The Strigiformes consist of 29 genera and 20 species in two families. These birds have a number of adaptations to stalking prey at night. Their wings have a series of soft, fluffy plumage that allows them to fly silently. The ears on each side of their head are of different sizes and shapes allowing them to pinpoint their prey. This combined with the disk shape of the head that funnels sound, and large eyes, make them excellent nocturnal hunters.

Owls

 

Typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. Owls hunt prey that includes mammals, other birds, reptiles, and insects. They do not have teeth to chew their food and consequently swallow their prey whole. About 6 hours after feeding, owls throw up the indigestible parts of their meal as a pellet of bones, feathers or fur. Some better-known owl species include spectacled owls, great horned owls, spotted owls, snowy owls, tawny owls and short-eared owls.

 Barn Owls

male owl(left), female owl(right)

The Barn Owl is one of the most widely distributed birds in the world, found on all continents except Antarctica, and on many oceanic islands as well. It has been introduced by people to some of the few places it did not already occur, namely Hawaii, the Seychelles Islands, and Lord Howe Island. Barn owls are medium to large sized owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They are pale, long-winged, long-legged with a short squarish tail. They have long strong legs with powerful talons.  They Hunt at night, flying low over ground. Found in open habitats, such as grasslands, deserts, marshes, and agricultural fields. They feed on rodents, birds, fish and large insects. They Nest in hollow trees, cliff cavities, in buildings, and nest boxes.
Sources
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