Difference between revisions of "Owl" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Taxobox
 
{{Taxobox
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| color = pink
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|name = Owl
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| name = Owl
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|fossil_range = {{fossil range|58}}Late [[Paleocene]] – Recent
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| image = Northern_Spotted_Owl.USFWS-thumb.jpg
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|image = Northern_Spotted_Owl.USFWS-thumb.jpg
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| image_caption = The rare [[Northern Spotted Owl]]<br/>''Strix occidentalis caurina''
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|image_caption = The rare [[Northern Spotted Owl]]<br/>''Strix occidentalis caurina''
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| image_width = 200px
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|image_width = 200px
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| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
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|regnum = [[Animal]]ia
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| phylum = [[Chordata]]
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|phylum = [[Chordata]]
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| classis = [[Aves]]
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|classis = [[Aves]]
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| ordo = '''Strigiformes'''
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|subclassis = [[Neornithes]]
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| ordo_authority = [[Johann Georg Wagler|Wagler]], 1830
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|infraclassis = [[Neognathae]]
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| subdivision_ranks = Families
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|superordo = [[Neoaves]]
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| subdivision =  
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|ordo = '''Strigiformes'''
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|ordo_authority = [[Johann Georg Wagler|Wagler]], 1830
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|subdivision_ranks = Families
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|subdivision =
 
[[Strigidae]]<br />
 
[[Strigidae]]<br />
 
[[Tytonidae]]<br />
 
[[Tytonidae]]<br />
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[[Palaeoglaucidae]] ([[fossil]])<br />
 
[[Palaeoglaucidae]] ([[fossil]])<br />
 
[[Protostrigidae]] ([[fossil]])<br />
 
[[Protostrigidae]] ([[fossil]])<br />
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[[Sophiornithidae]] ([[fossil]])  
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[[Sophiornithidae]] ([[fossil]])
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| synonyms =
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|synonyms =
 
Strigidae <small>sensu Sibley & Ahlquist</small>
 
Strigidae <small>sensu Sibley & Ahlquist</small>
 
}}
 
}}
  
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'''Owls''' are solitary and [[Nocturnal animal|nocturnal]] [[bird of prey|birds of prey]]. They are classified in the [[order (biology)|order]] '''Strigiformes''', in which there are over 200 extant [[species]]. Owls mostly hunt small [[mammal]]s, [[insect]]s, and other [[bird]]s, though a few species specialize in hunting [[fish]]. They are found in all regions of the Earth except [[Antarctica]], most of [[Greenland]], and some remote islands. Though owls are typically solitary, the literary [[collective noun]] for a group of owls is a ''parliament''.
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The '''Owls''' are an [[order (biology)|order]] of [[bird of prey|birds of prey]]. Most are [[solitary]], and [[Nocturnal animal|nocturnal]], with some exceptions (e.g. the [[Burrowing Owl]]). They are classified in the order '''Strigiformes''', in which there are over 200 extant [[species]]. Owls mostly hunt small [[mammal]]s, [[insect]]s, and other [[bird]]s, though a few species specialize in hunting [[fish]]. They are found in all regions of the Earth except [[Antarctica]], most of [[Greenland]], and some remote islands. Though owls are typically solitary, the literary [[collective noun]] for a group of owls is a ''parliament''.
  
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The living owls are divided into two families: the [[typical owl]]s, Strigidae, and the [[barn-owls]], Tytonidae.
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The living owls are divided into two [[Family (biology)|families]], the [[typical owl]]s, Strigidae, and the [[barn-owls]], Tytonidae.
  
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==External appearance==
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==Description==
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[[Image:Owl 123.jpg|frame|left|A [[horned owl]], genus ''Bubo''.]]
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[[Image:Eagle Owl IMG 9203.JPG|thumb|left|Eagle Owl]]
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Owls have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a [[hawk]]-like [[beak]], and usually a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a ''facial disc''. Although owls have [[binocular vision]], their large eyes are fixed in their sockets, as with other birds, and they must turn their entire head to change views.
 
  
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Owls are far-sighted, and are unable to clearly see anything within a few inches of their eyes. Their far vision, particularly in low light, is incredibly good, and they can turn their head 135 degrees in either direction; they can thus look behind their own shoulders. It is not correct, however, that they can turn the head so far as to face completely backwards.
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Owls have large forward-facing eyes and ear-holes, a [[hawk]]-like [[beak]], a flat face, and usually a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a ''facial disc''. Although owls have [[binocular vision]], their large eyes are fixed in their sockets, as with other birds, and they must turn their entire head to change views.
  
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Different species of owls make different sounds; the wide range of calls aids owl species in finding mates or announcing their presence to potential competitors, and [[ornithologist]]s and [[birder]]s in locating these birds and recognizing species. The facial disc helps to funnel the sound of prey to their ears. In many species, these are placed asymmetrically, for better directional location (Norberg, 1977).
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The smallest owl is the [[Elf Owl]] (''Micrathene whitneyi''), at as little as  31 g (1.1 oz) and 13.5 cm (5.3 inches). Some of the [[pygmy owl]]s are scarcely larger. The largest owls are two of the [[horned owl|eagle owls]], the [[Eurasian Eagle Owl]] (''Bubo bubo'') and [[Blakiston's Fish Owl]] (''Bubo blakistoni''), which may reach a size of 60-71 cm (28.4 in) long, have a wingspan of almost 2 m (6.6 ft), and  weight of nearly 4.5 kg (10 lb).
  
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==Behavior==
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Owls are far-sighted, and are unable to see anything clearly  within a few inches of their eyes. Their far vision, particularly in low light, is exceptionally good. They can turn their head 135 degrees in either direction; they can thus look behind their own shoulders.
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[[Image:Feathers owl vs hawk.png|right|thumb|192px|Comparison of an owl (left) and hawk (right) [[remex]].]]
 
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Owls' powerful clawed feet and sharp beak enable them to tear their prey to pieces before eating, although most items are swallowed whole. Their [[remiges]], or flight feathers, have fluffy trailing edges, muffling their wingbeats and allowing their flight to be practically silent. The dull coloration makes them hard to spot. Some fish-eating owls, which have no need of silence, lack this adaptation.
 
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Elf owls also lack the feathers for silent flying.
 
  
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Scientists studying the diets of owls are helped by their habit of [[regurgitation (digestion)|regurgitating]] the indigestible parts of their prey (bones, scales, fur, etc.) in the form of [[Pellet (ornithology)|pellets]]. These "owl pellets" are often sold by companies to schools to be dissected by students as a lesson in biology and ecology, because they are plentiful and easy to interpret.  
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Different species of owls make different sounds; the wide range of calls aids owls in finding mates or announcing their presence to potential competitors, and also aids [[ornithologist]]s and [[birder]]s in locating these birds and recognizing species. The facial disc helps to funnel the sound of prey to their ears. In many species, these are placed asymmetrically, for better directional location (Cotty, 2008).
  
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Owl eggs are white and almost spherical, and range in number from a few to a dozen dependent on species. Their nests are crudely built and may be in trees, underground burrows or barns and caves.
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Owl eggs are usually white and almost spherical, and range in number from a few to a dozen, depending on species. The eggs are laid in intervals of 1–3 days and do not hatch at the same time. This accounts for the wide variation in the size of sibling nestlings. Owls do not construct nests but rather look for a sheltered nesting site or an abandoned nest, in trees, underground burrows, or in buildings, barns and caves.
  
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Most owls are nocturnal, but several, including the [[pygmy owl]]s ''(Glaucidium)'', are crepuscular, or twilight active, hunting mainly at [[dawn]] and [[dusk]]. A few owls, such as the [[Burrowing Owl]] (''Speotyto cunicularia)'' and the [[Short-eared Owl]] ''(Asio flammeus)'', are also active during the day.  
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==Behaviour==
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[[Image:Owl sleeping in tree.jpg|thumb|An owl sleeping at daytime in a hollow tree.]]
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Most owls are nocturnal, actively hunting for prey only under the cover of darkness. Several types of owl, however, are crepuscular, or active during the twilight hours of [[dawn]] and [[dusk]]; one example is the [[pygmy owl]] (''Glaucidium''). A few owls are also active during the day; examples are the [[Burrowing Owl]] (''Speotyto cunicularia)'' and the [[Short-eared Owl]] (''Asio flammeus'').
  
