All Owls (All species of Tytonidaeand Strigidae)

Order: STRIGIFORMES

Owls are a familiar, worldwide order of large-eyed, nocturnal birds of prey with haunting calls. They have broad round heads, flat faces, and eyes facing forward. Most species have distinct facial discs around the eyes. There are two families - Barn Owls and True Owls.

All owls lay white eggs and most species nest in tree holes or even holes in buildings. At night when they are active, they are of course difficult to see. The best means of identification is the call.

Barn Owls

Family: TYTONIDAE

Barn owls are nocturnal raptors with very round, heart-shaped faces, dark eyes, and broad facial discs which amplify sound to the ears. They hunt largely by ear. The wing feathers are soft for silent flight, and their calls are harsh screeches.

There are 2 Barn Owls in the Greater Sundas both with very wide distributions.

True Owls

Family: STRIGIDAE

True owls are similar to Barn Owls but have generally shorter legs and smaller facial discs. Several species have prominent erectile 'ear' tufts. The plumage of all species is patterned elaborately with grey, brown, white, and black giving them good camouflage when resting during the day.

There are a total of 20 True Owl species in the Greater Sundas, including some insular forms of limited distribution.