owls on the earth. Local to Europe and Asia, this spectacular chicken possesses unique vast, orange eyes, tufted “ear” feathers, and a mixture of mottled brown, black, and cream plumage.
The species is located in quite a lot of habitats, from mountainous landscapes to dense forests. With a wingspan steadily exceeding 6 toes, the Eurasian Eagle-Owl basically preys on mammals, birds, and different sizeable prey, even taking pictures animals as vast as small deer or foxes from time to time. Its deep, resonating name is unmistakable in its local habitats.
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl
Medical Identify: Glaucidium brasilianum
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Americas
Standard Habitat: Woodlands, forests, and savannahs
Wingspan: 0.38-0.42m (1.25-1.38ft)
Weight: 0.06-0.08 kg (0.13-0.18 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
The Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl is a small owl local to the Americas, discovered from the southern portions of the USA via Central The usa to portions of South The usa. It inhabits quite a lot of environments, from arid scrublands to tropical forests.
Regardless of its diminutive measurement, steadily no better than a sparrow, the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl is a fierce predator, preying on bugs, birds, and small mammals.
The species is characterised by means of its rusty-brown plumage, lengthy tail, and yellow eyes. A particular function is the presence of 2 black “eye spots” at the again of its head, which will deceive doable predators into pondering it’s all the time staring at.
The Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl’s name is a chain of fast, high-pitched whistles.
Flammulated Owl
Medical Identify: Psiloscops flammeolus
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North The usa
Standard Habitat: Mountainous pine and fir forests
Wingspan: 0.4-0.44m (1.31-1.44ft)
Weight: 0.045-0.065 kg (0.099-0.143 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
The Flammulated Owl is a small, nocturnal owl local to mountainous woodlands of North The usa.
Outstanding by means of its darkish eyes and cryptic plumage, the Flammulated Owl’s title derives from the flame-like markings on its face and frame. It measures as regards to 6 inches in duration, making it one in all North The usa’s smallest owls.
Basically insectivorous, the Flammulated Owl preys on moths, beetles, and different bugs. Its comfortable, low hooting calls generally is a problem to hit upon, mixing seamlessly with the sounds of the woodland night time. This elusive owl’s mottled grey and brown feathers supply superb camouflage towards tree bark, making it steadily onerous to identify.
Nice Grey Owl
Medical Identify: Strix nebulosa
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North The usa, Europe, and Asia
Standard Habitat: Boreal forests and mountain meadows
Wingspan: 1.3-1.5m (4.2-4.9ft)
Weight: 0.7-1.3 kg (1.5-2.9 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
The Nice Grey Owl is among the global’s greatest owls by means of duration, regardless that a lot of its measurement is an phantasm created by means of its thick feathers.
Local to the boreal forests of North The usa and Eurasia, this majestic chicken is identified by means of its placing, rounded face, concentric rings surrounding its yellow eyes, and lengthy tail. Its facial disk is the biggest of any owl.
The Nice Grey Owl’s muted grey and white plumage permits it to mix seamlessly with its wintry setting. Occasionally described as a “phantom of the north,” the Nice Grey Owl silently hunts small mammals, particularly voles, by means of soaring over snow prior to plunging right down to seize its prey. Its distinct deep hoots resonate via its chilly, forested habitats.
Nice Horned Owl
Medical Identify: Bubo virginianus
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Americas (from Arctic to South The usa)
Standard Habitat: Forests, swamps, deserts, and concrete spaces
Wingspan: 1.1-1.5m (3.3-4.8ft)
Weight: 0.9-2.5 kg (2-5.5 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
The Nice Horned Owl is a strong and flexible chicken of prey discovered all through the Americas, from Arctic tundra to tropical rainforests. Recognizable by means of its tufted “horns” or “ear tufts” and big yellow eyes set in a deeply feathered face, its frame is mottled with a mixture of browns, whites, and blacks. The species has a deep, resonating hoot this is iconic in its habitats, steadily being heard all the way through nightfall or morning time.
