 Owls:
Strigiformes
Facts: Owls have large forward-facing eyes and
ear-holes, a hawk-like beak, a flat face, and usually a
conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial
disc. Although owls have binocular vision, their large eyes are
fixed in their sockets, as with other birds, and they must turn
their entire head to change views.
Most owls are nocturnal, actively hunting for prey only under the
cover of darkness. Several types of owl, however, are crepuscular,
or active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk; one example
is the pygmy owl (Glaucidium). A few owls are also active during
the day; examples are the Burrowing Owl (Speotyto cunicularia) and
the Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus).
ENDANGERED: The need for protection of owls is
recognized worldwide. All owls are listed in Appendix II of CITES
(the Convention on Illegal Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora). Cites is an international treaty, which
individual countries may choose to support or not. Like most
wildlife, owls are increasingly threatened by loss of habitat due
to human activity or climate change.
Habitat: The Americas, Europe and Asia.
Food: small mammals, birds, lizards, insects and
even fish.
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