Size: Length; 55cm. Weight; 700g.

Habitat and distribution: Himalayas, China to Vietnam, Sumatra and Borneo. Dense undisturbed forest.

Breeding: Nest in tree cavities, rock ledges, caves or a scrape on the ground. Lay 2 eggs which are incubated for 30 days.

Diet: Small mammals, birds, reptiles and insects.

• 189 species make up the family Strigidae (typical owls, but excluding Barn Owls).
• Females are generally larger than males.
• Owls have excellent hearing; their disc–shaped faces are designed to direct the slightest sound to the large ear openings.
• An owl’s neck has twice as many vertebrae as a human’s, which enables them to rotate their heads 270 degrees.
• Their eyes are designed for optimum binocular vision in low light; these adaptations allow them to locate prey easily.
• Finally their feathers are specially adapted to allow them to fly silently; this enables them to catch prey before being detected.