48. Strigiformes (Owls)

The two recognized families that comprise the order Strigiformes contain typical owls and barn-owls. For the most part both types are primarily nocturnal predators. They share many features with the birds of prey of the order of Falconiformes: strong talons, a sharply hooked beak, and the tendency for females to be larger than males. Taxonomists think these similarities are convergences -- similar characteristics that have evolved independently in unrelated groups -- rather than indicators of close relationship.

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 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 Antarctica and some remote islands.