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Most owls are nocturnal predatory birds classified in the order of Strigiformes. Non-nocturnal owls include "crepuscular" "pygmy" owls that are active during twilight hours, and "burrowing owls" that are active during the day. A few owl species specialize in capturing fish, but for the most part owls prey on small mammals, insects, and other birds. Although owls are solitary animals, a group of owls is called a "parliament". Owls can be found in all earthly regions except Antarctica, a few remote islands, and almost all of Greenland. Their wide range of habitats consists of thick forests to open prairies.

People's initial fascination with owls begins when they see one of the awe inspiring creature's stately appearance because simply looking at owls causes wonderment about them. Their short hooked beaks that are said to be hawk-like, their large forward-facing eyes and ears, and the conspicuous circles of feathers called facial discs around their eyes, used to guide noises of potential prey to the owls' ears are alluring.

Watching owls turn their heads is captivating because despite having binocular vision, owl eyes are fixated in their sockets causing the owls to rotate their entire heads in order to see different views. All in all, owls are capable of turning their heads one hundred thirty-five degrees in whichever direction they choose. This head-turning ability allows them to see behind their own shoulders. Although they cannot see completely backwards.

People are also fascinated with the sounds owls make their "hoots". The type of hoot owls make depends on the species of the owls. Owls usually hoot when they are announcing their arrival or presence to their competition, and when seeking mates.

Owl colors may be plain, like the white "snowy" owl, or in a variation of spots to broken stripes, as is the case with most owls. The coloring is usually shades of brown, black, and white.

Most people have probably seen video footage of owls hunting; and thus, are more than likely fascinated with the stealth and surprise strategy owls employ when taking down their victims. There are two adaptations owls have that help them achieve stealth, the first being the dull coloration of their feathers. The dullness of owl feathers renders them virtually invisible under certain circumstances.

The other adaptation that helps owls achieve stealth is the makeup of their remiges, or flight feathers. Owl remiges have fluffy edges and tiny serrations that muffle the sounds of owls' wing

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