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The smallest owls include the [[elf owl]] and the [[pygmy owl]]s, some of which are only 13 cm (5.1 in) long, have a 32 cm (12.6-in) wingspan, and weigh only 50 g (1.76 oz). The largest owls are the [[horned owl|eagle owls]], the [[Eurasian Eagle Owl]] ''Bubo bubo'' and [[Verreaux's Eagle Owl]] ''B. lacteus'', which may reach 76.2 cm (30 in) long, have a wingspan of just over 2 m (6.6 ft), and weigh about 4 kg (almost 9 lb).
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[[Image:EulenfederTeil3.jpg|right|thumb|The serrations on the leading edge of an owl's flight feathers reduce noise.]]
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<!-- [[Image:Feathers owl vs hawk.png|right|thumb|192px|Comparison of an owl (left) and hawk (right) [[remex]].]] —>
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Much of the owl's hunting strategy depends on stealth and surprise.  Owls have at least two adaptations that aid them in achieving stealth.  First, the dull coloration of an owl's feathers can render them almost invisible under certain conditions. Secondly, serrated edges on the leading edge of the owl's [[remiges]] muffle the owl's wingbeats, allowing its flight to be practically silent. Some fish-eating owls, where this silence is of no evolutionary advantage, lack this adaptation. Elf owls and Burrowing owls also lack the feathers for silent flying.
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Once prey has been captured, the owl's sharp beak and powerful [[Claw#Birds|talons]], or clawed feet allow it to kill its prey before swallowing it whole (unless it is too big). Scientists studying the diets of owls are helped by their habit of [[regurgitation (digestion)|regurgitating]] the indigestible parts of their prey (such as bones, scales and fur) in the form of [[Pellet (ornithology)|pellets]]. These "owl pellets" are often sold by companies to schools to be dissected by students as a lesson in biology and ecology, because they are plentiful and easy to interpret.<ref>[http://www.carolina.com/category/teacher+resources/lab+safety/owl+pellets+in+the+classroom+-+safety+guidelines.do "Owl Pellets in the Classroom: Safety Guidelines"].<!--a ref. was requested—></ref>
  
 
==Evolution and systematics==
 
==Evolution and systematics==
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The [[Systematics|systematic]] placement of owls is disputed. For example, the [[Sibley-Ahlquist taxonomy]] finds that, based on [[DNA-DNA hybridization]], owls are more closely related to the [[nightjar]]s and their allies (Caprimulgiformes) than to the diurnal predators in the order [[Falconiformes]]; consequently, the Caprimulgiformes are placed in the Strigidae and the owls in general become a [[family (biology)|family]] '''Strigidae'''. This is not supported by more recent research{{Fact|date=February 2007}}<ref>
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The [[Systematics|systematic placement]] of owls is disputed. For example, the [[Sibley-Ahlquist taxonomy]] finds that, based on [[DNA-DNA hybridization]], owls are more closely related to the [[nightjar]]s and their allies ([[Caprimulgiformes]]) than to the diurnal predators in the order [[Falconiformes]]; consequently, the Caprimulgiformes are placed in the Strigiformes, and the owls in general become a [[family (biology)|family]] '''Strigidae'''. This is not supported by more recent research.<ref>See Haaramo (2006). In reality, the presumed distant relationship of the accipitrids - namely, the "Accipitriformes" according to Sibley and Ahlquist (1990) - with owls (and most other bird lineages) is most likely due to [[systematic error]]. Accipitrids have undergone drastic [[chromosome rearrangement]] and thus appear in DNA-DNA hybridization generally unlike other living birds.</ref>
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In reality, for the distant relationship of the accipitrids - namely, the "Accipitriformes" according to Sibley & Ahlquist (1990) - with owls (and most other bird lineages) is most likely due to [[systematic error]]. Accipitrids have undergone drastic [[chromosome rearrangement]] and thus appear in DNA-DNA hybridization generally unlike other living birds.</ref>.
 
 
In any case, the relationships of the Caprimulgiformes, the owls, the [[falcon]]s and the [[Accipitridae|accipitrid raptors]] are not resolved to satisfaction; currently there is an increasing trend to consider each group (with the possible exception of the accipitrids) a distinct order.
 
In any case, the relationships of the Caprimulgiformes, the owls, the [[falcon]]s and the [[Accipitridae|accipitrid raptors]] are not resolved to satisfaction; currently there is an increasing trend to consider each group (with the possible exception of the accipitrids) a distinct order.
  
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There are some 225 extant species of owls, which are subdivided into two families; [[typical owls]] (Strigidae) and [[barn-owls]] (Tytonidae). Some entirely extinct families have also been erected based on [[fossil]] remains; these differ much from modern owls in being less specialized or specialized in a very different way (such as the terrestrial [[Sophiornithidae]]). The Early [[Paleocene]] (c.58 [[mya (unit)|mya]]) genus ''Ogygoptynx'' can be taken to indicate that owls were present as a distinct lineage already at the extinction of the non-avian [[dinosaur]]s, making them one of the oldest known groups of non-[[Galloanserae]] landbirds. The supposed "[[Cretaceous]] owl" ''Bradycneme'' is a non-avian dinosaur however, possibly ''[[Elopteryx]]''.
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There are some 220–225 extant species of owls, which are subdivided into two families; [[typical owls]] (Strigidae) and [[barn-owls]] (Tytonidae). Some entirely extinct families have also been erected based on [[fossil]] remains; these differ much from modern owls in being less specialized or specialized in a very different way (such as the terrestrial [[Sophiornithidae]]). The [[Paleocene]] genera ''[[Berruornis]]'' and ''[[Ogygoptynx]]'' show that owls were already present as a distinct lineage some 60-58 mya ([[million years ago]]), and presumably also some 5 million years earlier, at the extinction of the non-avian [[dinosaur]]s. This makes them one of the oldest known groups of non-[[Galloanserae]] landbirds. The supposed "[[Cretaceous]] owls" ''[[Bradycneme]]'' and ''[[Heptasteornis]]'' are apparently non-[[Avialae|avialan]] [[Maniraptora|maniraptors]].<ref>Mortimer (2004)</ref>
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''Ogygoptynx'' must not be understood to be a modern owl with all their [[apomorph]]ies, but was simply a predatory woodland bird, still fairly generalized, but possibly nocturnal. Together with ''Berruornis'', ''Ogygoptynx'' indicates that owls probably evolved in [[North America]], crossing the narrow [[North Atlantic]] at the very beginning of the [[Cenozoic]] or even earlier<ref>
 
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''Ogygoptynx'' is known from what was then the coastal areas of the receding [[Pierre Seaway]], the southern part of the great Late Mesozoic inland sea of North America. Thus, the lack of fossil owls from the well-scoured deposits of [[Mongolia]] - east of Asia's Early Cenozoic inland seaway, the [[Turgay Strait]] - can be taken as indication that the order's origins lay indeed west of the North Atlantic.</ref>. Still, it cannot be excluded with absolute certainty that the little material known of these early [[taxa]] is merely similar to owls due to [[convergent evolution]], but this seems less likely than owls being indeed a very ancient group.
 
  
 
During the [[Paleogene]], the Strigiformes [[adaptive radiation|radiated]] into [[ecological niche]]s now mostly filled by other groups of birds. The owls as we know them today, on the other hand, evolved their characteristic [[Morphology (biology)|morphology]] and [[adaptation]]s during that time too. By the early [[Neogene]], the other lineages had been displaced by other bird orders, leaving only barn-owls and typical owls. The latter at that time were usually a fairly generic type of (probably earless) owl similar to today's North American [[Spotted Owl]] or the European [[Tawny Owl]]; the diversity in size and [[ecology]] found in typical owls today developed only subsequently.
 
During the [[Paleogene]], the Strigiformes [[adaptive radiation|radiated]] into [[ecological niche]]s now mostly filled by other groups of birds. The owls as we know them today, on the other hand, evolved their characteristic [[Morphology (biology)|morphology]] and [[adaptation]]s during that time too. By the early [[Neogene]], the other lineages had been displaced by other bird orders, leaving only barn-owls and typical owls. The latter at that time were usually a fairly generic type of (probably earless) owl similar to today's North American [[Spotted Owl]] or the European [[Tawny Owl]]; the diversity in size and [[ecology]] found in typical owls today developed only subsequently.
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Around the Paleogene-Neogene boundary (some 25 mya), barn-owls were the dominant group of owls in southern Europe and adjacent Asia at least; the distribution of fossil and present-day owl lineages indicates that their decline is contemporary with the evolution of the different major lineages of typical owls, which for the most part seems to have taken place in Eurasia. In the Americas, there was rather an expansion of immigrant lineages of ancestral typical owls.
 
Around the Paleogene-Neogene boundary (some 25 mya), barn-owls were the dominant group of owls in southern Europe and adjacent Asia at least; the distribution of fossil and present-day owl lineages indicates that their decline is contemporary with the evolution of the different major lineages of typical owls, which for the most part seems to have taken place in Eurasia. In the Americas, there was rather an expansion of immigrant lineages of ancestral typical owls.
  
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The supposed fossil [[heron]]s ''"Ardea" perplexa'' (Middle Miocene of Sansan, France) and ''"Ardea" lignitum'' (Late Pliocene of Germany) were more probably owls; the latter was apparently close to the modern genus ''[[Bubo (genus)|Bubo]]''. Judging from this, the Late Miocene remains from France described as ''"Ardea" aureliensis'' should also be restudied.(Olson 1985:131, 267) The [[Messelasturidae]], some of which were initially believed to be [[basal]] Strigiformes, are now generally accepted to be diurnal [[birds of prey]] showing some [[convergent evolution]] towards owls.
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The supposed fossil [[heron]]s ''"Ardea" perplexa'' (Middle Miocene of Sansan, France) and ''"Ardea" lignitum'' (Late Pliocene of Germany) were more probably owls; the latter was apparently close to the modern genus ''[[Bubo (genus)|Bubo]]''. Judging from this, the Late Miocene remains from France described as ''"Ardea" aureliensis'' should also be restudied.<ref>Olson (1985): pp.131, 267</ref> The [[Messelasturidae]], some of which were initially believed to be [[Basal (phylogenetics)|basal]] Strigiformes, are now generally accepted to be diurnal [[birds of prey]] showing some [[convergent evolution]] towards owls. The taxa often united under ''[[Strigogyps]]''<ref>Mayr (2005)</ref> were formerly placed in part with the owls, specifically the Sophiornithidae; they appear to be [[Ameghinornithidae]] instead.<ref>Alvarenga & Höfling (2003), Peters (2007)</ref>
  
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For fossil species and [[paleosubspecies]], see the genus and species articles.
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For fossil species and [[paleosubspecies]] of extant [[taxa]], see the genus and species articles.
  
