Owls constitute the biological order Strigiformes, a group of predominantly nocturnal, raptorial birds characterized by a suite of morphological and sensory specializations for silent hunting. They possess a large, forward-facing binocular visual system, asymmetrically placed external ear openings associated with a facial ruff that functions as a sound-collecting structure, and highly sensitive hearing enabling precise prey localization. Their plumage includes soft-edged, serrated primary feathers that reduce aerodynamic noise during flight. Strigiformes exhibit zygodactyl feet with sharp talons, strongly hooked beaks adapted for tearing flesh, and generally exhibit reverse sexual size dimorphism. The order is typically divided into two families: Tytonidae (barn-owls) and Strigidae (typical owls).
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