Owls are one of the most recognizable species of bird in the world. There are 255 species of owl in the order Strigiformes, distributed among 25 genera in two families. If you’re a fan of owls, you’re not alone. These beautiful creatures have been around for hundreds of years, and there are several different owl species to enjoy. So whether you’re a barn owl fan or a Tundra swift lover, there’s an owl species for you.
Different Types of Owls
Tytonidae Owls
There are many owl species worldwide, some of which are pretty unique. One is the Tytonidae owl, found only in the U.S. and Canada. The Tytonidae owl makes up for two of the nine owl species found in North America. These owls are great additions to any birdfeeder or live-trap garden because they are avid eaters.
The other seven owl species can be found anywhere from southern Canada to Central America and south through much of the West into Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona. So, if you want to add some owl species to your backyard, the Tytonidae owl is a great option!
Some Species of Tytonidae Owls
Here is a list of all the Tytonidae owls:
African Grass-Owl
The African Grass-Owl is one of the most common owls found in Africa. This owl is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, meaning that its population has decreased by over 50% since 1970, and it faces significant threats from habitat loss and hunting.
Despite this, this owl is still common in many parts of Africa and can be seen during daylight hours and at night. It mainly feeds on insects and other small creatures but will take prey larger than itself if opportunities arise.
African Grass-Owl
The African Grass-Owl is an owl that inhabits the grasslands and open woodland of Africa. This species has a characteristic hooting call it uses to communicate with other owls in its territory. It feeds mainly on small mammals and can eat reptiles, birds, and insects.
The African Grass-Owl is the most common owl found in Africa, making it an important species for conservation. As with all owls, this one is territorial and will attack any owl coming too close to its home.
Ashy-Faced Owl
The Ashy-Faced Owl is one of the most common owls in North America, and its nesting habits are primarily unrecorded, as it probably builds a nest in a tree cavity or on top of a high point. Notably, this owl mainly feeds on small mammals and insects but will also scavenge.
Australian Masked-Owl
Australian Masked-Owls are one of the most common owl species in Australia. These large owls have striking facial masks and are known for their nocturnal habits. They often perched on high trees during the day but can also be seen hunting at night. Australian Masked-Owls can weigh up to 2kgs and measure around 80cm long with a wingspan of 150-180cm!
Strigidae Owls
Owls are nocturnal and hunt primarily small animals such as rodents and other birds. Of the thirteen species of owls that reside in North America, eight of them reside in Canada. The barn owl is the most common owl found throughout North America. So, if you’re curious about owl species or want to learn more about these fantastic birds, check out this blog post for a list of owl species and more information about them!
List of Strigidae Owls
Strigidae owls are some of the most famous owl species with a wide range of habitats and prey. They can be found anywhere except for Antarctica and certain cold desert areas, making them one of the most versatile owl species. These birds are small in size with a characteristic facial disk, no ear tufts, and short legs.
They mainly hunt on small prey such as insects, rodents, or even eggs at night, but they will also consume carrion if available. There are over 100 Strigidae owl species, making them one of the most diverse bird families on Earth!
African Barred Owlet
The African Barred Owlet is an owl species hunting large prey. It is classified as a near-threatened species, and its small population size has resulted in its decline in habitat conditions. This owl is found only in Africa, where it inhabits open woodlands and grassland habitats. The barred coloration on the upper parts of this owl makes it stand out against its background; Strigidae owls are the family of owls that includes this species.
Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl is one of the most recognizable owls in North America. This nocturnal predator can hunt prey as large as a deer. Its wingspan of up to 2 meters makes it one of the giant owls in the world, and its ears are susceptible, which means it can hear even the tiniest sounds. As long as you know these talking points about this owl, you’ll be well on your way to understanding all there is to know about this magnificent bird!
Short-Eared Owl
The short-eared owl is the smallest owl found in North America, and its distinctive hooting can be heard throughout the night. These owls usually prey on small animals but have consumed more oversized prey items, such as frogs and lizards. Strigidae owls are the most common owl species in North America, with about 50% of all owl species being strigids. Short-eared owls can be found in all parts of the world except Antarctica.
Owl Species: Facts and Trivia!
The Largest Type of Owl
Owls can be impressive creatures – large and powerful; they’re masters of the night. Many owl species are out there, some of which are pretty large. Among these are the harpy eagle, which can measure up to six feet tall and have an eight-foot wingspan, and the coal black owl, which averages four feet in length with a wingspan of one foot nine inches.
