Owl Owl Owls are birds from the order Strigiformes, which includes about 200 species of mostly solitary and nocturnal birds of prey typified by an upright stance, a large, broad head, binocular vision, binaural hearing, sharp talons, and feathers adapted for silent flight. Exceptions include the diurnal northern hawk-owl and the gregarious burrowing owl. Owls hunt mostly small mammals, insects, and other birds, although a few species specialize in hunting fish. They are found in all regions of the Earth except polar ice caps and some remote islands. Owls are divided into two families: the true (or typical) owl family, Strigidae,
Birds of Australia tail for rapid changes of direction. In consequence, the unrelated birds that fill that role in the Americas and in Australia look and act as though they are close relatives. Australian birds which show convergent evolution with Northern Hemisphere species: Australian birds can be classified into six categories: For comprehensive regional lists, see: For Australia's endemic species, see: Other regional, state and island bird lists: National organizations Australian regional and state organisations Important regional references include: Full-coverage field guides in print are as follows, in rough order of authority: Birds of Australia Australia and its offshore islands and territories have