The Owlet Mall and more : May 2016

No question about it, owls are one of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. We have learned a lot about their mysterious ways. Yet, it seems there is more to learn. For now, though, lets review 10 of the most fascinating facts about them:

1. All owls can rotate their heads 270 degrees in any direction. (Not 360 degrees as was commonly believed).

2. Owl are silent flyers, allowing them to sneak up on their prey.

3. Owls eyes are tubular and fixed. They must turn their heads to see in different directions.

4. They are able to to make meals out of prey that are bigger than them, such as a fawn.

5. The large Fish Owls actually do prey on fish, mostly salmon.

6. Owls can swallow many of their prey whole. They then later regurgitate what is called 'pellets' which are the indigestible parts, such as fur and bones.

7. Burrowing Owls nest in the ground and place dung around their entrance to entice their favorite snacks, dung beetles.

8. Owls can be found anywhere in the world, except the Antarctica.

9. Owls can make some of the scariest noises in the animal kingdom. Some of their calls seem to come straight out of a horror film. Listen to some examples here.

10. The owls flattened face allows sounds to funnel to their ears; emphasizing their hearing ability about 10 times.

What are favorite facts about owls?