Are Owls Mammals?

Owls live in every part of the world except Antarctica and some remote islands. These large-eyed, nocturnal raptors are among the most mysterious, intriguing members of the animal kingdom. Are owls mammals? Read on to find out.

The ancient Greeks believed they were an omen of good luck. In their mythology, owls were the companion of Athena, the goddess of wisdom. Ever since, owls have been regarded as wise and mysterious.

The ancient Celts believed owls were the spirits who guided humans to the underworld. Other cultures have associated owls with witchcraft and occult beliefs.

These birds stand straight on their feet and have thick, fluffy feathers. For these reasons, people think they look more like a large, winged mammal than a bird. However, owls also lay eggs and they can fly.

Owls are birds.

What Is a Mammal?

All mammals, with two odd exceptions, share these characteristics.

• They have a backbone that allows them to stand up straight.
• They give birth to live offspring.
• They are warm-blooded.
• Mammals are covered in hair or fur.
• They nurse their offspring.
• Mammals use their lungs to breathe.

The exceptions to this rule are the odd animals known as monotremes, who lay eggs but have all the other characteristics of mammals. They are considered mammals.

Owls have a backbone and use their lungs to breathe, but they don’t fit the other criteria of a mammal. They don’t nurse their young, have fur, or give birth to live offspring.

What Is a Bird?

What are the characteristics of birds? Here are the traits required to be classed as a bird.

• Feathers: These soft coverings evolved from scales. Some feathers are used for flight, and others are used for warmth and protection.
• Wings: Birds are not the only winged animal, but wings are an essential bird trail. All birds have wings, even those that don’t fly.
• Beak or bill: All birds have a beak or bill. The bill’s shape gives you clues about the bird’s diet and its abilities as a raptor.
• Eggs: All birds lay eggs. Eggs are not exclusive to birds. Other animals, including amphibians and fish, also lay eggs. Most birds build nests to shelter their eggs and offspring.
• Skeleton: Birds have a vertebra and a full skeleton. Birds that fly have hollow bones that keep them lightweight. Flightless birds, including penguins, have heavier bones.

How Do Owls Compare?

Here’s how they stack up when you look at bird characteristics.

• Feathers: All owls are covered in thick feathers. Owls use their feathers to keep warm and to fly.
• Wings: All owl species have wings. These fierce predators fly directly onto their prey.
• Beak: An owl’s beak is sharp and curved. It’s ideal for ripping and tearing meat.
• Eggs: Owls lay eggs and build nests.
• Skeleton: Like other flying birds, owls have hollow bones that allow them to get airborne easily.

It’s clear that the Owl is a bird and not a mammal.

What Makes Them Different from Other Birds?

Despite sharing the major characteristics of their fellow birds, they have some key differences.

• Inability to move their eyes sideways: Owls can’t move their eyes from side to side. Because of this inability, they must move their heads to watch moving objects or prey. That’s why you often see them tilt their heads back and even rotate their heads completely around their bodies.
• Asymmetrical ears: These raptors have excellent hearing. This is partly because of their irregularly placed ears, which are at different heights on their heads. This uneven placement allows them to hear the slightest sounds. This gives them an enormous advantage when hunting at night.
• Reversible toe: Like other raptors, owls are zygodactyl. That means they have two forward-facing talons and two backward-facing talons on each foot. One toe can move in both directions. This reversible toe gives them excellent footing and a strong grip on their prey.

How Many Kinds Are There

There are over 250 species of owl. These birds inhabit forests and woodlands all over the world. Here are some noteworthy members of the family.

Nocturnal birds of prey, owls are divided into two categories: Tytonidae, which are barn owns with heart-shaped faces, and Strigidae, non-barn owls.

• Barn owl: One of the most common birds in the world, the barn owl stands out for its wide, white face and distinctive call. They feast on mice, rats, and other rodents, which is why they are welcome in barns all over the world. These birds mate for life.
• Snowy owl: This beautiful bird is one of the largest owl species. It is known for the pure white, fluffy feathers that keep it warm in the coldest temperatures. The snowy owl is most active at dawn and dusk. Snowy owls are apex predators in their environment.
• Long-eared owl: This large owl is known for its long ears that look even larger with their thick tufts of feathers. These owls live in the woods of North America, Europe and parts of Africa. They feed on small animals and can live up to 30 years.

Up Next…

Check out to see if these common creatures are mammals or something else entirely!

• Are Cats Mammals? See if felines have what it takes to be classified as mammals.
• Are Birds Mammals? With warm blood and a backbone, some birds might be mammals, right?
• Are Dogs Mammals? What is man’s best friend, exactly?

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Alan Walker