Owls, members of the order Strigiformes, captivate with their silent flight, haunting calls, and striking features, making them iconic birds of prey. With over 250 species worldwide, divided into two families—Strigidae (typical owls) and Tytonidae (barn owls)—they inhabit every continent except Antarctica, thriving in forests, deserts, and urban areas.
Owls, enigmatic birds of prey, captivate with their silent flight and haunting calls, thriving in diverse habitats from dense forests to open deserts worldwide. Their large, forward-facing eyes and facial discs, which funnel sound to acute ears, make them exceptional nocturnal hunters. With over 250 species, they vary from tiny, insect-eating varieties to large predators tackling mammals and birds.
These birds are masters of camouflage, with plumage blending seamlessly into tree bark, snow, or grass, aiding their stealthy hunting. They feed on a wide range of prey, including rodents, insects, and fish, depending on their habitat. Their silent wings, edged with soft feathers, allow them to swoop undetected, securing prey with sharp talons.
Owls’ vocalizations, from hoots to screeches, serve as territorial calls or mating signals, echoing through forests and plains at night. Many species are solitary, nesting in tree cavities, burrows, or abandoned nests, with some adapting to urban areas. Their head rotation, up to 270 degrees, enhances their ability to scan for prey or threats.
Ecologically vital, owls control pest populations, benefiting agriculture and ecosystems. However, habitat loss and human activity threaten many species, making conservation crucial. Their mysterious aura and nocturnal prowess inspire awe, cementing their place as symbols of wisdom and intrigue.
Types of Owl Species
Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
The Barn Owl, a widespread species found on every continent except Antarctica, is a 13-15-inch bird with a heart-shaped facial disc and pale, creamy plumage. Its ghostly appearance and eerie, raspy calls make it a symbol of mystery. Thriving in open fields and farmlands, it hunts small mammals like voles, using exceptional hearing aided by its facial disc. Its silent flight and global range make it one of the most adaptable owls.
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
The Great Horned Owl, a 18-25-inch giant of North and South America, is known for its prominent “ear” tufts and deep hooting calls. Found in forests, deserts, and urban areas, it preys on mammals, birds, and reptiles, including other owls. Its adaptability and fierce hunting skills make it a top predator. Nesting in abandoned hawk or eagle nests, it’s a year-round resident with a range from Alaska to Argentina.
Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
The Snowy Owl, a 20-28-inch Arctic icon, boasts striking white plumage with dark flecks, blending into snowy tundra. Unlike most owls, it’s often diurnal, hunting lemmings and other small mammals. Its intense yellow eyes and nomadic behavior, sometimes venturing 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 asio)
The Eastern Screech-Owl, a small 6-10-inch bird of eastern North America, is a master of camouflage with grey or red morphs blending into tree bark. Found in woodlands and suburbs, it feeds on insects, birds, and small mammals, using a trilling, non-screeching call. Its small size and excellent concealment make it hard to spot, but its widespread presence delights backyard birders.
Barred Owl (Strix varia)
The Barred Owl, a 16-25-inch bird of North America, is known for its brown, barred plumage and “who cooks for you” hooting call. Inhabiting dense woodlands and swamps, it preys on small mammals, birds, and amphibians. Its dark eyes and lack of ear tufts distinguish it from other owls. Expanding westward, it competes with the threatened Spotted Owl, raising conservation concerns.
Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)
The Northern Saw-whet Owl, a tiny 7-8-inch bird of North America, has a round face, yellow eyes, and a distinctive “toot-toot” call resembling a whetstone. Found in dense forests, it feeds on small rodents and insects, often migrating across large bodies of water. Its cryptic plumage and secretive nature make it a challenge to spot, but its call is a forest treasure.
Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)
The Burrowing Owl, a 7-10-inch species of North and South America, is unique for nesting in underground burrows, often dug by prairie dogs. Found in grasslands and deserts, it’s diurnal and crepuscular, hunting insects and rodents with long legs and head-bobbing behavior. Its small size and ground-dwelling habits make it a charismatic species, though habitat loss threatens its populations.
Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)
The Long-eared Owl, a 13-16-inch bird of North America, Europe, and Asia, has slender bodies and long “ear” tufts, roosting in dense foliage. It hunts small mammals in woodlands and marshes, using silent flight. Its low, hooting calls are subtle, and its camouflaged plumage makes it elusive. Communal roosting in winter adds to its mystique for birdwatchers.
Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)
The Short-eared Owl, a 13-17-inch bird found globally, prefers open grasslands and marshes, hunting during dusk or dawn. Its short ear tufts and mottled brown plumage blend into its habitat, where it preys on voles and birds. Its flapping, moth-like flight and ground-nesting habits are distinctive, though habitat loss impacts its populations in some regions.
Elf Owl (Micrathene whitneyi)
The Elf Owl, the world’s smallest at 5-6 inches, inhabits deserts and woodlands of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. Weighing just 1.4 ounces, this greyish-brown owl nests in woodpecker holes, feeding on insects like moths. Its high-pitched, yapping calls echo in arid nights. Its tiny size and nocturnal habits make it a sought-after species for birders.
Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula)
The Northern Hawk Owl, a 14-17-inch bird of northern forests in North America and Eurasia, is diurnal, with hawk-like agility and a long tail. Found in coniferous woodlands, it hunts voles and small birds, often perching openly. Its sharp, barking calls and bold behavior make it a striking species, though its remote habitat limits sightings.
Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata)
The Spectacled Owl, a 17-19-inch bird of Central and South America, has a dark body with white “spectacle” markings around its yellow eyes. Inhabiting dense rainforests, it hunts small mammals and birds at night. Its deep, rhythmic hoots resonate in tropical forests. Non-migratory, its striking facial pattern makes it a standout in its humid range.
