Mysterious night hunters: What is an owl?

The owl: a brief overview
Owls belong to the order of owl birds (Strigiformes) and are divided into two families:
- Barn owls (Tytonidae), like the well-known barn owl with its heart-shaped face.
- True owls (Strigidae), which make up the majority of owl species.
With over 200 species worldwide, owls can be found on almost every continent, from tropical rainforests to the icy tundra. Their adaptability and unique abilities make them fascinating creatures that have fascinated people for thousands of years.
Characteristics of owls: Perfect for life at night
The unmistakable eyes
Owls have exceptionally large eyes that are directed forwards. This allows them to perceive a three-dimensional image, which enables them to accurately estimate distances - an essential skill for hunting. Their eyes are so large that they fill almost the entire eye space. However, they are not mobile. Instead, owls can turn their heads by up to 270 degrees to observe their surroundings closely.
Fun fact:
The eyes of many owls glow in the dark when light falls on them. This is due to a reflective layer behind the retina, the so-called tapetum lucidum, which is also found in cats.
The silent flight
Owls have a unique feather structure that makes their flight almost noiseless. The velvety feathers dampen the sounds of flight so that they can sneak up on their prey silently. The jagged edges of the wing feathers break the air currents, which also contributes to their silent flight.
Did you already know?
This silent flight makes owls masters of surprise - an indispensable advantage as many of their prey have excellent hearing.
Exceptional hearing
Owls have incredibly sensitive hearing, which allows them to locate their prey precisely even in complete darkness. Some species, such as the barn owl, have asymmetrically arranged ears - one sits slightly higher than the other. This helps the owl to perceive sounds in three dimensions and detect even the smallest movements in the dark.
The plumage: camouflage is everything
The plumage of owls is perfectly adapted to their environment. Many species have plumage that looks like tree bark or foliage. This camouflage helps them to rest unnoticed in trees during the day, where they can hide from predators.
Lifestyle and behavior
Nocturnal hunters
Most owls are nocturnal. They only leave their hiding places at dusk or at night to go hunting. Their prey ranges from small mammals such as mice and rats to birds, insects and amphibians. Larger species such as the eagle owl can even prey on hares or young foxes.
Interesting fact:
Owls often swallow their prey whole and later regurgitate indigestible parts such as bones and fur in the form of so-called pellets. These remains provide insights into the owls' diet and are often studied by scientists.
Owls as loners
Owls are usually solitary animals and defend their territory vigorously. During the mating season, however, they look for a partner with whom they often form a long-term bond. Many pairs of owls stay together for life. They nest in caves, old trees or even in dilapidated buildings.
Myth and symbolism of owls
Owls have very different meanings in different cultures. While in Greek mythology they were regarded as a symbol of wisdom and the companion of the goddess Athena, in the Middle Ages they were often associated with darkness and death. Today, owls are often seen as protective animals or symbols of intuition and secrets.
Threats and protection
Owls are endangered today due to habitat loss, pollution and the decline of their prey. The eagle owl, Europe's largest owl species, was on the brink of extinction in many countries for a long time, but was able to regain a foothold thanks to targeted conservation measures.
What can you do to protect owls?
- Support projects that are committed to protecting owls and their habitats.
- Hang up nesting boxes - especially in areas where there are no old trees.
- Create a natural environment in your garden that provides a habitat for mice and other prey.
Fascinating facts about owls
- Ancient history: Owls have existed for around 60 million years - they outlived dinosaurs!
- Super listeners: Barn owls can hear a mouse rustle from a distance of over 30 meters.
- Different sizes: The smallest owl in the world, the elf owl, is only about 15 cm tall. The eagle owl, on the other hand, can reach a wingspan of over 1.80 meters!
Conclusion: The magic of owls
Owls are true masters of adaptation and survival artists who captivate us with their silent flights and mysterious characteristics. They are not only fascinating creatures, but also important parts of our ecosystems. Their protection is therefore of great importance.
What do you think?
Have you ever seen an owl in the wild or perhaps even have stories and experiences with these fascinating birds? Feel free to share your experiences and thoughts in the comments!