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20 Little-Known Facts About Owls

Owls are birds with many species, but they all share a predatory nature and nocturnal lifestyle. They are mentioned in many legends and myths, and in general, they play an important role in various folk tales. These amazing creatures are smart and hardy nocturnal predators.

  • The owl’s flight is completely silent thanks to its special feathers. This useful property helps owls in their night hunting.
  • Most owls are nocturnal birds, they prefer to sleep during the day. However, some owls hunt at dawn or dusk, that is, at dusk.
  • An owl can turn its head 270 degrees, which is three-quarters of a full turn.
  • Owls of different species hunt each other.
  • The eyes of owls are completely motionless, which is why nature has awarded them with such a flexible neck.
  • The only type of owl that eats, including plant foods, is an elf owl.
  • Owls are the largest birds of prey on the planet; they even hunt golden eagles and young wild boars.
  • In some species of owls, the ears are asymmetrically positioned, which allows them to better orient themselves by ear. The accuracy of the owl’s hearing is such that these birds can determine the direction to the sound source with an accuracy of one degree.
  • The smallest owl is a Peruvian dwarf, it weighs about 30 grams. For comparison, the largest hummingbirds weigh about 20 grams.
  • Most owls are farsighted, that is, they see better in the distance than up close. In addition, they see better at dusk and darkness than in the light.
  • Some species of owls willingly feed on fish, which they skillfully catch with their claws.
  • Contrary to popular belief, not all owls “hoot”.
  • Owls live almost all over the planet, with the exception of Antarctica and some islands.
  • The snowy owl is one of the few species of owls that hunt during the day rather than at night.
  • Owls have three pairs of eyelids. The first is for blinking, the second is for protecting the eyes, the third is for sleeping.
  • On many ancient Greek coins, the image of an owl is often found.
  • In many cultures, the owl is a symbol of wisdom.
  • Of all birds, only owls have their sensitive ears composed of folds of skin.
  • The ancient Egyptians believed that owls lived in the kingdom of the dead.
  • In Chinese culture, the owl is often the personification of evil.
Alice White

Written by Alice White

Alice White, a devoted pet lover and writer, has turned her boundless affection for animals into a fulfilling career. Originally dreaming of wildlife, her limited scientific background led her to specialize in animal literature. Now she happily spends her days researching and writing about various creatures, living her dream.

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