Incessantly dubbed the “tiger of the skies,” the nice horned owl is an impressive hunter, preying on a various vary of animals, from birds and rodents to bigger prey like rabbits. Its nutrition contains a number of different species of birds of prey.
The Nice Horned Owl is understood for its adaptability, able to nesting in quite a lot of places, and its talent to take over different birds’ nests, specifically the ones of Crimson-tailed Hawks.
Lengthy-Eared Owl
Medical Identify: Asio otus
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North The usa, Europe, and Asia
Standard Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and grasslands, steadily close to open spaces.
Wingspan: 0.9-1m (2.9-3.3ft)
Weight: 0.2-0.4 kg (0.44-0.88 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
This medium-sized owl possesses elongated ear tufts that stand tall when the owl is alarmed. It’s cryptically coloured, with mottled brown feathers, serving to it mix with tree bark. The species is nocturnal and migratory. Its nutrition basically is composed of small mammals and birds.
Northern Hawk Owl
Medical Identify: Surnia ulula
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North The usa, Europe, and Asia
Standard Habitat: Taiga, boreal forests, and open trees spaces
Wingspan: 0.7-1m (2.3-3.3ft)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 kg (0.66-0.88 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
In contrast to maximum different owls, the northern hawk owl is most effective lively all the way through the day. Named for its hawk-like habits and look, the northern hawk owl has a protracted tail and wings, with a rounded head and no ear tufts. Its mottled brown and white plumage supplies camouflage towards tree bark.
Northern Pygmy-Owl
Medical Identify: Glaucidium gnoma
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North The usa
Standard Habitat: Mountainous forests and woodlands
Wingspan: 0.38-0.41m (1.25-1.35ft)
Weight: 0.06-0.07 kg (0.13-0.15 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
A diminutive owl, the northern pygmy owl is lively each all the way through the day and night time. The species is recognizable by means of its rounded head, loss of ear tufts, and false “eye” spots at the again of its head.
Regardless of its small measurement, the northern pygmy owl is an competitive hunter, preying on birds and small mammals.
Northern Noticed-Whet Owl
Medical Identify: Aegolius acadicus
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North The usa
Standard Habitat: Dense coniferous or combined woodlands
Wingspan: 0.42-0.56m (1.38-1.84ft)
Weight: 0.06-0.11 kg (0.13-0.24 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
This tiny owl has a cat-like face, vast head, and vibrant yellow eyes. It’s named after the “saw-whetting” sound it makes, which is analogous to a noticed being sharpened. It most commonly hunts small mammals similar to voles and mice.
Oriental Bay Owl
Medical Identify: Phodilus badius
Circle of relatives: Tytonidae
Continent(s) discovered: Southeast Asia
Standard Habitat: Forests and dense woodlands
Wingspan: 0.68-0.92m (2.2-3ft)
Weight: 0.2-0.27 kg (0.44-0.6 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
The oriental bay owl, like its relative the Sri Lanka bay owl, is extremely unique because of its heart-shaped facial disc, and big, black eyes. The 2 bay owls, which in combination make up the genus Phodilus, are most often smaller than the opposite individuals of the barn owl circle of relatives, Tytonidae.
Tough Owl
Medical Identify: Ninox strenua
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Australia
Standard Habitat: Forests and woodlands
Wingspan: 1.1-1.4m (3.6-4.6ft)
Weight: 1-2.5 kg (2.2-5.5 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
The tough owl is the biggest owl species in Australia, and is called for its spectacular looking features. Armed with tough talons, it will possibly prey on animals as vast as possums. The species is recognizable by means of its measurement, vast orange-yellow eyes, and fairly small head and lengthy tail, which provide the owl a hawk-like look.
Brief-Eared Owl
Medical Identify: Asio flammeus
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: International (with the exception of Antarctica and Australia)
Standard Habitat: Open spaces like grasslands, marshes, and tundras
Wingspan: 0.95-1.1m (3.1-3.6ft)
Weight: 0.2-0.5 kg (0.44-1.1 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
Named for its ear-like brief tufts of feathers (which might be steadily onerous to look), the short-eared owl is most commonly nocturnal however will also be considered looking all the way through the day, particularly in iciness. It has a particular flight trend with stiff wingbeats and lengthy glides. This species, which is located within the Americas and Eurasia, basically feeds on small mammals and birds.