 
'''Unresolved and basal forms''' (all fossil)
 
'''Unresolved and basal forms''' (all fossil)
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* Genus ''[[Berruornis]]'' (Late Paleocene of France) - basal? Sophornithidae?
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* ''[[Berruornis]]'' (Late Paleocene of France) - basal? Sophornithidae?<!-- *Palaeontology37:339 —>
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* Genus ''[[Palaeoglaux]]'' (Middle - Late Eocene of WC Europe) - own family Palaeoglaucidae or Strigidae?<!-- ZoolJLinnSoc128:149 —>
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* Strigiformes gen. et ap. indet. (Late Paleocene of Zhylga, Kazakhstan)<!-- Palaeontology37:339 —>
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* ''[[Palaeoglaux]]'' (Middle – Late Eocene of WC Europe) - own family Palaeoglaucidae or Strigidae?<!-- Palaeontology37:339; ZoolJLinnSoc128:149 —>
 
* ''[[Palaeobyas]]'' (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene of Quercy, France) - Tytonidae? Sophiornithidae?
 
* ''[[Palaeobyas]]'' (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene of Quercy, France) - Tytonidae? Sophiornithidae?
 
* ''[[Palaeotyto]]'' (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene of Quercy, France) - Tytonidae? Sophiornithidae?
 
* ''[[Palaeotyto]]'' (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene of Quercy, France) - Tytonidae? Sophiornithidae?
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* Strigiformes gen. et spp. indet. (Early Oligocene of Wyoming, USA: Olson 1985:131)
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* Strigiformes gen. et spp. indet. (Early Oligocene of Wyoming, USA)<ref name = olson1985p131>Olson 1985: p.131</ref>
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* ''[[Mioglaux]]'' (Late Oligocene? - Early Miocene of WC Europe) - includes ''"Bubo" poirreiri''
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* ''[[Intutula]]'' (Early/Middle Miocene of WC Europe) - includes ''"Strix/Ninox" brevis''<!-- Olson 1985:131 —>
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===[[Ogygoptyngidae]]===
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* ''[[Alasio]]'' (Middle Miocene of Vieux-Collonges, France)
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* ''[[Ogygoptynx]]'' (''Middle/Late Paleocene of Colorado, USA)<!-- AmMusNovit2773:1; Auk99:576; Palaeontology37:339 —>
  
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===Ogygoptyngidae===
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===[[Protostrigidae]]===
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* Genus ''[[Ogygoptynx]]'' (Middle/Late Paleocene of Colorado, USA)<!-- AmMusNovit2773:1; Auk99:576 —>
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* ''[[Eostrix]]'' (Early Eocene of WC USA and England - Middle Eocene of WC USA)<!-- AmMusNovit2773:1. Auk89:887,99:576. Palaeontology37:339. —>
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* ''[[Minerva (genus)|Minerva]]'' (Middle – Late Eocene of W USA) - formerly ''Protostrix'', includes ''"Aquila" ferox'', ''"Aquila" lydekkeri'', and ''"Bubo" leptosteus''<!-- AmMusNovit680:1,2773:1. Auk99:576. Palaeontology37:339. —>
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* ''[[Oligostrix]]'' (mid-Oligocene of Saxony, Germany)<!-- Palaeontology37:339 —>
  
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===Protostrigidae===
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===[[Sophiornithidae]]===
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* Genus ''[[Eostrix]]'' (Early Eocene of WC USA and England - Middle Eocene of WC USA)<!-- AmMusNovit2773:1; Auk89:887;99:576 —>
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* ''[[Sophiornis]]''<!-- Palaeontology37:339 —>
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* Genus ''[[Minerva (owl)|Minerva]]'' (Middle - Late Eocene of W USA) - formerly ''Protostrix'', includes ''"Aquila" ferox'', ''"Aquila" lydekkeri'', and ''"Bubo" leptosteus''<!-- AmMusNovit2773:1; Auk99:576 —>
 
  
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===Sophiornithidae===
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===[[Strigidae]]: Typical owls===
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* Genus ''[[Sophiornis]]''
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[[Image:Asio otu 2.jpg|right|thumb|right|A [[Long-eared Owl]], ''Asio otus'', in erect pose.]]
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* Genus ''[[Strigogyps]]'' - includes ''[[Aenigmavis]]'' and ''Ameghinornis''
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* ''[[Megascops]]'': screech-owls, some 20 species
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* ''[[scops owl|Otus]]'': scops-owls; probably [[paraphyletic]], about 45 species
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* ''[[Pyrroglaux]]'': Palau Owl
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* ''[[Gymnoglaux]]'': Bare-legged Owl or Cuban Screech-owl
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* ''[[Ptilopsis]]'': white-faced owls, two species
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* ''[[Mimizuku]]'': Giant Scops-owl or Mindanao Eagle-owl
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* ''[[horned owl|Bubo]]'': horned owls, eagle-owls and fish-owls; paraphyletic with ''Nyctea'', ''Ketupa'' and ''Scotopelia'', some 25 species
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* ''[[Strix (genus)|Strix]]'': earless owls, about 15 species
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* ''[[Ciccaba]]'': four species
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* ''[[Lophostrix]]'': Crested Owl
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* ''[[Jubula]]'': Maned Owl
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* ''[[Pulsatrix]]'': spectacled owls, three species
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* ''[[Surnia]]'': Northern Hawk-owl
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* ''[[Glaucidium (owl)|Glaucidium]]'': pygmy-owls, about 30–35 species
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* ''[[Xenoglaux]]'': Long-whiskered Owlet
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* ''[[Micrathene]]'': Elf Owl
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* ''[[Athene (owl)|Athene]]'': 2–4 species (depending on whether ''Speotyto'' and ''Heteroglaux'' are included or not)
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* ''[[Aegolius]]'': saw-whet owls, four species
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* ''[[Ninox]]'': Australasian hawk-owls, some 20 species
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* ''[[Uroglaux]]'': Papuan Hawk-owl
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* ''[[Pseudoscops]]'': Jamaican Owl and possibly [[Striped Owl]]
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* ''[[Asio]]'': eared owls, 6–7 species
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* ''[[Nesasio]]'' - Fearful Owl
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* ''[[Mascarenotus]]'': Mascarene owls, three species; [[extinct]] (c.1850)
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* ''[[Sceloglaux]]'': Laughing Owl; [[extinct]] (1914?)
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* ''[[Grallistrix]]'': stilt-owls, four species; [[Late Quaternary prehistoric birds|prehistoric]]
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* ''[[Ornimegalonyx]]'': Caribbean giant owls, 1–2 species; [[Late Quaternary prehistoric birds|prehistoric]]
  
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[[Image:Strix aluco Pfahlhaltung 1.jpg|right|thumb|192px|A [[Long-eared Owl]], ''Asio otus'', in erect pose]]
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Fossil genera
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===Typical owls===
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* ''[[Mioglaux]]'' (Late Oligocene? - Early Miocene of WC Europe) - includes ''"Bubo" poirreiri''
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* Genus ''[[scops owl|Otus]]'' - scops owls; includes ''Megascops'', some 65 species
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*''"Otus/Strix" wintershofensis'': [[fossil]] (Early/Middle Miocene of Wintershof West, Germany) - may be close to extant genus ''Ninox''<ref name = olson1985p131 />
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* Genus ''[[Pyrroglaux]]'' - Palau Owl
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* ''[[Intutula]]'' (Early/Middle –? Late Miocene of C Europe) - includes ''"Strix/Ninox" brevis''
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* Genus ''[[Gymnoglaux]]'' - Cuban Screech Owl
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* ''[[Alasio]]'' (Middle Miocene of Vieux-Collonges, France) - includes ''"Strix" collongensis''
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* Genus ''[[Ptilopsis]]'' - white-faced owls, 2 species
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Placement unresolved[[Image:Masked owl mask4441.jpg|thumb|right|[[Masked Owl]], ''Tyto novaehollandiae''.]]
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* Genus ''[[Mimizuku]]'' - Mindanao Eagle Owl
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* ''"Strix" edwardsi'': [[fossil]] (Middle Miocene)
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* Genus ''[[horned owl|Bubo]]'' - horned owls, eagle owls and fish owls; includes ''Nyctea'', ''Ketupa'' and ''Scotopelia'' but possibly [[polyphyletic]], some 25 species
+
* ''"Asio" pygmaeus'': [[fossil]] (Early Pliocene of Odessa, Ukraine)
−
* Genus ''[[Strix (genus)|Strix]]'' - earless owls, some 15 species
+
*Ibiza Owl, Strigidae gen. et sp. indet.: [[Late Quaternary prehistoric birds|prehistoric]]<ref>Sánchez Marco (2004)</ref>
−
* Genus ''[[Ciccaba]]'' - 4 species
 
