Varieties of owls with footage and information. Owls are a number of the most distinctive forms of birds, and as a consequence of their nocturnal habits and haunting calls are sometimes featured in folklore and myths.
On 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 offered, and is right on the time of writing.
What Is An Owl?
Owls are nocturnal birds of prey identified for his or her distinctive spherical faces, massive forward-facing eyes, and the flexibility of some species to rotate their heads as much as 270 levels.
The 238 residing species of owls (supply) make up the order Strigiformes and are divided into two households: Strigidae (typical owls) and Tytonidae (barn owls).
Owls are discovered on each continent besides Antarctica and have tailored to a wide range of habitats, from dense forests to open grasslands.
These distinctive birds of prey have quite a few variations for his or her nocturnal life. Their distinctive facial discs assist channel sound to their ears, granting them distinctive listening to. This, mixed with eager eyesight, makes them formidable hunters, primarily preying on small mammals, birds, and bugs. Specialised feathers enable for silent flight, aiding them in stealthily approaching prey.
Owls play a vital position in mythologies and cultures worldwide, typically symbolizing knowledge, thriller, loss of life, good–and dangerous–fortune in numerous elements of the world.
Completely different Sorts Of Owls
Australian Boobook
Scientific Title: Ninox boobook
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Australia
Typical Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and 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 Concern
The Australian Boobook is Australia’s smallest and most widespread owl species. Named for its attribute ‘boo-book’ name, it primarily preys on bugs and small vertebrates. Many Australians are acquainted with its distinctive name in the course of the night time, particularly in suburban areas.
Barn Owl
Scientific Title: Tyto alba
Household: Tytonidae
Continent(s) discovered: Nearly worldwide (excluding some polar and desert areas)
Typical 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 Concern
The Barn Owl’s ghostly look and eerie, raspy calls have made it the topic of myths and legends in lots of elements of the world. Recognizable by its heart-shaped face and light-colored plumage, this owl is a stealthy hunter, primarily feeding on small rodents. The Barn Owl’s glorious low-light imaginative and prescient and acute sense of listening to make it a formidable nocturnal predator.
The barn owl has a wider vary than another species of owl, being discovered on all continents besides Antarctica.
Barred Owl
Scientific Title: Strix varia
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North America
Typical 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 Concern
With its brown eyes and richly barred plumage, the Barred Owl is a charismatic species discovered all through dense woodlands in North America. Its hooting name, “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all.”, is a basic sound in older forests, and has given the owl another identify of “hoot owl” or “eight hooter owl”.
The barred owl has a assorted eating regimen, together with small mammals, birds, and amphibians.
Lately, the barred owl’s vary has begun to develop westwards, the place its presence is regarded as detrimental to the threatened noticed owl.
Blakiston’s Fish Owl
Scientific Title: Ketupa blakistoni
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Asia (Russia, China, Japan, North Korea)
Typical 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 world’s largest species of owl, Blakiston’s Fish Owl is tailored to hunt in aquatic habitats. Its most well-liked meals embody fish and different aquatic creatures. This owl is beneath risk as a consequence of habitat loss, particularly the lack of old-growth bushes that it requires for nesting, and the degradation of river ecosystems.
Regardless of its identify, Blakiston’s Fish Owl is extra carefully associated to the Eurasian eagle owl than it’s to different fish owls of genus Ketupa.
Boreal Owl
Scientific Title: Aegolius funereus
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North America, Europe, and Asia
Typical 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 Concern
A secretive and seldom-seen owl, the Boreal Owl thrives in dense coniferous forests. This small owl has a particular rounded head, missing ear tufts.
The species primarily feeds on small mammals, particularly voles, and has a smooth, haunting, trill-like name that may carry for lengthy distances on calm nights in the course of the breeding season. Its plumage supplies glorious camouflage in opposition to the bark of bushes.
Burrowing Owl
Scientific Title: Athene cunicularia
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Americas
Typical Habitat: Grasslands, rangelands, agricultural areas, deserts
Wingspan: 0.5-0.6m (1.6-2ft)
Weight: 0.14-0.24 kg (0.31-0.53 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Concern
In contrast to most owls, this small species is usually lively in the course of the day. It lives in burrows, typically ones dug by prairie canine or different burrowing animals. The species has a assorted eating regimen, which incorporates bugs, small rodents, and different birds.
Jap Screech-Owl
Scientific Title: Megascops asio
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North America
Typical Habitat: Woodlands, forests, suburban and concrete areas
Wingspan: 0.5-0.6m (1.6-2ft)
Weight: 0.12-0.3 kg (0.26-0.66 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Concern
This small owl is present in a variety of habitats, together with woodlands, forests, and concrete areas. The species has two essential shade variations, or “morphs”: a crimson, or rufus, morph, and a grey morph.
The jap screech owl has a trilling name, which is usually heard at night time, particularly in the course of the breeding season. It’s discovered throughout jap North America, and is carefully associated to the western screech owl, which is discovered within the western half of the continent.
