Family Strigidae

Members of the strigidae family generally have round heads with dish shaped faces which function to funnel sound to the large ears. Their eyes are immobile; however, an extremely flexible neck allows owls to easily locate prey through head movements. They have an upright stance, and zygodactyl toe structure, which allows them to perch on a variety of surfaces. Along with well developed talons, this foot structure is effective in the capture of prey items.

The strigidae family

have specialized feather structure, resulting in silent flight.
includes many species that are nocturnal; however, diurnal activity is common in some species.
includes members that are considered birds of prey; owls are extremely effective hunters of small mammals, birds and insects.

ReferencesElphick, C., Dunning, J., and Sibley, D. 2001. The Sibley Guide to Bird Life & Behavior. Alfred Knopf, New York.

Howard, L. 2007. "Strigidae" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/strigidae.html>. Accessed October 29, 2009.

National Geographic Society. 1983. Field Guide to the Birds of North America. Kingsport Press, New York.

Note: The species listed within this family only represent species for which the Hubbard Collection has specimens. It does not represent all existing species within this family.