−
* Genus ''[[Lophostrix]]'' - Crested Owl
 
−
* Genus ''[[Jubula]]'' - Maned Owl
 
−
* Genus ''[[Pulsatrix]]'' - spectacled owls, 3 species
 
−
* Genus ''[[Surnia]]'' - Northern Hawk Owl
 
−
* Genus ''[[Glaucidium (owl)|Glaucidium]]'' - pygmy owls, about 30-35 species
 
−
* Genus ''[[Xenoglaux]]'' - Long-whiskered Owlet
 
−
* Genus ''[[Micrathene]]'' - Elf Owl
 
−
* Genus ''[[Athene (owl)|Athene]]'' - 2-4 species (depending on whether ''Speotyto'' and ''Heteroglaux'' are included or not)
 
−
* Genus ''[[Aegolius]]'' - saw-whet owls, 4 species
 
−
* Genus ''[[Ninox]]'' - Australasian hawk-owls, some 20 species
 
−
* Genus ''[[Uroglaux]]'' - Papuan Hawk
 
−
* Genus ''[[Pseudoscops]]'' - Jamaican Owl and possibly [[Striped Owl]]
 
−
* Genus ''[[Asio]]'' - eared owls, 6-7 species
 
−
* Genus ''[[Nesasio]]'' - Fearful Owl
 
−
* Genus ''[[Mascarenotus]]'' - Mascarene owls, 3 species; [[extinct]] (c.1850)
 
−
* Genus ''[[Sceloglaux]]'' - Laughing Owl; [[extinct]] (1914?)
 
−
* Genus ''[[Grallistrix]]'' - stilt-owls, 4 species; [[Late Quaternary prehistoric birds|prehistoric]]
 
−
* Genus ''[[Ornimegalonyx]]'' - Caribbean giant owls, 1-2 species; [[Late Quaternary prehistoric birds|prehistoric]]
 
−
'''Placement unresolved'''[[Image:Barn-owl (Racheeo).jpg|thumb|192px|A [[Barn Owl]], ''Tyto alba'']]
 
−
*''"Otus" wintershofensis'' - [[fossil]] (Early/Middle Miocene of Wintershof West, Germany) - may be close to extant genus ''Ninox'' (Olson 1985:131)
 
−
* ''"Strix" edwardsi'' - [[fossil]] (Late Miocene)
 
−
* ''"Asio" pygmaeus'' - [[fossil]] (Early Pliocene of Odessa, Ukraine)
 
−
*Ibiza Owl, Strigidae gen. et sp. indet. - [[Late Quaternary prehistoric birds|prehistoric]] (Sánchez Marco 2004)
 
  
−
===Barn-owls===
+
===[[Tytonidae]]: Barn-owls===
−
* Genus ''[[Tyto]]'' - typical barn-owls, some 15 species and possibly 1 recently extinct
+
* Genus ''[[Tyto]]'': typical barn-owls, stand up to {{convert|3|ft|m}} tall some 15 species and possibly one recently extinct
−
* Genus ''[[Phodilus]]'' - bay-owls, 1-2 extant species and possibly 1 recently extinct
+
* Genus ''[[bay owl|Phodilus]]'': bay-owls, 1–2 extant species and possibly one recently extinct
  
 
Fossil genera
 
Fossil genera
−
* ''[[Basityto]]'' (Early Eocene of Grafenmühle, Germany)
 
 
* ''[[Nocturnavis]]'' (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene) - includes ''"Bubo" incertus''
 
* ''[[Nocturnavis]]'' (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene) - includes ''"Bubo" incertus''
−
* ''[[Necrobyas]]'' (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene - Late Miocene) - includes ''"Bubo" arvernensis'' and ''Paratyto''<!-- Auk99:576 —>
+
* ''[[Necrobyas]]'' (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene - Late Miocene) - includes ''"Bubo" arvernensis'' and ''Paratyto''<!-- Auk99:576; Palaeontology37:339 —>
 
* ''[[Selenornis]]'' (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene) - includes ''"Asio" henrici''<!-- Auk99:576 —>
 
* ''[[Selenornis]]'' (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene) - includes ''"Asio" henrici''<!-- Auk99:576 —>
 
* ''[[Prosybris]]'' (Early Oligocene? - Early Miocene)
 
* ''[[Prosybris]]'' (Early Oligocene? - Early Miocene)
 +
Placement unresolved
 +
* Tytonidae gen. et sp. indet. "TMT 164" (Middle Miocene) - ''Prosybris''?<!-- Geobios2:157 —>
 +
no
  
−
==Myth, lore, and popular culture==
+
==Relationship with humans==
 +
[[Image:Athene cunicularia konijnuil.jpg|thumb|192px|A [[Burrowing Owl]], ''Athene cunicularia''.]]
 +
Owls have been a feature of [[falconry]] for years. In recent years, many owls have moved from their previous rural habitats to start to inhabit urban areas. The [[Tawny Owl]] has been a common visitor to cities across the UK for about forty years, where it survives on a diet of pigeons and small birds. Owls in urban areas are also known to prey on new-born kittens.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2004/08/26/loc_loc2catowl.html |accessdate=2008-02-14 |title=Owls culprits in cat deaths}}</ref>
  
−
In many parts of the world, owls have been [[stereotypes of animals|associated]] with death and misfortune, likely due to their nocturnal activity and common screeching call. However, owls have also been associated with wisdom and prosperity as a result of frequently being companion animals for goddesses.
+
In many parts of the world, owls have been [[stereotypes of animals|associated]] with [[death]] and misfortune, likely due to their nocturnal activity and common screeching call. However, owls have also been associated with [[wisdom]] and prosperity, frequently being companion animals for goddesses. In [[Hindu Mythology]], the barn owl is considered to be vehicle of [[Goddess Lakshmi]] (Goddess of Wealth) and thus it is considered lucky if an owl resides near your house.
  
 
[[Henry David Thoreau]] summarized one perception of owls, when he wrote in 1854's ''[[Walden]]'', "I rejoice that there are owls. Let them do the idiotic and maniacal hooting for men. It is a sound admirably suited to swamps and twilight woods which no day illustrates, suggesting a vast and underdeveloped nature which men have not recognized. They represent the stark twilight and unsatisfied thoughts which all [men] have."
 
[[Henry David Thoreau]] summarized one perception of owls, when he wrote in 1854's ''[[Walden]]'', "I rejoice that there are owls. Let them do the idiotic and maniacal hooting for men. It is a sound admirably suited to swamps and twilight woods which no day illustrates, suggesting a vast and underdeveloped nature which men have not recognized. They represent the stark twilight and unsatisfied thoughts which all [men] have."
  
−
===Owls in popular culture===
+
===Africa===
−
{{main|Owls in popular culture}}
+
<hiero>m</hiero> [[Ancient Egypt]]ians used a representation of an owl for their [[Egyptian hieroglyph|hieroglyph]] for the sound ''m''. They would often draw this hieroglyph with its legs broken to keep this bird of prey from coming to life.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}.
  
−
===Africa===
+
Among the [[Kikuyu]] of [[Kenya]] it was believed that owls were harbingers of death. If one saw an owl or heard its hoot, someone was going to die. In general, owls are viewed as harbingers of bad luck, ill health, or death. The belief is widespread even today.<ref>[http://www.owlpages.com/articles.php?section=Owl+Mythology&title=Owls+Lore+Culture&page=8 Owls in Lore and Culture - The Owl Pages<!--Bot-generated title—>]</ref>
−
<hiero>m</hiero> [[Ancient Egypt]]ians used a representation of an owl for their [[Egyptian hieroglyph|hieroglyph]] for the sound ''m'', although they would often draw this hieroglyph with its legs broken to keep this bird of prey from coming to life.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}.
 
−
[[Image:Athene cunicularia konijnuil.jpg|thumb|192px|A [[Burrowing Owl]], ''Athene cunicularia''.]]
 
  
 
===The Americas===
 
===The Americas===
−
In the culture of many Native Americans, (e.g. the [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] [[Hopi]] nation), taboos often surround owls and they are often associated with evil or sorcery. Like [[eagle]] feathers, the possession of owl feathers as [[religious]] objects is regulated by federal law (e.g. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and Title 50 Part 22 Code of Federal Regulations).  
+
[[Image:Owl2larcomuseum.jpg|thumb|right|Moche Owl. 200 A.D. [[Larco Museum|Larco Museum Collection]] Lima, Peru.]]
 +
In the culture of the [[Hopi]] nation, taboos surround owls and they are associated with evil or sorcery. In the United States, as with [[eagle]] feathers, the possession of owl feathers as [[religious]] objects is regulated by federal law (e.g. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and Title 50 Part 22 Code of Federal Regulations).
  
