All About the Owl

by
posted on July 29, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
great_horned_owl_in_oregon.jpg

The owl’s reputation for wisdom may be due to its large eyes, which gather light and allow it to see effectively at night. With its exceptional vision, an owl is able to see small animals from many yards away, even in the dark.

Contrary to popular belief, an owl is not able to swivel its head all the way around, although it can appear that way. Because the owl cannot move its eyes, its neck contains extra vertebrae that enable it to turn its head three-quarters of the way around.

Though an owl is almost silent while hunting, you may hear one occasionally. Owls hoot at each other to establish territory, and male and female owls will hoot together when they are getting ready to mate—it sounds like a duet.

Though owls tend to stay away from human beings, they do exist in areas occupied by humans. An owl’s diet includes vermin, insects and slugs, so farmers have found them to be very effective at controlling destructive pests that would otherwise harm their crops. Interestingly, the owl is one of the only natural predators of the skunk...since owls have no sense of smell.

 

Photo by Jon David Nelson

Latest

Nra Virtual Townhall Lede
Nra Virtual Townhall Lede

Watch: NRA CEO Hamlin & President Bachenberg Hold Our First Virtual Townhall

"When President Bachenberg and I were elected, we pledged to rebuild the trust of our members, donors, and industry."

Reviewed: Daniel Defense 9mm Pistol-Caliber Carbine

Nimble, adjustable, accurate, and nicely outfitted, this PCC impresses.

From Pond to Pan, Frog-Hunting is Great Summer Fun

Get your gig, airgun, or .22 rifle and head for the water on a summer night and come away with some great eating!

First Impressions: CZ P-10 C Ported Pistol

Built for everyday carry and range performance, this new addition to CZ's lineup offers reduced recoil and other features new shooters will love.

Kyle Lamb Named Brand Ambassador for NRA America’s Rifle Challenge

"When I heard about the ARC program, its focus on the AR, and the NRA’s desire to provide AR training and ARC competitions, I wanted to be involved."

Y.E.S! NRA Foundation Awards $13,500 in College Scholarships

We're proud to announce the award recipients from the Y.E.S. Class of 2024!

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.