Snowy Owl
Medical Identify: Bubo scandiacus
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North The usa, Europe, and Asia (arctic areas)
Standard Habitat: Arctic tundras
Wingspan: 1.3-1.5m (4.2-4.9ft)
Weight: 1.6-3 kg (3.5-6.6 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Susceptible
The Snowy Owl is a particular white owl local to the Arctic areas. It’s well known for its placing look: men may also be nearly natural white, whilst ladies have extra flecks of black.
Snowy Owls are diurnal, which means they hunt each day and night time, preying basically on lemmings and different small mammals.
The inhabitants of snowy owls can range considerably in keeping with prey availability; a a hit breeding 12 months can lead to snowy owls migrating to areas through which they aren’t typically discovered, together with southern states similar to Florida.
Spectacled Owl
Medical Identify: Pulsatrix perspicillata
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Central and South The usa
Standard Habitat: Tropical rainforests
Wingspan: 0.8-1m (2.6-3.3ft)
Weight: 0.5-0.9 kg (1.1-2 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
The Spectacled Owl is a huge, placing chicken discovered within the tropical forests of Central and South The usa. Named for its unique facial look, it boasts daring, white “eyebrow” rings and a black “masks” round its yellow eyes, giving it a bespectacled glance. The remainder of its frame options darkish brown plumage with lighter underparts.
This nocturnal predator basically hunts mammals, birds, and big bugs. Its eerie, pulsing calls may also be heard echoing during the rainforest at night time.
Regardless of its measurement and outstanding options, the Spectacled Owl’s cryptic coloring permits it to mix into its forested surroundings.
Noticed Owl
Medical Identify: Strix occidentalis
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North The usa
Standard Habitat: Previous-growth forests
Wingspan: 1-1.2m (3.3-3.9ft)
Weight: 0.4-0.7 kg (0.88-1.5 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Close to Threatened
The Noticed Owl is mottled brown with white spots and a barred abdominal. It’s intently related to historic, old-growth forests, making habitat destruction an important danger to its survival. This species has been on the heart of many conservation debates because of its sensitivity to habitat adjustments, particularly logging actions.
Tawny Owl
Medical Identify: Strix aluco
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Europe and Asia
Standard Habitat: Forests and woodlands
Wingspan: 0.9-1.1m (2.9-3.6ft)
Weight: 0.4-0.8 kg (0.88-1.76 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
The Tawny Owl is a stocky, medium-sized owl identified for its function name that seems like “twit-twoo.” It has a rufous-brown frame with a paler underside and darkish streaks. The Tawny Owl is nocturnal, looking most commonly rodents and small birds.
The tawny owl hunts basically by means of sound. Its listening to is ten occasions extra delicate than a human’s. The noise disturbance brought about by means of rain can save you the owl from having the ability to hunt.
The species is sedentary, steadily staying in the similar territory all through its lifestyles.
Ural Owl
Medical Identify: Strix uralensis
Circle of relatives: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Europe and Asia
Standard Habitat: Forests and woodlands
Wingspan: 1.1-1.4m (3.6-4.6ft)
Weight: 0.5-1 kg (1.1-2.2 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Worry
The Ural Owl is a medium-to-large owl predominantly discovered within the forests of northern Europe and Asia. It has a faded face with darkish eyes, and a grayish frame embellished with white and darkish streaks. It lacks ear tufts and has a spherical head and a rather elongated tail.
The Ural Owl is basically a nocturnal hunter, preying on small mammals, birds, and infrequently amphibians and bugs. Its haunting, rhythmic hoot can steadily be heard all the way through the twilight hours.
Who prefer dense, mature forests with clearings, the Ural Owl nests in tree cavities and is understood for its territorial nature, particularly all the way through the breeding season. A feminine Ural owl is terribly protecting of her nest, and the species has been identified to inflict severe accidents on people perceived as a danger.
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