Owl Scientific Name, Genus, Habitats, Diets, and Types

What is the scientific name of an owl? The owl scientific name is Strigiformes (Order).

Owls are the most interesting and enigmatic birds one can find in the world. Silent flight, keen eyesight, and nocturnal habits have won these birds a fascination with humans for years. But actually, ever wondered what the scientific name of owls is or how they are classified? In this article, we reveal all aspects of owl scientific name, genus, habitat, diet, and types in simple, easy-to-understand language.

What is the Scientific Name of an Owl?

The generic scientific name of an owl is Strigiformes. This term comes from Latin and refers to the whole order of owls. The order Strigiformes is divided into two most important families:

• Tytonidae: the barn owls
• Strigidae: the typical or true owls

So when people think about the biological name, or indeed want to know the scientific name of an owl, what they usually have in mind is Strigiformes, which actually includes all species of owls.

Examples of Owl Scientific Names:

• Barn Owl: Tyto alba
• Great Horned Owl: Bubo virginianus
• Snowy Owl: Bubo scandiacus
• Little Owl: Athene noctua

Owl scientific names meaning and pronunciation:

The word Strigiformes is derived from the Latin term strix, meaning “owl”. The pronunciation is stri-gi-for-meez. Each owl species has its own unique Latin name, reflecting its distinct identity within the bird family. For example, the scientific name of the barn owl is Tyto alba, meaning “white owl”.

Biological Classification of Owl

The scientific name of the owl fits into the following biological classification system:

This classification indicates the place of the owl’s binomial name in animal biology.

Owl Genus and Common Genera

Genus is a system of classification in which species that are genetically alike are grouped. Strigiformes is the scientific name of the owl, and it includes several genera.

Important Owl Genera:

• Bubo: Large owls like eagle owls
• Tyto: Barn owls
• Strix: Wood owls
• Athene: Small owls
• Asio: Long-eared and short-eared owls
• Otus: Scops owls

Traits of each genus are shared by species belonging to that genus.

Owl Habitats

Owls are found in almost every type of environment around the world. Under the scientific name of the owl family, Strigiformes, several species are highly adaptable to diverse climates and landscapes. Food availability, nesting site security, and little disturbance are important criteria for owls in choosing their habitats.

Forest Habitats of Owls:

There are many owl species find forests to be a good source of food and shelter. The curtain of dense trees allows the owls to remain hidden during the day and carry out their nocturnal hunting operations.

• Inhabit the forests of tropical, temperate, and boreal climates
• Make use of the tree holes for laying eggs
• Prey on small mammals and birds

The Tawny Owl and Great Horned Owl are examples of owls commonly found in forests.

Grasslands and Farmlands:

Habitats consisting of open land are the ones where owls that feed on rodents live.

• Mice and rats are attracted to fields and crop areas
• Barn owls tend to be found in the vicinity of farms and barns
• Farming lands are a constant source of food

Barn Owls (Tyto alba) have a strong association with farmland habitats.

Desert Habitats:

Owls, some of them, can withstand the harshness of desert regions.

• They utilize rock crevices and ex-burrows
• Night is their main time for Activity to elude the high temperatures
• They eat insects, reptiles, and small mammals

The Burrowing Owl is a desert dweller that adapts well to conditions.

Mountain and Highland Regions:

Owls have also occupied places up in the mountains.

• Build nests on cliffs or in the corners of forests
• Prey on cold-adapted mammals
• Heavy coats are their shields against the cold

High up in the sky, Snowy Owls and Eurasian Eagle Owls are the kings.

Urban and Human Settlements:

Owl man is not an enemy but rather a friend.

• Nest in buildings and towers
• Artificial light is their guide in hunting insects
• They are simply availing themselves of the food source that the urban areas provide rodents around cities

Little Owls and Barn Owls are among the most frequently occurring birds in the city areas.

Diets of Owls

Owls are birds of prey. The scientific name of an owl, Strigiformes, encompasses the species that have powerful beaks and talons with which they catch their prey.

Primary Diets of Owls:

Owls are not picky eaters, but they do prefer to dine on the freshest meats only.

• Rodents like mice, rats, and voles
• Small birds
• Insects and beetles
• Frogs and lizards

The selection of food depends on the size and habitat of the owl.

Diet of Big Owl Types:

The large owls are after bigger prey.

• Rabbits
• Hares
• Ducks
• Snakes

The Great Horned Owl is capable of taking down animals that are even larger than itself.

Diet of Small Owl Species:

Small owls focus on insects and small animals.

• Grasshoppers
• Beetles
• Small rodents

Scops owls and pygmy owls mainly eat insects.

Owl Feeding Method:

Owls use stealth in their flight and exceptional hearing to hunt.

• Swallow prey whole or in parts
• Regurgitate pellets containing bones and fur
• Pellets help scientists study owl diets

This method of feeding is characteristic of all owls.

Owl Size, Weight, Wingspan & Lifespan Table

Types of Owls

Owls are divided into types based on family, size, habitat, and behavior.

1. Tytonidae: Barn Owls

Barn owls form a distinct family.

Key features:

• Heart-shaped face
• Pale feathers
• Long wings
• Strong hearing

Common species:

• Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

They prefer open land and farmland.

2. Strigidae: True Owls

This family includes most owl species.

Key features:

• Rounded facial disk
• Stocky body
• Feathered legs

Common species:

• Great Horned Owl
• Snowy Owl
• Tawny Owl

They live in forests, deserts, and mountains.

Types of Owls and Their Zoological Names

Final Thoughts:

The biological name for owls, Strigiformes, refers to a group of birds that are different from most others, as they are good hunters and occupy large territories. Knowing their scientific names, genus, diet, and species makes it easier for people to appreciate owls and understand their function in nature. Accurate information supports the conservation and public awareness of these important birds.

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