Owls Birds Bundle

The owl, the owls (Strigiformes) are an order of birds to which about 200 species are counted. Representatives of the group are found on all continents except Antarctica. Most species are nocturnal and have developed numerous adaptations for their nocturnal activity. Within the owls, a distinction is made between the two families of barn owls (Tytonidae) and common owls (Strigidae).

Owls have a very typical shape. As birds specialised in nocturnal hunting, owls are distinguished from other birds by specific anatomical features. The body is stocky and the head, compared to that of other birds, is conspicuously large and roundish. The owls' beak is strongly curved and sharp-edged.

In the western world, the owl is also considered the bird of wisdom; as such, the little owl is the companion animal of the goddess Athena. The fixed, calm gaze of its eyes has certainly contributed to this reputation. In ancient Athens, there were once many owl images and statues in honour of Athena, and silver tetradrachms featured an owl, giving rise to the saying "carrying owls to Athens" as a synonym for a superfluous action. The image of an owl is on the reverse of the Greek 1-euro coins. The Renaissance rediscovered the ancient association with the goddess Pallas Athena. Owl of Minerva - Minerva is the Roman goddess equivalent to Athena - has become a figure of speech.