All types of owls are hunter-gatherers, so they’re excellent at catching prey on the wing. The great horned owl is the most significant type of owl in the world and can weigh up to two pounds.
The Smallest Type of Owl
The minor type of owl is the pygmy owl, with only a few dozen members worldwide. As you can see, there are plenty of choices to make when it comes to owl species. Somewhat more significant than the prairie falcon, this owl is found across North America and parts of Eurasia.
The Strongest Type of Owl
Owls can weigh less than 1 pound or be as heavy as 20 pounds. They’ve got sharp eyesight, which is perfect for hunting at night. One of the most robust owl species is the great-horned owl. They can seize prey with talons that may reach 2.2 inches in length, but they are also excellent swimmers. They have a five-pound lifting limit. The great horned owl is known to take on enormous prey since it is the strongest owl.
Owls can be found in various climates, making them versatile species. If you’re looking for an owl species that are a little more challenging, then go for the owl species. They’re some of the strongest owls out there, and they also make great pets! So if you’re ever in the mood for some nature up close and personal, add an owl to your list of birdwatching favorites!
The Most Common Type of Owl
Barn owls are the most common owl species, and they are found throughout North America and Eurasia. Other owls include the snowy owl, which can be found in colder climates, and the harpy eagle, which hunts prey at high altitudes. They are found throughout North America and Eurasia.
The Least Common Type of Owl
The barn owl (Tyto alba) is the least common species of owl that breeds in Florida. In addition, it is unique from the other “typical owls” in that it is the only species in its family. Its appearance is very different from other owls, as well.
Types of Owls Depending on Distribution
There are over 200 different owl species alive today, and that’s just the owl species that reside in North America! Owls can be found on all continents except Antarctica, so there are a variety of owl species depending on where they live.
For example, horned owls, spotted owls, loggerhead sea turtles, and eastern screech frogs can be found in open areas or near water, while broad-winged hawks, barn owls, northern saw-whet owls, and eastern screech frogs can be found in forests and tall trees. In addition, other types of owls that live in open areas or near water include horned owls, spotted owls, loggerhead sea turtles, and eastern screech frogs.
Owls in North America
Owls are one of the most popular birds in North America. Five owl species can be found here, each with its unique features and characteristics. These fantastic creatures make great photo opportunities, from great horned to barn owls! While some owl species are more common than others, there is always something new to see anywhere you go in North America.
Owls in South America
South America is home to a great variety of owls that can be found there. This region’s owl species include the Harpy Eagle, Giant Hummingbird, and Southern Boa Constrictor. The Harpy Eagle is one of the most interesting of these three as it hunts large prey such as mammals and birds.
Other owl species spotted in South American countries are The Brown-headed Cowbird, Masked Owlet, Andean Condor, Black-chinned Spiderhunter, White-breasted Nighthawk, and Rufous-necked Swallowtail.
Owls in Europe
Three owl species can be found in Europe- the Barn Owl, the Tawny Owl, and the Eurasian Eagle-Owl. These owls are all widespread across most of the continent, except Estonia and Latvia, where they only occur near forests.
The Tawny Owl is rarer but can be found in a broader range of habitats than the barn owl, including woodlands, agricultural land, and urban areas. The Barn owl is more common than any other owl in Europe and can be found anywhere apart from deserts or glaciers.
Owls in Asia
There are around 120 owl species worldwide, of which 60 can be found in Asia. Most of these owls are nocturnal and live in forests, although a few species, such as the Buddhist Vulture or Great Horned Owl, inhabit open habitats. Some well-known Asian owls include the Eurasian Eagle Owl, which is found across much of Russia and parts of Asia (excluding China) and north-eastern South Korea.
Owls in Africa
There are 19 species of owls, 10 of which can be found in Africa. Some African owls you may be familiar with include the barn owl and eagle owl. The barn owl is found in southern and eastern Africa.
Owls in Australia
Australia is home to five owl species – barn owls, northern hawk-owls, great horned owls, pygmy owls, and white-faced owls. While the barn owl can be found throughout eastern Australia, the northern hawk-owl’s range extends as far south as Queensland and New South Wales, while the great horned owl can be spotted in central Australia.
The pygmy owl is only found in Tasmania, while white-faced owls can be seen throughout most mainland Australia. Barn owls are famously nocturnal animals that live in caves or abandoned buildings, while northern hawks-owls prefer woodland areas with plenty of prey, such as mammals, birds, and small reptiles.
