The Owls are an Order of birds, consisting of two Families and around 200 species. They are nocturnal predators, superbly adapted for their environment. Large eyes allow them to see, even in very low light levels. Because they are positioned on the front of the face, Owls have excellent distance perception and are far-sighted. Because their eyes are fixed in their sockets, an Owl must turn her head to view what is to the sides - and she can rotate it almost 270 degrees. Her ears are assymetrical, one being positioned higher than the other (do not confuse ears with the feathery "horns"). She can adjust the feathers of her flat facial "disc" to pinpoint prey with deadly accuracy.
This specimen is a Long-eared Owl. She belongs to the so-called "True" owl Family which contains the majority of the species. The other Family consists of Barn Owls and their ilk.
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