Difference between revisions of "Owl"
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An '''owl''' is a largely [[nocturnal]] order [[birds of prey]], consisting of numerous different [[species]] (or [[baramins]]) around the world. Their silent flight and perfect night vision are ideally suited to hunting at night. Owls are also famous for their hooting call of "toowit toowoo", although it is only some species (including the [[tawny owl]]) which make this sound, while others (including the [[barn owl]] and the [[screech owl]]) make a screeching sound instead. | An '''owl''' is a largely [[nocturnal]] order [[birds of prey]], consisting of numerous different [[species]] (or [[baramins]]) around the world. Their silent flight and perfect night vision are ideally suited to hunting at night. Owls are also famous for their hooting call of "toowit toowoo", although it is only some species (including the [[tawny owl]]) which make this sound, while others (including the [[barn owl]] and the [[screech owl]]) make a screeching sound instead. | ||
| − | Due to their nocturnal presence, eerie calls and striking skull-like faces, owls have often been associated with [[death]], [[magic]] and the macabre. | + | Due to their nocturnal presence, eerie calls and striking skull-like faces, owls have often been associated with [[death]], [[magic]] and the macabre. They have often appeared in mythology and fiction as the companions of [[witches]] or [[wizards]]. A recent example of this is their role in [[J.K. Rowling]]'s [[Harry Potter]] novels, in which owls are kept by trainee wizards as pets, but also used for postal delivery. |
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| + | Owls are also traditionally associated with [[wisdom]]. The [[Greek]] [[goddess]] of wisdom, [[Athena]], is often pictured with an owl. | ||
[[Category:Birds]] | [[Category:Birds]] | ||
Revision as of 22:15, February 20, 2009
An owl is a largely nocturnal order birds of prey, consisting of numerous different species (or baramins) around the world. Their silent flight and perfect night vision are ideally suited to hunting at night. Owls are also famous for their hooting call of "toowit toowoo", although it is only some species (including the tawny owl) which make this sound, while others (including the barn owl and the screech owl) make a screeching sound instead.
Due to their nocturnal presence, eerie calls and striking skull-like faces, owls have often been associated with death, magic and the macabre. They have often appeared in mythology and fiction as the companions of witches or wizards. A recent example of this is their role in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels, in which owls are kept by trainee wizards as pets, but also used for postal delivery.
Owls are also traditionally associated with wisdom. The Greek goddess of wisdom, Athena, is often pictured with an owl.