Classification: XX
Owls are birds of prey. They belong to the families of Strigidae (typical owls) and Tytonidae (Barn Owls), and there are at least 200 species. They normally feed on small mammals, insects, fish, and other birds. They do not make nests, instead sheltering inside trees, ground burrows, caves, and barns, or using other birds' old nests. The term for a group of owls is a parliament. The study of owls is a branch of ornithology.
Normally, most owls are nocturnal, and owls generally keep to themselves, but in the wizarding world they serve many needed functions and have many sorts of personalities.
Species
- Barn Owl
- Eagle Owl
- Scops Owl
- Snowy Owl
- Tawny Owl
- Brown Owl
- Grey owl
- Eurasian Eagle Owl
- Elf Owl (smallest owl)
- Pygmy Owl
The Elf Owl (Micrathene whitneyi), lacks the feathers for silent flying. The Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum) is slightly larger than the Elf Owl, but with serrated feathers. The Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) has curvy feathers on its brow and ears. The Snowy Owl (Nyctea scandiaca) is native to the Arctic.