Tawny Owl (Strix aluco)
The Tawny Owl, a 14-16-inch bird of Europe and western Asia, has rusty-brown or grey plumage and a round face with dark eyes. Found in woodlands, gardens, and cemeteries, it preys on rodents and insects, hunting at night. Its iconic “tu-whit tu-whoo” call is a classic forest sound. Its adaptability makes it one of England’s most common owls.
Flammulated Owl (Psiloscops flammeolus)
The Flammulated Owl, a tiny 6-inch bird of western North America, has dark eyes and flame-like markings on its grey-brown plumage. Found in pine forests, it feeds almost exclusively on insects, making it a unique insectivore among owls. Its soft, low hoots are hard to detect. Migrating to Mexico, its small size and secretive habits challenge birders.
Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis)
The Spotted Owl, a 16-19-inch bird of western North America, is known for its dark brown plumage with white spots and lack of ear tufts. Inhabiting old-growth forests, it preys on small mammals like flying squirrels, using its excellent hearing. Its deep, barking hoots echo in dense woods. Threatened by habitat loss and competition from Barred Owls, its conservation is critical, making sightings a rare treat.
Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus)
The Boreal Owl, a 8-11-inch species of northern North America and Eurasia, has a round face, white facial disc with black borders, and mottled brown plumage. Found in dense coniferous forests, it hunts small rodents and birds at night. Its soft, repetitive “poo-poo-poo” call is distinctive. Largely non-migratory, its secretive nature and remote habitat make it a challenge to spot.
Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa)
The Great Grey Owl, one of the largest at 24-33 inches, inhabits northern forests of North America and Eurasia. Its grey, mottled plumage and massive facial disc give it a ghostly appearance. Hunting voles in open meadows, it uses silent flight and acute hearing. Its low, booming hoots resonate in boreal landscapes. Its size and elusive behavior make it a majestic find 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 plumage. Found in forests, mountains, and rocky areas, it preys on mammals, birds, and even small deer. Its deep, resonant hoots carry far. Non-migratory, its powerful presence and adaptability make it a top predator in its range.
Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum)
The Eurasian Pygmy Owl, a tiny 6-7-inch bird of Europe and Asia, has a round head, no ear tufts, and brown-grey plumage with white spots. Active at dawn and dusk, it hunts small birds and rodents in coniferous forests. Its high-pitched, whistling calls are distinctive. Non-migratory, its small size and bold hunting make it a fierce, pint-sized predator.
Northern White-faced Owl (Ptilopsis leucotis)
The Northern White-faced Owl, a 9-11-inch bird of sub-Saharan Africa, has a striking white facial disc with black outlines and orange eyes. Found in savannas and woodlands, it feeds on insects, rodents, and small birds, puffing up to appear larger when threatened. Its soft, hooting calls are subtle. Non-migratory, its expressive face makes it a favorite in its range.
Scops Owl (Otus scops)
The Eurasian Scops Owl, a 7-8-inch bird of Europe, Africa, and Asia, has grey or brown plumage with intricate patterns and small ear tufts. Found in woodlands and gardens, it feeds on insects and small vertebrates, hunting at night. Its monotonous, flute-like call echoes in summer. Migrating to Africa, its camouflage and small size make it a hidden gem.
Tropical Screech-Owl (Megascops choliba)
The Tropical Screech-Owl, a 8-10-inch bird of Central and South America, has grey or brown morphs with streaked plumage, blending into tree bark. Found in forests, savannas, and urban areas, it hunts insects and small vertebrates. Its trilling, frog-like call is distinctive. Non-migratory, its adaptability makes it a common sight in tropical regions.
Barking Owl (Ninox connivens)
The Barking Owl, a 15-18-inch bird of Australia and New Guinea, has brown plumage with white spots and a dog-like barking call. Found in woodlands and savannas, it preys on birds, mammals, and insects. Its intense yellow eyes and nocturnal habits add mystique. Non-migratory, its unique vocalizations 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 grey-brown plumage, a round face, and no ear tufts. Inhabiting mature forests, it hunts rodents and birds, using silent flight. Its prolonged, hooting call carries through woods. Non-migratory, its large size and subtle beauty make it a prized sighting for birders in northern forests.
Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua)
The Powerful Owl, Australia’s largest at 20-26 inches, has dark brown plumage with white barring and intense yellow eyes. Found in forests and woodlands, it preys on possums, gliders, and birds, often hunting from high perches. Its deep, double-hoot call resonates at night. Non-migratory, its commanding presence makes it a top predator in its ecosystem.
Mottled Owl (Strix virgata)
The Mottled Owl, a 12-15-inch bird of Central and South America, has brown plumage with mottled patterns and a round face with dark eyes. Found in rainforests and plantations, it hunts insects, rodents, and small birds. 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 bird of Central and South America, has dark brown plumage, long ear tufts, and glowing orange eyes. Found in forests and open woodlands, it preys on birds, bats, and rodents. Its deep, single hoot echoes in the night. Non-migratory, its dark, mysterious appearance suits its nocturnal, elusive nature.
Buffy Fish Owl (Ketupa ketupu)
The Buffy Fish Owl, a 15-18-inch bird of Southeast Asia, has buff-brown plumage, ear tufts, and a diet focused on fish, crabs, and amphibians. Found near rivers and mangroves, it hunts from perches over water. Its low, booming calls are subtle. Non-migratory, its specialized aquatic hunting makes it a unique owl in tropical habitats.