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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Owl

Owls are a group of birds of prey in the order Strigiformes, with most species adapted for hunting at night.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Owls are a group of birds of prey in the order Strigiformes, adapted for hunting at night. They are found worldwide in many habitats and feed mainly on small animals, especially rodents. In Canada, native species include the snowy owl, great horned owl, and barn owl.

Classification and diversity

Owls belong to the order Strigiformes and are commonly divided into two families: barn owls and bay owls in Tytonidae, and all other owls in Strigidae. Roughly 250 species are recognised, and they occur on most continents and in many habitats.

Diet and hunting

Owls are carnivorous predators that hunt a range of prey. Small mammals are the most common food source, but species may also take birds, insects, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and other animals depending on size and habitat.

Behaviour and senses

Most owls are nocturnal and use specialised hearing and vision to hunt in low light. Their silent flight and head movement help them locate prey efficiently. Owls can rotate their heads about 270 degrees due to specialised neck anatomy.

Cultural symbolism

Owls are widely used as symbols of wisdom, knowledge, and mystery in modern culture, while in some traditions they are associated with omens or death. Symbolic meanings vary by culture and historical context.

Key facts

  • Owls are birds of prey and are carnivorous.
  • Most owl species are nocturnal and hunt at night.
  • Owls are divided into two main families: Tytonidae and Strigidae.
  • A group of owls is commonly called a parliament.
  • Owls can rotate their heads about 270 degrees.
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Canadian context

Owls are familiar to Canadian readers through native species such as the snowy owl, great horned owl, and barn owl, which occur across many parts of Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What do owls eat?
Owls eat meat, mainly small mammals such as mice, rats, and voles, but also birds, insects, fish, reptiles, and amphibians depending on the species.
How long do owls live?
In the wild, owls have an average lifespan of about 5 to 12 years, though this varies by species and conditions.
Are owls nocturnal?
Most owl species are nocturnal and hunt mainly at night, though some are active at dawn, dusk, or sometimes during the day.
What is a group of owls called?
A group of owls is commonly called a parliament.
Can owls turn their heads all the way around?
No. Owls cannot turn their heads fully around, but they can rotate them a large amount—about 270 degrees—because of specialised neck anatomy.
What does an owl symbolize?
Owls commonly symbolize wisdom, knowledge, and mystery, although meanings vary across cultures and traditions.

References

  1. World of Owls — https://worldofowls.com/food-and-hunting/
    Supports: Owls are birds of prey and their diet includes invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small mammals.
  2. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/owls
    Supports: Owl classification, diet, lifespan, habitat, and that there are roughly 250 species.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owl
    Supports: Most owls are nocturnal; owls are divided into two families; group name parliament; head rotation about 270 degrees.
  4. A-Z Animals — https://www.a-z-animals.com/animals/owls/what-do-owls-eat/
    Supports: General owl diet and cultural symbolism of owls.