−
The [[Aztec]]s and [[Maya civilization|Mayans]], along with other natives of [[Mesoamerica]], considered the Owl a symbol of death and destruction. In fact, the Aztec god of death, [[Mictlantecuhtli]], was often depicted with owls. There is a saying in Spanish that still exists today: ''cuando el tecolote canta, el indio se muere'' ("when the owl cries/sings, the Indian dies").
+
The [[Aztec]]s and [[Maya civilization|Mayans]], along with other natives of [[Mesoamerica]], considered the owl a symbol of death and destruction. In fact, the Aztec god of death, [[Mictlantecuhtli]], was often depicted with owls. There is an old saying in [[Mexico]] that is still in use (considered [[politically incorrect]]): ''Cuando el tecolote canta, el indio muere'' ("When the owl cries/sings, the Indian dies").{{Fact|date=March 2008}} The Popol Vuh, a Mayan religious text, describes owls as messengers of Xibalba (the Mayan "Place of Fright").<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.meta-religion.com/World_Religions/Ancient_religions/Central_america/popol_vuh.htm|title=The Popol Vuh|accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref>
  
−
Other Native American Tribes saw the owl as the carrier of the elders spirits.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
+
Other Native American tribes saw the owl as the carrier of the elders' spirits.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
 +
 
 +
The [[Moche]] people of ancient [[Peru]] worshipped the animal and often depicted owls in their art.<ref>Berrin & Larco Museum (1997)</ref>
  
 
===Asia===
 
===Asia===
−
In [[culture of Japan|Japanese culture]], owls are seen as either negative or positive symbols depending on species. Owls are seen as divine messengers of the gods while Barn or Horned owls are perceived as demonic figures.  
+
In [[culture of Japan|Japanese culture]], owls are seen as either negative or positive symbols depending on species. Sometimes owls are seen as divine messengers of the gods, while Barn or Horned owls are perceived as demonic figures.
  
−
In [[culture of India|Indian culture]], a white owl is considered a companion of the goddess of wealth, and therefore a harbinger of prosperity. The owl has been adapted as an emblem to reflect its implications of wisdom ''(Wise old owl)'' by a revered military institution in India known as the [[Defense Service Staff College]]. In colloquial use, however, it is commonly used to refer to stupidity.
+
In [[culture of India|Indian culture]], a white owl is considered a companion and [[vahana]] (Vehicle of god/goddess) of [[Lakshmi]], the goddess of wealth, and therefore a harbinger of prosperity. The owl has been adapted as an emblem to reflect its implications of wisdom (''Wise old owl'') by a revered military institution in India known as the [[The Defense Services Staff College|Defense Services Staff College]]. In colloquial use, however, it is commonly used to refer to stupidity. The Hindi word for owl, ''ulloo'' is used to refer to a foolish person.
  
−
The [[Mesopotamian mythology|demoness]] [[Lilith]] is thought to have been associated with (screech) owls as well, by way of the [[KJV]] translation of the passage in {{bibleverse||Isaiah|34:14|9}}. However, prior to the rise of [[Islam]], owls were considered evil [[omen]]s and bad luck in most [[Middle East]]ern [[paganism|pagan]] traditions. In modern times, although such superstitions are less prevalent, owls are still popularly considered "evil" because of their fierce, horrific appearance.
+
The [[Mesopotamian mythology|demoness]] [[Lilith]] is thought to have been associated with (screech) owls as well, by way of the [[KJV]] translation of the passage in {{bibleverse||Isaiah|34:14|9}}. Prior to the rise of [[Islam]], owls were considered bad [[omen]]s and associated with evil spirits in most [[Middle East]]ern [[paganism|pagan]] traditions. In modern times, although such superstitions are less prevalent, owls are still popularly considered "evil" because of their fierce, horrific appearance.
 +
 
 +
In the Malay language, owls are called "''burung hantu''", literally 'ghost bird'.
  
 
===Europe===
 
===Europe===
 
In [[Greek mythology]], the owl, and specifically the [[Little Owl]], was often associated with the goddess [[Athena]], a [[bird goddess]] who became associated with [[wisdom]], [[the arts]], and skills, and as a result, owls also became associated with wisdom. They are the unofficial mascot of the high-IQ society [[Mensa International|Mensa]].
 
In [[Greek mythology]], the owl, and specifically the [[Little Owl]], was often associated with the goddess [[Athena]], a [[bird goddess]] who became associated with [[wisdom]], [[the arts]], and skills, and as a result, owls also became associated with wisdom. They are the unofficial mascot of the high-IQ society [[Mensa International|Mensa]].
  
−
The [[ancient Rome|Romans]], in addition to having borrowed the Greek associations of the owl (see [[Owl of Minerva]]), also considered owls to be funerary birds, due to their nocturnal activity and often having their nests in inaccessible places. As a result, seeing an owl in the daytime was considered a bad omen. The vampiric ''[[strix (mythology)|strix]]'' of [[Roman mythology]] was in part based on the owl.
+
The [[ancient Rome|Romans]], in addition to having borrowed the Greek associations of the owl (see [[Owl of Minerva]]), also considered owls to be funerary birds, due to their nocturnal activity and often having their nests in inaccessible places. As a result, seeing an owl in the daytime was considered a bad omen. For example, in Book 12 of [[Virgil]]'s [[Aeneid]], an owl appears before [[Turnus]] toward the end of his battle with [[Aeneas]], prefiguring his death, and "a strange, numbing dread / Washed through Turnus' body; his hair / Bristled with fear; his voice stuck in his throat."<ref>[[Virgil]], [[Aeneid]], trans. [[Stanley Lombardo]] (Indianapolis: Hackett, 2005): 12.1047-49.</ref> The vampiric ''[[Strix (mythology)|strix]]'' of [[Roman mythology]] was in part based on the owl.
  
−
Likewise, in [[culture of Romania|Romanian culture]], the mournful call of an owl is thought to predict the death of somebody living in the neighborhood. Such superstitions caused a minor disturbance when an owl showed up at Romanian President's residence, [[Cotroceni Palace]].
+
Likewise, in [[culture of Romania|Romanian culture]], the mournful call of an owl is thought to predict the death of somebody living in the neighbourhood. Such superstitions caused a minor disturbance when an owl showed up at Romanian President's residence, [[Cotroceni Palace]].
 +
 
 +
In [[French culture|France]], a difference is made between ''hiboux'', eared owls, which are considered symbols of wisdom, and ''chouettes'', earless owls, which are considered birds of ill omen.
  
 
In the Welsh Cycles of the [[Mabinogion]], the Owl is considered cursed - the first owl was [[Blodeuwedd|Blodeuedd]], a woman born of flowers to be the wife of [[Lleu Llaw Gyffes]]. Because she fell in love with another man and plotted to kill Lleu, Lleu's guardian [[Gwydion]] turned her into the first owl, saying ''"You are never to show your face to the light of day, rather you shall fear other birds; they will be hostile to you, and it will be their nature to maul and molest you wherever they find you. You will not lose your name but always be called Blodeuwedd."'' The addition of the w in her name changed her from a woman of flowers to an owl.
 
In the Welsh Cycles of the [[Mabinogion]], the Owl is considered cursed - the first owl was [[Blodeuwedd|Blodeuedd]], a woman born of flowers to be the wife of [[Lleu Llaw Gyffes]]. Because she fell in love with another man and plotted to kill Lleu, Lleu's guardian [[Gwydion]] turned her into the first owl, saying ''"You are never to show your face to the light of day, rather you shall fear other birds; they will be hostile to you, and it will be their nature to maul and molest you wherever they find you. You will not lose your name but always be called Blodeuwedd."'' The addition of the w in her name changed her from a woman of flowers to an owl.
  
−
In [[Finland]] the owl is paradoxically viewed as both a symbol of wisdom, and as a symbol of imbecility (presumably because of it's "dumb" stare).
+
In [[Finland]] the owl is paradoxically viewed as both a symbol of wisdom, and as a symbol of imbecility, presumably because of its "dumb stare".
  
−
==Notes==
+
Owl is the name of Pooh Bear's wise friend in the famous childhood stories by [[A.A. Milne]].
−
<references/>
+
 
 +
The two largest cities in [[Yorkshire]], [[UK]]- [[Leeds]] and [[Sheffield]] both feature Owls in their civic culture.  Owls, feature on the Leeds coat of arms, as used by [[Leeds City Council]] and formerly by [[Leeds United Football Club]], while in Sheffield they are the symbol of the cities most successful football club [[Sheffield Wednesday]], who are even nicknamed 'The Owls'.
 +
 
 +
== Footnotes ==
 +
{{reflist}}
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
 +
 
* Calaprice, Alice & Bernd Heinrich. 1990. ''Owl in the House: A Naturalist's Diary''. Boston, MA: Joy Street Books. ISBN 0316354562.
 
* Calaprice, Alice & Bernd Heinrich. 1990. ''Owl in the House: A Naturalist's Diary''. Boston, MA: Joy Street Books. ISBN 0316354562.
 
* Heinrich, Bernd. 1993. ''One Man's Owl''. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. ISBN 0691000654.
 
