It is a predatory bird, which does not hunt during the day like most of this species. It comes out to attack only when darkness falls. During the day it sleeps in its hole or in a quiet place where it feels safe. Very often we can see these birds during the day asleep on the branches of high trees. On the right side we have prepared especially for you a menu where you can find many interesting pictures.
Owl Coloring Book
Information
- Family: Owls belong to two main families: owl-like (Strigidae) and fawn-like (Tytonidae).
- Disposition: Owls are found on almost every continent, from the Arctic to Antarctica. They inhabit a wide variety of habitats, from forests to deserts to urban areas.
- Characteristics: Owls have large, round eyes located on the front of their heads, which allows them to see stereoscopically. They also have a very flexible neck that allows them to turn their head as much as 270 degrees.
- Hearing: Owls are known for their exceptional hearing ability, which helps them locate prey in the dark. In some species, the ears are asymmetrically located on the head, which improves localization of the sound source.
- Feathers: Owls have specially adapted feathers that allow them to fly silently. The edges of their ailerons are undulated, which reduces noise during flight.
- Diet: Owls are predators and feed mainly on small mammals such as mice, hamsters, rabbits, as well as birds, insects and other small animals.
- Reproduction: Owls usually make their nests in tree hollows, on rocks or in other shelters. They do not build classic nests from twigs. The female lays the eggs while the male provides her with food.
- Communications: Owls communicate using a variety of sounds, from squeaks to buzzes. This is used both to ward off intruders and to convey information between partners.
- Life expectancy: Depending on the species, owls can live from a few to several decades. In captivity, they usually live longer than in the wild.
- Significance in culture: Owls have been a symbol of wisdom in many cultures. In Greek mythology, the owl was the bird of Athena, the goddess of wisdom.
Trivia
- Amazing neck flexibility: Although it may seem that owls can turn their heads 360 degrees, it is actually closer to 270 degrees. This ability is due to the structure of their cervical spine.
- Silent flight (Silent Flight): Owls have special feathers with serrated edges that muffle sound during flight. This allows them to fly up to their prey almost silently.
- Asymmetrical ears: In some species of owls, the ears are placed asymmetrically on the head. This allows them to pinpoint the location of the sound source, even if it is hidden under snow or in the grass.
- Variable pupil sizes: Owls can independently adjust the size of each pupil. This means that one eye can be fully open while the other is almost closed.
- Deep sleep: Research has shown that owls can fall into a deep sleep, during which even their heads droop. Nevertheless, they are very alert and quickly wake up to the sound of potential prey or danger.
- Pellets: Owls spit out pellets, which are a cluster of undigested debris such as bones, fur and feathers. By studying these pellets, scientists can learn what the owls have been feeding on.
- Diverse voices: Different species of owls have a wide variety of sounds - from deep buzzing to high-pitched squeaks. Some species can mimic the sounds of other birds.
- Owl eyes: Owls' eyes are fixed, which means they cannot move them in their sockets. Therefore, they have to turn their heads to look in different directions.
- Color vision: Owls see primarily in shades of gray, but are able to recognize some colors, especially blue.
- Symbolism: In many cultures, owls are considered a symbol of wisdom, mystery or knowledge. In other traditions, they may also symbolize death and darkness.