Order Strigiformes
Class Aves, Infraclass Neognathae, Superorder Neoaves
Basic Information
- There are around 200 species of owls in this order.
- They are found in all regions except Antarctica and some remote islands.
Defining Characteristics of Order
- an upright stance
- large broad head
- binocular visual
- binaural hearing
- sharp talons
- feathers adapted for silent flight.
Interesting Facts
- Owls are divided into two families: True owls-Strigidae and Barn owls-Tytonidae
- Many owls exhibit reverse sexual dimorphism which means the female is larger than the male.
- Owls tend to mimic the colorations and textures of their surroundings for camouflage.