Elf Owl
Scientific Title: Micrathene whitneyi
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North America (Southwestern United States, Mexico)
Typical Habitat: Desert, 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 Concern
The elf owl is the smallest owl on the earth, being solely barely heavier than a home sparrow. The species nests in outdated woodpecker holes in saguaro cacti or bushes, and feeds totally on bugs and arachnids.
Eurasian Eagle-Owl
Scientific Title: Bubo bubo
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Europe and Asia
Typical 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 Concern
The Eurasian Eagle-Owl is without doubt one of the largest and strongest owls on the earth. Native to Europe and Asia, this spectacular hen possesses distinctive massive, orange eyes, tufted “ear” feathers, and a mixture of mottled brown, black, and cream plumage.
The species is present in a wide range of habitats, from mountainous landscapes to dense forests. With a wingspan typically exceeding 6 ft, the Eurasian Eagle-Owl primarily preys on mammals, birds, and different sizeable prey, even capturing animals as massive as small deer or foxes every now and then. Its deep, resonating name is unmistakable in its native habitats.
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl
Scientific Title: Glaucidium brasilianum
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Americas
Typical 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 Concern
The Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl is a small owl native to the Americas, discovered from the southern elements of the US via Central America to elements of South America. It inhabits a wide range of environments, from arid scrublands to tropical forests.
Regardless of its diminutive dimension, typically no bigger than a sparrow, the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl is a fierce predator, preying on bugs, birds, and small mammals.
The species is characterised by its rusty-brown plumage, lengthy tail, and yellow eyes. A particular characteristic is the presence of two black “eye spots” on the again of its head, which may mislead potential predators into pondering it’s at all times watching.
The Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl’s name is a collection of fast, high-pitched whistles.
Flammulated Owl
Scientific Title: Psiloscops flammeolus
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North America
Typical 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 Concern
The Flammulated Owl is a small, nocturnal owl native to mountainous woodlands of North America.
Distinguished by its darkish eyes and cryptic plumage, the Flammulated Owl’s identify derives from the flame-like markings on its face and physique. It measures nearly 6 inches in size, making it one in all North America’s smallest owls.
Primarily insectivorous, the Flammulated Owl preys on moths, beetles, and different bugs. Its smooth, low hooting calls could be a problem to detect, mixing seamlessly with the sounds of the forest night time. This elusive owl’s mottled grey and brown feathers present glorious camouflage in opposition to tree bark, making it typically laborious to identify.
Nice Grey Owl
Scientific Title: Strix nebulosa
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North America, Europe, and Asia
Typical 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 Concern
The Nice Grey Owl is without doubt one of the world’s largest owls by size, although a lot of its dimension is an phantasm created by its thick feathers.
Native to the boreal forests of North America and Eurasia, this majestic hen is acknowledged by its hanging, 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 environment. Generally described as a “phantom of the north,” the Nice Grey Owl silently hunts small mammals, particularly voles, by hovering over snow earlier than plunging all the way down to seize its prey. Its distinct deep hoots resonate via its chilly, forested habitats.
Nice Horned Owl
Scientific Title: Bubo virginianus
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Americas (from Arctic to South America)
Typical Habitat: Forests, swamps, deserts, and concrete areas
Wingspan: 1.1-1.5m (3.3-4.8ft)
Weight: 0.9-2.5 kg (2-5.5 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Concern
The Nice Horned Owl is a strong and versatile hen of prey discovered all through the Americas, from Arctic tundra to tropical rainforests. Recognizable by its tufted “horns” or “ear tufts” and enormous yellow eyes set in a deeply feathered face, its physique is mottled with a mixture of browns, whites, and blacks. The species has a deep, resonating hoot that’s iconic in its habitats, typically being heard throughout nightfall or daybreak.
Usually dubbed the “tiger of the skies,” the good horned owl is a formidable hunter, preying on a various vary of animals, from birds and rodents to bigger prey like rabbits. Its eating regimen contains a number of different species of birds of prey.
The Nice Horned Owl is understood for its adaptability, able to nesting in a wide range of areas, and its capability to take over different birds’ nests, significantly these of Purple-tailed Hawks.
Lengthy-Eared Owl
Scientific Title: Asio otus
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North America, Europe, and Asia
Typical Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and grasslands, typically close to open areas.
Wingspan: 0.9-1m (2.9-3.3ft)
Weight: 0.2-0.4 kg (0.44-0.88 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Concern
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 eating regimen primarily consists of small mammals and birds.
Northern Hawk Owl
Scientific Title: Surnia ulula
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North America, Europe, and Asia
Typical Habitat: Taiga, boreal forests, and open timber areas
Wingspan: 0.7-1m (2.3-3.3ft)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 kg (0.66-0.88 lb)
IUCN conservation standing: Least Concern
In contrast to most different owls, the northern hawk owl is just lively in the course of 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 in opposition to tree bark.
