An Introduction to Owls

• Owl Rescue
• Displays & Talks
• Conservation
• Adoptions
• Children’s Activities
• Shows
• Nest Boxes

OWL CLASSIFICATION

Kingdom. Animalia - Animals.

Phylum. Chordata - Having a hollow dorsal nerve cord with flexible skeletal rod..

Sub-Phylum. Having a backbone.

Class. Aves.

Order. Strigiformes - Owls.

Owls are found worldwide with the exception of Antartica and their habitats range from forests, mountains, deserts to open prairie land, there are thought to be over 220 different species of Owl in the world which range in size from the tiny Elf Owl to the large and magnificent European Eagle Owl. Owls are not related to diurnal birds of prey although they hunt in the same way using there beak and sharp talons to catch and kill their prey.

Owls are easily recognised by their large, rounded head and huge forward facing eyes, their beak faces downward and they have soft plumage coloured to help them blend in with their natural habitat.

Owls are classed as nocturnal creatures and are very skilled at hunting in low light levels with the aid of their excellent hearing, large eyes and silent flight but only a third of the world’s owls are strictly nocturnal.

All owls belong to the order Strigiformes, the order is then divided into two families:

Tytonidae - Barn Owls, Grass Owls and Bay Owls.

This group are recognised by the heart-shaped facial disk, longer skull and beak, much longer legs and pointed wings.

Strigidae - this consists of all the other owl species.

The collective name given to a group of owls is a Parliament.

It is illegal to release captive bred owls into the wild and like all birds of prey owls are protected by law, it is an offence to disturb or harm them in any way.