* Heinrich, Bernd. 1993. ''One Man's Owl''. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. ISBN 0691000654.
Line 182: Line 201:
 
* Sibley, Charles Gald & Burt L. Monroe Jr. 1990. ''Distribution and taxonomy of the birds of the world: A Study in Molecular Evolution''. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. ISBN 0-300-04969-2.
 
* Sibley, Charles Gald & Burt L. Monroe Jr. 1990. ''Distribution and taxonomy of the birds of the world: A Study in Molecular Evolution''. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. ISBN 0-300-04969-2.
  
−
== External links ==
 
  
−
All Links Retrieved December 4, 2007.
 
  
 +
* {{aut|Alvarenga, Herculano M. F. & Höfling, Elizabeth}} (2003): ''Systematic revision of the Phorusrhacidae (Aves: Ralliformes)''. ''[[Papéis Avulsos de Zoologia]]'' '''43'''(4): 55-91 [http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?): ''The Spirit of Ancient Peru:Treasures from the [[Larco Museum|Museo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera]].'' [[Thames and Hudson]], New York.
 +
* {{aut|Calaprice, Alice & [[Bernd Heinrich|Heinrich, Bernd]]}} (1990): ''Owl in the House: A Naturalist's Diary''. Joy Street Books, Boston. <small>ISBN 0316354562</small>
 +
* {{aut|Haaramo, Mikko}} (2006): [[Mikko's Phylogeny Archive]]: [http://www.fmnh.helsinki.fi/users/haaramo/Metazoa/Deuterostoma/Chordata/Archosauria/Aves/Strigimorphae/Caprimulgiformes.htm "Caprimulgiformes" - Nightjars]. Version of 2006-MAY-11. Retrieved 2007-NOV-08.
 +
* {{aut|[[Bernd Heinrich|Heinrich, Bernd]]}} (1987): ''One Man's Owl''
 +
* {{aut|Johnsgard, Paul A.}} (2002): ''North American Owls: Biology and Natural History'', 2nd ed.. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington DC. <small>ISBN 1-56098-939-4</small>
 +
* {{aut|Mayr, Gerald}} (2005): "Old World phorusrhacids" (Aves, Phorusrhacidae): a new look at ''Strigogyps'' ("''Aenigmavis''") ''sapea'' (Peters 1987). ''PaleoBios (Berkeley)'' '''25'''(1): 11-16 [http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/science/paleobios/abstracts_21to25.php HTML abstract]
 +
* {{aut|Mortimer, Michael}} (2004): The Theropod Database: [http://home.comcast.net/~eoraptor/Phylogeny%20of%20Taxa.html Phylogeny of taxa]. Retrieved 2008-AUG-14.
 +
* {{aut|Norberg, R.A.}} (1977): Occurrence and independent evolution of bilateral ear asymmetry in owls and implications on owl taxonomy. ''Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, Series B, Biological Sciences'' '''280''': 375-408.
 +
* {{aut|[[Storrs Olson|Olson, Storrs L.]]}} (1985): The fossil record of birds. ''In:'' Farner, D.S.; King, J.R. & Parkes, Kenneth C. (eds.): ''Avian Biology'' '''8''': 79-238. Academic Press, New York.
 +
* {{aut|Peters, Dieter Stefan}} (2007): The fossil family Ameghinornithidae (Mourer-Chauviré 1981): a short synopsis. ''Journal of Ornithology'' '''148'''(1): 25-28. <small>{{doi|10.1007/s10336-006-0095-z}}</small> [http://www.springerlink.com/content/g02p27126403245r/fulltext.pdf PDF fulltext]
 +
* {{aut|Sánchez Marco, Antonio}} (2004): Avian zoogeographical patterns during the Quaternary in the Mediterranean region and paleoclimatic interpretation. ''Ardeola'' '''51'''(1): 91-132. [http://www.ardeola.org/files/Ardeola_51(1)_91-132.pdf PDF fulltext]
 +
* {{aut|[[Charles Sibley|Sibley, Charles Gald]] & Monroe, Burt L. Jr.}} (1990): ''Distribution and taxonomy of the birds of the world: A Study in Molecular Evolution''. Yale University Press, New Haven, CT. <small>ISBN 0-300-04969-2</small>
 +
 +
== External links ==
 +
{{commons|Strigiformes}}
 
General
 
General
 
*[http://www.owlpages.com/owls.php?genus=all Owl species of the World]
 
*[http://www.owlpages.com/owls.php?genus=all Owl species of the World]
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*[http://rg.ancients.info/owls Athenian Owl coins]
 
*[http://rg.ancients.info/owls Athenian Owl coins]
 
Eurasia
 
Eurasia
−
*[http://www.worldofowls.com World of Owls]Northern Irelands only Owl, Bird of Prey and Exotic Animal Centre.
+
*[http://www.worldofowls.com World of Owls] - Northern Irelands only Owl, Bird of Prey and Exotic Animal Centre.
 +
*[http://www.fishowls.com/ Current Blakiston's Fish Owl Research in Russia]
 
North America
 
North America
 
*[http://www.birdwatching-bliss.com/owl-pictures.html List of Owl Species Breeding In North American and Owl Photos]
 
*[http://www.birdwatching-bliss.com/owl-pictures.html List of Owl Species Breeding In North American and Owl Photos]
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Australia
 
Australia
 
*[http://home.iprimus.com.au/readman/owls.htm Australian Owls and Frogmouths]
 
*[http://home.iprimus.com.au/readman/owls.htm Australian Owls and Frogmouths]
 +
 +
 +
{{Birds}}
  
 
[[Category:Life sciences]]
 
[[Category:Life sciences]]
 
[[Category:Animals]]
 
[[Category:Animals]]
 +
[[Category:Birds]]
  
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{{credit|115284826}}
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{{credit|Owl|240549225}}

Revision as of 22:32, 23 September 2008

For other uses, see Owl (disambiguation).
Owl
Fossil range: 58 Ma
↓
Late Paleocene – Recent
The rare Northern Spotted Owl Strix occidentalis caurina
The rare Northern Spotted Owl
Strix occidentalis caurina
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Subclass: Neornithes
Infraclass: Neognathae
Superorder: Neoaves
Order: Strigiformes
Wagler, 1830
Families

Strigidae
Tytonidae
Ogygoptyngidae (fossil)
Palaeoglaucidae (fossil)
Protostrigidae (fossil)
Sophiornithidae (fossil)

Synonyms

Strigidae sensu Sibley & Ahlquist

The Owls are an order of birds of prey. Most are solitary, and nocturnal, with some exceptions (e.g. the Burrowing Owl). They are classified in the order Strigiformes, in which there are over 200 extant species. Owls mostly hunt small mammals, insects, and other birds, though a few species specialize in hunting fish. They are found in all regions of the Earth except Antarctica, most of Greenland, and some remote islands. Though owls are typically solitary, the literary collective noun for a group of owls is a parliament.

The living owls are divided into two families, the typical owls, Strigidae, and the barn-owls, Tytonidae.

Description

Eagle Owl

Owls have large forward-facing eyes and ear-holes, a hawk-like beak, a flat face, and usually a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disc. Although owls have binocular vision, their large eyes are fixed in their sockets, as with other birds, and they must turn their entire head to change views.

The smallest owl is the Elf Owl (Micrathene whitneyi), at as little as 31 g (1.1 oz) and 13.5 cm (5.3 inches). Some of the pygmy owls are scarcely larger. The largest owls are two of the eagle owls, the Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) and Blakiston's Fish Owl (Bubo blakistoni), which may reach a size of 60-71 cm (28.4 in) long, have a wingspan of almost 2 m (6.6 ft), and weight of nearly 4.5 kg (10 lb).

Owls are far-sighted, and are unable to see anything clearly within a few inches of their eyes. Their far vision, particularly in low light, is exceptionally good. They can turn their head 135 degrees in either direction; they can thus look behind their own shoulders.

Different species of owls make different sounds; the wide range of calls aids owls in finding mates or announcing their presence to potential competitors, and also aids ornithologists and birders in locating these birds and recognizing species. The facial disc helps to funnel the sound of prey to their ears. In many species, these are placed asymmetrically, for better directional location (Cotty, 2008).

Owl eggs are usually white and almost spherical, and range in number from a few to a dozen, depending on species. The eggs are laid in intervals of 1–3 days and do not hatch at the same time. This accounts for the wide variation in the size of sibling nestlings. Owls do not construct nests but rather look for a sheltered nesting site or an abandoned nest, in trees, underground burrows, or in buildings, barns and caves.

Behaviour

An owl sleeping at daytime in a hollow tree.

Most owls are nocturnal, actively hunting for prey only under the cover of darkness. Several types of owl, however, are crepuscular, or active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk; one example is the pygmy owl (Glaucidium). A few owls are also active during the day; examples are the Burrowing Owl (Speotyto cunicularia) and the Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus).

The serrations on the leading edge of an owl's flight feathers reduce noise.

