After writing an article on 6 amazing owls, I discovered even more incredible owl species! These birds have even more surprising abilities. Get ready to meet 5 more interesting owls!
The giant owl
Eurasian eagle-owls are one of the largest owl species. Their wingspan can reach 6.5 feet! Thanks to their size, they’re able pursue prey like snakes, foxes, and similarly-sized birds. Eurasian eagle-owls are found through out Europe and Asia in forests, deserts, and mountains. Rather than choosing a soft and cozy spot for a nest, they live in rock crevices and cave entrances!
The construction owl
Northern saw-whet owls are adorable, but they might make you want to cover your ears. They’re named after their call, which sounds like a saw being sharpened on a whetstone! Since they’re only 7 to 8 inches tall, these owls are heard more often than they’re seen. Spotting one of these cuties is definitely a special treat!
The Valentine owl
Barn owls are known for their distinctive heart-shaped face. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica! With their excellent hearing and downy feathers to mute the sound of their flying, barn owls are incredible nocturnal hunters. When nesting, they stash extra food to feed their young!
The daytime owl
If you think all owns are nocturnal, think again! Northern pygmy-owls are aggressive daytime hunters that sometimes attack animals bigger than themselves. They’re only 6 inches tall, but they have a fierce attitude! Like some raptors, northern pygmy-owls have ocelli: markings on the back of their head that look like eyes. This disguise helps them deceive prey and avoid being attacked!
The usurping owl
Long-eared owls live in North America, Europe, and Asia. Instead of building their own nests, they take up residence in the deserted nests of similarly sized birds! Hawks, ravens, and magpies are all unintentional providers of long-earned owl nests. Long-eared owls court each other with aerial displays and males are known to perform special calls to get the ladies’ attention!
It seems like every owl has its own amazing talents. An all-species owl family reunion would be chocked full of fun birds! 👓