Northern Pygmy-Owl
Scientific Title: Glaucidium gnoma
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North America
Typical 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 Concern
A diminutive owl, the northern pygmy owl is lively each in the course of the day and night time. The species is recognizable by its rounded head, lack of ear tufts, and false “eye” spots on the again of its head.
Regardless of its small dimension, the northern pygmy owl is an aggressive hunter, preying on birds and small mammals.
Northern Noticed-Whet Owl
Scientific Title: Aegolius acadicus
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North America
Typical 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 Concern
This tiny owl has a cat-like face, massive head, and vibrant yellow eyes. It’s named after the “saw-whetting” sound it makes, which is analogous to a noticed being sharpened. It principally hunts small mammals equivalent to voles and mice.
Oriental Bay Owl
Scientific Title: Phodilus badius
Household: Tytonidae
Continent(s) discovered: Southeast Asia
Typical 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 Concern
The oriental bay owl, like its relative the Sri Lanka bay owl, is extremely distinctive as a consequence of its heart-shaped facial disc, and enormous, black eyes. The 2 bay owls, which collectively make up the genus Phodilus, are sometimes smaller than the opposite members of the barn owl household, Tytonidae.
Highly effective Owl
Scientific Title: Ninox strenua
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Australia
Typical 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 Concern
The highly effective owl is the biggest owl species in Australia, and is known as for its spectacular looking capabilities. Armed with highly effective talons, it could actually prey on animals as massive as possums. The species is recognizable by its dimension, massive orange-yellow eyes, and comparatively small head and lengthy tail, which give the owl a hawk-like look.
Brief-Eared Owl
Scientific Title: Asio flammeus
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Worldwide (besides Antarctica and Australia)
Typical Habitat: Open areas 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 Concern
Named for its ear-like brief tufts of feathers (which are sometimes laborious to see), the short-eared owl is usually nocturnal however may also be seen looking in the course of the day, particularly in winter. It has a particular flight sample with stiff wingbeats and lengthy glides. This species, which is discovered within the Americas and Eurasia, primarily feeds on small mammals and birds.
Snowy Owl
Scientific Title: Bubo scandiacus
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North America, Europe, and Asia (arctic areas)
Typical 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 native to the Arctic areas. It’s well-known for its hanging look: males may be nearly pure white, whereas females have extra flecks of black.
Snowy Owls are diurnal, which means they hunt each day and night time, preying primarily on lemmings and different small mammals.
The inhabitants of snowy owls can fluctuate considerably primarily based on prey availability; a profitable breeding 12 months may end up in snowy owls migrating to areas through which they don’t seem to be normally discovered, together with southern states equivalent to Florida.
Spectacled Owl
Scientific Title: Pulsatrix perspicillata
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Central and South America
Typical 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 Concern
The Spectacled Owl is a big, hanging hen discovered within the tropical forests of Central and South America. Named for its distinctive facial look, it boasts daring, white “eyebrow” rings and a black “masks” round its yellow eyes, giving it a bespectacled look. The remainder of its physique options darkish brown plumage with lighter underparts.
This nocturnal predator primarily hunts mammals, birds, and enormous bugs. Its eerie, pulsing calls may be heard echoing via the rainforest at night time.
Regardless of its dimension and outstanding options, the Spectacled Owl’s cryptic coloring permits it to mix into its forested surroundings.
Noticed Owl
Scientific Title: Strix occidentalis
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: North America
Typical Habitat: Outdated-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 stomach. It’s carefully related to historic, old-growth forests, making habitat destruction a major risk to its survival. This species has been on the heart of many conservation debates as a consequence of its sensitivity to habitat modifications, particularly logging actions.
Tawny Owl
Scientific Title: Strix aluco
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Europe and Asia
Typical 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 Concern
The Tawny Owl is a stocky, medium-sized owl identified for its attribute name that seems like “twit-twoo.” It has a rufous-brown physique with a paler underside and darkish streaks. The Tawny Owl is nocturnal, looking principally rodents and small birds.
The tawny owl hunts primarily by sound. Its listening to is ten instances extra delicate than a human’s. The noise disturbance attributable to rain can stop the owl from having the ability to hunt.
The species is sedentary, typically staying in the identical territory all through its life.
Ural Owl
Scientific Title: Strix uralensis
Household: Strigidae
Continent(s) discovered: Europe and Asia
Typical 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 Concern
The Ural Owl is a medium-to-large owl predominantly discovered within the forests of northern Europe and Asia. It has a pale face with darkish eyes, and a grayish physique adorned with white and darkish streaks. It lacks ear tufts and has a spherical head and a barely elongated tail.
The Ural Owl is primarily a nocturnal hunter, preying on small mammals, birds, and generally amphibians and bugs. Its haunting, rhythmic hoot can typically be heard in the course of the twilight hours.
Preferring dense, mature forests with clearings, the Ural Owl nests in tree cavities and is understood for its territorial nature, particularly in the course of the breeding season. A feminine Ural owl is extraordinarily protecting of her nest, and the species has been identified to inflict severe accidents on people perceived as a risk.
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