Have you ever seen an **owl** and been amazed at how easily it can turn its head? This silent **bird** belonging to the order of **strigiformes** or nocturnal birds of prey stands out not only for flying stealthily but also for being known as [a territorial animal](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/en-san-luis-liberaron-aves-nativas-un-aguila-mora-y-un-jote/), agile, and with peculiar plumage.
According to biologists, owls are very light, daring, and have a sharp sense of hearing. Although there are around **18 species** distributed almost worldwide, they are characterized by weighing between 224 and 710 grams. Their **lifespan in captivity** can reach 25 years, while in their **natural habitat** they only live around 11 years.
### Physical characteristics of owls
Compared to **owls**, owls do not have raised feathers resembling ears and have a distinctive face that resembles a heart shape.
Additionally, their black eyes are very striking, and **the male differs from the female** by the color of its chest, as this part of its body is much paler and lacks brown spots.
![ave-silenciosa](https://storage.googleapis.com/media-cloud-na/2025/01/ave-silenciosa.webp)
### Head and vision
The head of this unique bird can rotate 270° because, unlike humans, it has twice the number of vertebrae in its neck: 14 in total.
Regarding its **visual capacity**, this bird has very similar binocular vision to that of humans, being able to see with both eyes at the same time, but in its case, it’s in 3D.
### Feeding and reproduction
Finally, among the most outstanding curiosities of these silent birds, we have their **feeding and reproduction**. These nocturnal birds of prey feed on mice, bats, and lizards, although they also eat [small insects such as spiders](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/que-hacer-ante-una-picaduras-de-yararas-natas-viudas-negras-y-aranas-violin-medidas-preventivas/), worms, and cockroaches.
Biology specialists explain that **they are commonly monogamous**, laying 5 to 7 eggs at a time, with an incubation period of approximately 26 days. During this time, the male is responsible for finding food while the female takes care of the chicks.
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