Much of the owl's hunting strategy depends on stealth and surprise. Owls have at least two adaptations that aid them in achieving stealth. First, the dull coloration of an owl's feathers can render them almost invisible under certain conditions. Secondly, serrated edges on the leading edge of the owl's remiges muffle the owl's wingbeats, allowing its flight to be practically silent. Some fish-eating owls, where this silence is of no evolutionary advantage, lack this adaptation. Elf owls and Burrowing owls also lack the feathers for silent flying.

Once prey has been captured, the owl's sharp beak and powerful talons, or clawed feet allow it to kill its prey before swallowing it whole (unless it is too big). Scientists studying the diets of owls are helped by their habit of regurgitating the indigestible parts of their prey (such as bones, scales and fur) in the form of pellets. These "owl pellets" are often sold by companies to schools to be dissected by students as a lesson in biology and ecology, because they are plentiful and easy to interpret.[1]

Evolution and systematics

The systematic placement of owls is disputed. For example, the Sibley-Ahlquist taxonomy finds that, based on DNA-DNA hybridization, owls are more closely related to the nightjars and their allies (Caprimulgiformes) than to the diurnal predators in the order Falconiformes; consequently, the Caprimulgiformes are placed in the Strigiformes, and the owls in general become a family Strigidae. This is not supported by more recent research.[2] In any case, the relationships of the Caprimulgiformes, the owls, the falcons and the accipitrid raptors are not resolved to satisfaction; currently there is an increasing trend to consider each group (with the possible exception of the accipitrids) a distinct order.

There are some 220–225 extant species of owls, which are subdivided into two families; typical owls (Strigidae) and barn-owls (Tytonidae). Some entirely extinct families have also been erected based on fossil remains; these differ much from modern owls in being less specialized or specialized in a very different way (such as the terrestrial Sophiornithidae). The Paleocene genera Berruornis and Ogygoptynx show that owls were already present as a distinct lineage some 60-58 mya (million years ago), and presumably also some 5 million years earlier, at the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs. This makes them one of the oldest known groups of non-Galloanserae landbirds. The supposed "Cretaceous owls" Bradycneme and Heptasteornis are apparently non-avialan maniraptors.[3]

During the Paleogene, the Strigiformes radiated into ecological niches now mostly filled by other groups of birds. The owls as we know them today, on the other hand, evolved their characteristic morphology and adaptations during that time too. By the early Neogene, the other lineages had been displaced by other bird orders, leaving only barn-owls and typical owls. The latter at that time were usually a fairly generic type of (probably earless) owl similar to today's North American Spotted Owl or the European Tawny Owl; the diversity in size and ecology found in typical owls today developed only subsequently.

Around the Paleogene-Neogene boundary (some 25 mya), barn-owls were the dominant group of owls in southern Europe and adjacent Asia at least; the distribution of fossil and present-day owl lineages indicates that their decline is contemporary with the evolution of the different major lineages of typical owls, which for the most part seems to have taken place in Eurasia. In the Americas, there was rather an expansion of immigrant lineages of ancestral typical owls.

The supposed fossil herons "Ardea" perplexa (Middle Miocene of Sansan, France) and "Ardea" lignitum (Late Pliocene of Germany) were more probably owls; the latter was apparently close to the modern genus Bubo. Judging from this, the Late Miocene remains from France described as "Ardea" aureliensis should also be restudied.[4] The Messelasturidae, some of which were initially believed to be basal Strigiformes, are now generally accepted to be diurnal birds of prey showing some convergent evolution towards owls. The taxa often united under Strigogyps[5] were formerly placed in part with the owls, specifically the Sophiornithidae; they appear to be Ameghinornithidae instead.[6]

For fossil species and paleosubspecies of extant taxa, see the genus and species articles.

Unresolved and basal forms (all fossil)

  • Berruornis (Late Paleocene of France) - basal? Sophornithidae?
  • Strigiformes gen. et ap. indet. (Late Paleocene of Zhylga, Kazakhstan)
  • Palaeoglaux (Middle – Late Eocene of WC Europe) - own family Palaeoglaucidae or Strigidae?
  • Palaeobyas (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene of Quercy, France) - Tytonidae? Sophiornithidae?
  • Palaeotyto (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene of Quercy, France) - Tytonidae? Sophiornithidae?
  • Strigiformes gen. et spp. indet. (Early Oligocene of Wyoming, USA)[7]

Ogygoptyngidae

  • Ogygoptynx (Middle/Late Paleocene of Colorado, USA)

Protostrigidae

  • Eostrix (Early Eocene of WC USA and England - Middle Eocene of WC USA)
  • Minerva (Middle – Late Eocene of W USA) - formerly Protostrix, includes "Aquila" ferox, "Aquila" lydekkeri, and "Bubo" leptosteus
  • Oligostrix (mid-Oligocene of Saxony, Germany)

Sophiornithidae

  • Sophiornis

Strigidae: Typical owls

A Long-eared Owl, Asio otus, in erect pose.
  • Megascops: screech-owls, some 20 species
  • Otus: scops-owls; probably paraphyletic, about 45 species
  • Pyrroglaux: Palau Owl
  • Gymnoglaux: Bare-legged Owl or Cuban Screech-owl
  • Ptilopsis: white-faced owls, two species
  • Mimizuku: Giant Scops-owl or Mindanao Eagle-owl
  • Bubo: horned owls, eagle-owls and fish-owls; paraphyletic with Nyctea, Ketupa and Scotopelia, some 25 species
  • Strix: earless owls, about 15 species
  • Ciccaba: four species
  • Lophostrix: Crested Owl
  • Jubula: Maned Owl
  • Pulsatrix: spectacled owls, three species
  • Surnia: Northern Hawk-owl
  • Glaucidium: pygmy-owls, about 30–35 species
  • Xenoglaux: Long-whiskered Owlet
  • Micrathene: Elf Owl
  • Athene: 2–4 species (depending on whether Speotyto and Heteroglaux are included or not)
  • Aegolius: saw-whet owls, four species
  • Ninox: Australasian hawk-owls, some 20 species
  • Uroglaux: Papuan Hawk-owl
  • Pseudoscops: Jamaican Owl and possibly Striped Owl
  • Asio: eared owls, 6–7 species
  • Nesasio - Fearful Owl
  • Mascarenotus: Mascarene owls, three species; extinct (c.1850)
  • Sceloglaux: Laughing Owl; extinct (1914?)
  • Grallistrix: stilt-owls, four species; prehistoric
  • Ornimegalonyx: Caribbean giant owls, 1–2 species; prehistoric

Fossil genera

  • Mioglaux (Late Oligocene? - Early Miocene of WC Europe) - includes "Bubo" poirreiri
  • "Otus/Strix" wintershofensis: fossil (Early/Middle Miocene of Wintershof West, Germany) - may be close to extant genus Ninox[7]
  • Intutula (Early/Middle –? Late Miocene of C Europe) - includes "Strix/Ninox" brevis
  • Alasio (Middle Miocene of Vieux-Collonges, France) - includes "Strix" collongensis

Placement unresolved

Masked Owl, Tyto novaehollandiae.
  • "Strix" edwardsi: fossil (Middle Miocene)
  • "Asio" pygmaeus: fossil (Early Pliocene of Odessa, Ukraine)
  • Ibiza Owl, Strigidae gen. et sp. indet.: prehistoric[8]

Tytonidae: Barn-owls

  • Genus Tyto: typical barn-owls, stand up to 3 feet (0.91 m) tall some 15 species and possibly one recently extinct
  • Genus Phodilus: bay-owls, 1–2 extant species and possibly one recently extinct

Fossil genera

  • Nocturnavis (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene) - includes "Bubo" incertus
  • Necrobyas (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene - Late Miocene) - includes "Bubo" arvernensis and Paratyto
  • Selenornis (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene) - includes "Asio" henrici
  • Prosybris (Early Oligocene? - Early Miocene)

Placement unresolved

  • Tytonidae gen. et sp. indet. "TMT 164" (Middle Miocene) - Prosybris?

no

Relationship with humans

File:Athene cunicularia konijnuil.jpg
A Burrowing Owl, Athene cunicularia.

Owls have been a feature of falconry for years. In recent years, many owls have moved from their previous rural habitats to start to inhabit urban areas. The Tawny Owl has been a common visitor to cities across the UK for about forty years, where it survives on a diet of pigeons and small birds. Owls in urban areas are also known to prey on new-born kittens.[9]

In many parts of the world, owls have been associated with death and misfortune, likely due to their nocturnal activity and common screeching call. However, owls have also been associated with wisdom and prosperity, frequently being companion animals for goddesses. In Hindu Mythology, the barn owl is considered to be vehicle of Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth) and thus it is considered lucky if an owl resides near your house.

Henry David Thoreau summarized one perception of owls, when he wrote in 1854's Walden, "I rejoice that there are owls. Let them do the idiotic and maniacal hooting for men. It is a sound admirably suited to swamps and twilight woods which no day illustrates, suggesting a vast and underdeveloped nature which men have not recognized. They represent the stark twilight and unsatisfied thoughts which all [men] have."

Africa

m

Ancient Egyptians used a representation of an owl for their hieroglyph for the sound m. They would often draw this hieroglyph with its legs broken to keep this bird of prey from coming to life.[citation needed].

