Owls are birds of prey found nearly worldwide.

The bird of Athena, the Greek goddess of practical reason,

is the little owl (Athene noctua). Owls became symbolic of intelligence because it was thought that they
presaged events. On the other hand, because of their nocturnal existence and ominous hooting sounds,
owls have also been symbols associated with the occult and the otherworldly. Their secretive habits, quiet
flight, and haunting calls have made them the objects of superstition and even fear in many parts of the
world1.
Owls are typically nocturnal or crepuscular. However, activity patterns can change seasonally and vary
from one individual to another. Generally, more energy is required during the breeding season, which
means owls are out hunting for longer periods2. Owls are found on all continents except Antarctica and on
most oceanic islands1.
The size range of owls is about the same as that of their day-active counterparts, the hawks, with lengths
of about 13–70 cm (5–28 inches) and wingspans between 0.3–2.0 metres (1–6.6 feet). Most owl species
are at the lower end of the size range. Owls apparently feed only on animals. Rodents are the most
common prey; the smaller species, however, eat insects. All owls have the same general appearance,
which is characterized by a flat face with a small hooked beak and large, forward-facing eyes. The tail is
short and the wings are rounded. Like the diurnal birds of prey (order Falconiformes), they have large feet
with sharp talons. Diversity occurs in size, in the presence or absence of “ear” tufts, and in the shape of
the plumage around the face1.
Owls have been known to live for a long time. The oldest known wild Great Horned Owl was at least 28
years old when it was found in Ohio in 20052. Owls have appeared in myths and folktales around the
world. Some species are widely kept as pets

source: Wikipedia, Britanica