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Owls

The true owls, or typical owls (Strigidae), make up one of the two main owl families, with around 230 species distributed across 24 genera. These owls, found everywhere but Antarctica, have diverse sizes—from the tiny elf owl to the large Eurasian eagle-owl. Common features include large heads, short tails, camouflaged plumage, and round facial discs, with females often being larger than males. Owls are generally arboreal, silent hunters with specialized feathers allowing noiseless flight. Their wings are designed for stealth, with a comb-like structure on the leading edge and a soft, fringed trailing edge. Owls have excellent hearing with asymmetrical ears for pinpointing prey, while their head can turn up to 270 degrees thanks to specialized neck adaptations. Some species have fluorescent pigments under their wings. They are nocturnal or crepuscular, often misunderstood as tame due to their still behavior when approached. Communication may include visual signals and even fecal markings to convey territory or breeding status. Some owl species are migratory, like the northern saw-whet owl. Their survival and reproduction can depend on the habitat, with old-growth forests providing protection. Fires and climate change impact their habitat, while competition for resources can be intense, such as between the spotted and barred owls wherein the latter is pushing the former towards local extinction. Regarding predators, owls are mainly threatened by other owl species. Parasites like avian malaria also affect certain species like the spotted owl. The family's classification has evolved with recent studies, leading to updates in the taxonomy and a reorganization of genera and species. This diverse family's fossil record dates back around 60 million years and includes several prehistoric genera, although the exact placement of some fossil species remains uncertain.

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Species Categories

African & New World ParrotsAlbatrossesAnhingas, DartersAntbirdsAntpittasAntthrushesAustral Storm PetrelsBarn OwlsBlack-capped DonacobiusCaracaras, FalconsCardinals & AlliesChachalacas, Curassows, GuansChats, Old World FlycatchersCormorants, ShagsCotingasCrescentchestsCrows, JaysCuckoosDippersDucks, Geese, SwansFinches, EuphoniasFinfootsFlamingosFrigatebirdsGannets, BoobiesGnatcatchersGnateatersGrebesGulls, Terns, SkimmersHerons, BitternsHoatzinHummingbirdsIbises, SpoonbillsJacamarsJacanasKingfishersKites, Hawks, EaglesLarksLimpkinMagellanic PloverManakinsMitrospingid TanagersMockingbirds, ThrashersMotmotsNew World BarbetsNew World QuailNew World SparrowsNew World VulturesNew World WarblersNightjarsNorthern Storm PetrelsOilbirdOld World ParrotsOld World Sparrows, SnowfinchesOropendolas, Orioles, BlackbirdsOspreysOvenbirdsOwlsOystercatchersPainted-snipesPelicansPenguinsPetrels, Shearwaters, Diving PetrelsPheasants & AlliesPigeons, DovesPloversPotoosPuffbirdsRails, Crakes & CootsRheasSandpipers, SnipesSapayoaScreamersSeedsnipesSeriemasSheathbillsSkuasStarlings, RhabdornisStilts, AvocetsStone-curlews, Thick-kneesStorksSunbitternSwallows, MartinsSwiftsTanagers & AlliesTapaculosThrushesThrush-tanagerTinamousTityras, Becards, SharpbillToucan BarbetsToucansTrogonsTropicbirdsTrumpetersTyrant Flycatchers, CalypturaVireos, Greenlets, Shrike-babblersWagtails, PipitsWaxbills, Munias & AlliesWaxwingsWeavers, WidowbirdsWoodpeckersWrens

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Simply fantastic
I love this app, it puts so much fun into recording the birds I’ve seen and heard while I’m out and about. The interface is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. It’s great to collect badges and to review my “lists”.
Chudbond
Love Birda
I love this app. It really encourages you to log your sightings and the community is friendly and helpful.
Unbridled Discoveries
Great app for bird lovers
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Simply adds to the enjoyment of my birdwatching and helps me record what I’ve seen.
D3Nature
Great app for learning Birds
I’ve been using the app for a couple of months and love it....Someone said it’s like a real life Pokémon Go for birds. They’re not far off! It’s something that the family can do that gets you out and about. Well worth downloading no matter your age.
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Best app for any birding person!
I love this app!! I am so addicted to it when I saw it had 3 star review I was so sad! The app is awesome!! The best app for any birding person! ❤️
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Very good database
Highly recommend. It great that this app shows you male Vs female variations when posting. Very good database I'm really impressed.
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Awesome Birding Community
I absolutely love the community aspect of this app. The app is so user friendly and has fun interactive challenges to get you out birding. I’ve tried others but since I’ve started using Birda I’ve not gone back!
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Learning Birding with Birda
I’m relatively new to birding as a hobby, and Birda is a great way to keep track off all the species I see. I’m still working on my ID skills, but the app is great for figuring out potential species, and the online community is so friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend Birda to both early and serious birders! 🐦
Leonie
We've been waiting for an App like this
Excellent! We've been waiting for an app like this! Thank you! It would be nice if you could assign additional birds to sessions later!
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