Among the Kikuyu of Kenya it was believed that owls were harbingers of death. If one saw an owl or heard its hoot, someone was going to die. In general, owls are viewed as harbingers of bad luck, ill health, or death. The belief is widespread even today.[10]

The Americas

Moche Owl. 200 C.E. Larco Museum Collection Lima, Peru.

In the culture of the Hopi nation, taboos surround owls and they are associated with evil or sorcery. In the United States, as with eagle feathers, the possession of owl feathers as religious objects is regulated by federal law (e.g. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and Title 50 Part 22 Code of Federal Regulations).

The Aztecs and Mayans, along with other natives of Mesoamerica, considered the owl a symbol of death and destruction. In fact, the Aztec god of death, Mictlantecuhtli, was often depicted with owls. There is an old saying in Mexico that is still in use (considered politically incorrect): Cuando el tecolote canta, el indio muere ("When the owl cries/sings, the Indian dies").[citation needed] The Popol Vuh, a Mayan religious text, describes owls as messengers of Xibalba (the Mayan "Place of Fright").[11]

Other Native American tribes saw the owl as the carrier of the elders' spirits.[citation needed]

The Moche people of ancient Peru worshipped the animal and often depicted owls in their art.[12]

Asia

In Japanese culture, owls are seen as either negative or positive symbols depending on species. Sometimes owls are seen as divine messengers of the gods, while Barn or Horned owls are perceived as demonic figures.

In Indian culture, a white owl is considered a companion and vahana (Vehicle of god/goddess) of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and therefore a harbinger of prosperity. The owl has been adapted as an emblem to reflect its implications of wisdom (Wise old owl) by a revered military institution in India known as the Defense Services Staff College. In colloquial use, however, it is commonly used to refer to stupidity. The Hindi word for owl, ulloo is used to refer to a foolish person.

The demoness Lilith is thought to have been associated with (screech) owls as well, by way of the KJV translation of the passage in Isaiah 34:14. Prior to the rise of Islam, owls were considered bad omens and associated with evil spirits in most Middle Eastern pagan traditions. In modern times, although such superstitions are less prevalent, owls are still popularly considered "evil" because of their fierce, horrific appearance.

In the Malay language, owls are called "burung hantu", literally 'ghost bird'.

Europe

In Greek mythology, the owl, and specifically the Little Owl, was often associated with the goddess Athena, a bird goddess who became associated with wisdom, the arts, and skills, and as a result, owls also became associated with wisdom. They are the unofficial mascot of the high-IQ society Mensa.

The Romans, in addition to having borrowed the Greek associations of the owl (see Owl of Minerva), also considered owls to be funerary birds, due to their nocturnal activity and often having their nests in inaccessible places. As a result, seeing an owl in the daytime was considered a bad omen. For example, in Book 12 of Virgil's Aeneid, an owl appears before Turnus toward the end of his battle with Aeneas, prefiguring his death, and "a strange, numbing dread / Washed through Turnus' body; his hair / Bristled with fear; his voice stuck in his throat."[13] The vampiric strix of Roman mythology was in part based on the owl.

Likewise, in Romanian culture, the mournful call of an owl is thought to predict the death of somebody living in the neighbourhood. Such superstitions caused a minor disturbance when an owl showed up at Romanian President's residence, Cotroceni Palace.

In France, a difference is made between hiboux, eared owls, which are considered symbols of wisdom, and chouettes, earless owls, which are considered birds of ill omen.

In the Welsh Cycles of the Mabinogion, the Owl is considered cursed - the first owl was Blodeuedd, a woman born of flowers to be the wife of Lleu Llaw Gyffes. Because she fell in love with another man and plotted to kill Lleu, Lleu's guardian Gwydion turned her into the first owl, saying "You are never to show your face to the light of day, rather you shall fear other birds; they will be hostile to you, and it will be their nature to maul and molest you wherever they find you. You will not lose your name but always be called Blodeuwedd." The addition of the w in her name changed her from a woman of flowers to an owl.

In Finland the owl is paradoxically viewed as both a symbol of wisdom, and as a symbol of imbecility, presumably because of its "dumb stare".

Owl is the name of Pooh Bear's wise friend in the famous childhood stories by A.A. Milne.

The two largest cities in Yorkshire, UK- Leeds and Sheffield both feature Owls in their civic culture. Owls, feature on the Leeds coat of arms, as used by Leeds City Council and formerly by Leeds United Football Club, while in Sheffield they are the symbol of the cities most successful football club Sheffield Wednesday, who are even nicknamed 'The Owls'.

Footnotes

  1. ↑ "Owl Pellets in the Classroom: Safety Guidelines".
  2. ↑ See Haaramo (2006). In reality, the presumed distant relationship of the accipitrids - namely, the "Accipitriformes" according to Sibley and Ahlquist (1990) - with owls (and most other bird lineages) is most likely due to systematic error. Accipitrids have undergone drastic chromosome rearrangement and thus appear in DNA-DNA hybridization generally unlike other living birds.
  3. ↑ Mortimer (2004)
  4. ↑ Olson (1985): pp.131, 267
  5. ↑ Mayr (2005)
  6. ↑ Alvarenga & Höfling (2003), Peters (2007)
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Olson 1985: p.131
  8. ↑ Sánchez Marco (2004)
  9. ↑ Owls culprits in cat deaths. Retrieved 2008-02-14.
  10. ↑ Owls in Lore and Culture - The Owl Pages
  11. ↑ The Popol Vuh. Retrieved 2008-07-23.
  12. ↑ Berrin & Larco Museum (1997)
  13. ↑ Virgil, Aeneid, trans. Stanley Lombardo (Indianapolis: Hackett, 2005): 12.1047-49.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Calaprice, Alice & Bernd Heinrich. 1990. Owl in the House: A Naturalist's Diary. Boston, MA: Joy Street Books. ISBN 0316354562.
  • Heinrich, Bernd. 1993. One Man's Owl. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. ISBN 0691000654.
  • Johnsgard, Paul A. 2002. North American Owls: Biology and Natural History. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press. ISBN 1-56098-939-4.
  • Norberg, R.A. 1977. Occurrence and independent evolution of bilateral ear asymmetry in owls and implications on owl taxonomy. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, Series B, Biological Sciences. 280:375-408.
  • Farner, D.S., J.R. King, & Kenneth C. Parkes. 1993. Avian Biology. New York, NY: Academic Press. ISBN 0122494091.
  • Sánchez Marco, Antonio. 2004. Avian zoogeographical patterns during the Quaternary in the Mediterranean region and paleoclimatic interpretation. Ardeola. 51:1:91-132. Retrieved December 4, 2007.
  • Sibley, Charles Gald & Burt L. Monroe Jr. 1990. Distribution and taxonomy of the birds of the world: A Study in Molecular Evolution. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. ISBN 0-300-04969-2.


  • Alvarenga, Herculano M. F. & Höfling, Elizabeth (2003): Systematic revision of the Phorusrhacidae (Aves: Ralliformes). Papéis Avulsos de Zoologia 43(4): 55-91 [http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?): The Spirit of Ancient Peru:Treasures from the Museo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera. Thames and Hudson, New York.
  • Calaprice, Alice & Heinrich, Bernd (1990): Owl in the House: A Naturalist's Diary. Joy Street Books, Boston. ISBN 0316354562
  • Haaramo, Mikko (2006): Mikko's Phylogeny Archive: "Caprimulgiformes" - Nightjars. Version of 2006-MAY-11. Retrieved 2007-NOV-08.
  • Heinrich, Bernd (1987): One Man's Owl
  • Johnsgard, Paul A. (2002): North American Owls: Biology and Natural History, 2nd ed.. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington DC. ISBN 1-56098-939-4
  • Mayr, Gerald (2005): "Old World phorusrhacids" (Aves, Phorusrhacidae): a new look at Strigogyps ("Aenigmavis") sapea (Peters 1987). PaleoBios (Berkeley) 25(1): 11-16 HTML abstract
  • Mortimer, Michael (2004): The Theropod Database: Phylogeny of taxa. Retrieved 2008-AUG-14.
  • Norberg, R.A. (1977): Occurrence and independent evolution of bilateral ear asymmetry in owls and implications on owl taxonomy. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, Series B, Biological Sciences 280: 375-408.
  • Olson, Storrs L. (1985): The fossil record of birds. In: Farner, D.S.; King, J.R. & Parkes, Kenneth C. (eds.): Avian Biology 8: 79-238. Academic Press, New York.
  • Peters, Dieter Stefan (2007): The fossil family Ameghinornithidae (Mourer-Chauviré 1981): a short synopsis. Journal of Ornithology 148(1): 25-28. Digital object identifier (DOI): 10.1007/s10336-006-0095-z PDF fulltext
  • Sánchez Marco, Antonio (2004): Avian zoogeographical patterns during the Quaternary in the Mediterranean region and paleoclimatic interpretation. Ardeola 51(1): 91-132. PDF fulltext
  • Sibley, Charles Gald & Monroe, Burt L. Jr. (1990): Distribution and taxonomy of the birds of the world: A Study in Molecular Evolution. Yale University Press, New Haven, CT. ISBN 0-300-04969-2

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