| Strigiformes | |
|---|---|
 A Barn Owl. | |
| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
Strigiformes is an order from the Aves class. All birds in this order is found worldwide except Antarctica, most of Greenland and some small remote islands.
Characteristics
Owls have large forward-facing eyes and ear-holes; a hawk-like beak; a flat face; and usually a conspicuous circle of feathers, a facial disc, around each eye. The feathers making up this disc can be adjusted in order to sharply focus sounds that come from varying distances onto the owls' asymmetrically placed ear cavities. Most birds of prey sport eyes on the sides of their heads, but the stereoscopic nature of the owl's forward-facing eyes permits the greater sense of depth perception necessary for low-light hunting. The plumage of owls is generally cryptic, but many species have facial and head markings, including face masks, ear tufts and brightly coloured irises. These markings are generally more common in species inhabiting open habitats, and are thought to be used in signaling with other owls in low light conditions.
Families
| Name | |
|---|---|
|
Strigidae |
| Needs Information. | |
|
Tytonidaes |
| Needs Information. |
Media
Gallery
Videos
Facts
- Although owls have binocular vision, their large eyes are fixed in their sockets—as are those of other birds—so they must turn their entire head to change views.
- Owls are nocturnal.
- An owl's flight is silent.