Owl Fun for Kids

Owls are nighttime birds with big, round eyes and soft feathers. They can turn their heads almost all the way around! Owls are quiet hunters and use their sharp talons to catch mice and insects. Kids love learning about these mysterious, wise‑looking birds.

Watch an Owl in Action!

See how an owl flies silently and sweeps up its prey under the moonlight.

What Is an Owl?

An owl is a bird of prey that hunts at night. Owls have large eyes and keen hearing to help them find food in the dark.

• They have a round face with a flat beak and soft feathers.
• Owls come in different sizes from tiny to very big.
• They sleep during the day and wake up when it’s dark.

Where Do Owls Live?

Owls live in many places around the world. They feel comfy in homes with trees and open spaces.

• They live in forests, fields, deserts and snowy lands.
• Some owls nest in tree holes or on cliff ledges.
• Owls can also be found close to farms and parks.

What Do Owls Eat?

Owls are meat eaters. They hunt to find food using their sharp senses.

• Mice, rats and small mammals are favorite foods.
• They also eat insects, frogs and small birds.
• An owl swoops down silently to grab its food with strong claws.

How Big Is an Owl?

Owls come in different sizes. Here are some fun comparisons:

• Small owls are about as tall as a water bottle.
• Large owls can be as tall as your backpack.
• They can weigh from as little as a small apple to as much as a hardcover book.

What Sound Do Owls Make?

Owls can hoot, screech or screak, depending on their type. Their hoots help them talk to other owls.

Cool Owl Facts

Owls are full of surprises! Here are some fun facts that kids love:

• Owls can turn their heads nearly 270 degrees.
• Their wings are covered in soft fringes, so they fly without making noise.
• Owls swallow their food whole and later bring up pellets made of bones and fur.
• Some owls have “ear tufts” on top of their heads that look like little horns.
• The smallest owl is about the size of a sparrow.
• Owls use stars to navigate during nighttime flights.
• Baby owls are called owlets and are cute and fluffy!

Printables and Coloring Fun

Enjoy fun coloring and games about owls!

• Download Owl Coloring Page (PDF)

Owls in the Eco‑System

Owls help nature stay balanced. They catch small animals that are pests and live in many parts of the world.

• Owls keep rodent numbers low to protect crops and forests.
• There are more than 200 kinds of owls worldwide.
• Some owl types are at risk because forests are cut down.
• Protecting owls also protects other animals and habitats.

Ask a Grown‑Up to Help You Learn More

Here are some great places to find more facts about owls with an adult’s help:

• Understanding Owls
• Barred Owl
• owl – Kids | Britannica Kids | Homework Help

Fun Questions About Owls

Ways to Donate and Support Owls

You can help owls by protecting forests and supporting wildlife groups that watch over them.

Donate to World Owl Trust to help conserve owls and their homes.