
These nocturnal creatures are insectivores, preying on a variety of insects and small arachnids that come out at night. The smallest owl species, the Elf Owl, calls the deserts of southwestern U.S. They have a distinct call which echoes through the night. Nocturnal by nature, they are skilled hunters, feeding on rodents and other small mammals. Larger than most owl species, the Ural Owl calls the forests of Europe and Asia home. Their habitat is old-growth forests, where they hide during the day. They’re known for their dark eyes and white spots, feeding on small mammals, birds, and insects. Native to the forests of North America, Spotted Owls are active when the stars come out.

They’re native to North America and named after their call that resembles a saw being sharpened. Their preferred meals are mice and small mammals. This pint-sized owl may look cute, but it’s a fierce hunter during the night hours. They are found worldwide and prey primarily on rodents, using their acute sense of hearing to locate meals in complete darkness. Known for their ghostly pale color and heart-shaped face, Barn Owls are nocturnal hunters. With their incredible camouflage, they blend into tree barks during the day, only to awaken when the night falls. They come out at night to hunt insects, small rodents, and even birds. These small owls are found throughout Eastern North America. Their deep hoots can be heard echoing in the night as they hunt everything from rabbits to other birds, using their excellent night vision and keen hearing. Found across North America, they’re recognized by their large size and powerful build. Named for the tufts of feathers resembling horns on its head, the Great Horned Owl is a master of the night. Owls That Are Strictly Nocturnal Great Horned Owl So, it’s these impressive adaptations that make owls perfectly suited for a nocturnal lifestyle. On top of that, their soft-edged feathers allow for silent flight, an absolute game-changer when hunting unaware critters in the silence of the night. Their facial discs help channel sounds directly into their ears, meaning they can locate prey with pinpoint accuracy, even under a moonless sky.

Their large eyes can gather more light than most animals, letting them see clearly even in the dark. Over time, owls have developed special traits that give them a leg-up when the lights go out.
