Owls

nature

Many birds follow a day-bound rhythm, but a distinct group is awake at night, using darkness to hunt, travel, and avoid predators. These nocturnal and crepuscular species rely o...

Birds

Nocturnal birds in Illinois are most active after dark and play distinctive roles in the state’s ecosystems. Owls are the most well-known night-active birds here, but nightjar...

Animals & Wildlife

In strict biological terms, cannibalism is defined as an adult of a species consuming another adult or juvenile of the same species as primary food. Documented cases of true can...

animals

Owls rely on highly specialized eyes that support low-light vision, precise depth perception, and efficient hunting in dim conditions. This explainer outlines how key eye featur...

Birds

Owls are a group of birds within the order Strigiformes, comprising around 250 extant species characterized by large forward-facing eyes, a upright stance, and predominantly noc...

animals

Nocturnal birds are species that do the majority of their foraging, traveling, and other key activities during the night rather than daylight. True nocturnality is an evolutiona...

wildlife-safety

Owls generally avoid humans, but if an owl attacks, the most effective response is to stop, protect your head and eyes, and move to a safe, enclosed area while staying calm and...

Birds

The saw-whet owl (Aegolius acadicus) is a small, cryptically patterned owl of North American forests, best known for its repeated tooting call that resembles a saw being sharpen...

animals-and-pets

Answering what sound an owl makes begins with the classic hoot—a low, resonant series of notes used mainly by large owls such as Great Horned Owls to defend territory and pair...

bird-watching

Owls are a distinct group of birds within the order Strigiformes, characterized by large forward-facing eyes, a hooked beak, and soft feathers that enable silent flight. There a...