HOOT! That’s owlspeak for BOO! In honor of this spooky Halloween I found a nifty little infographic on the Ghost Owl, better known as the Snowy Owl in the States (and Hedwig for those attending Hogwarts). So apparently this owl is totally boss. Snowy owls have these things called Facial Discs (stiff feathers around their eyes) to direct sound waves toward their ears. These ears, in fact, are asymmetrically located on their head to help these owls pinpoint their prey more accurately. Speaking of prey, THESE OWLS CAN NOM — eating almost 1,600 lemmings a year! That’s 3-5 of those cute, dumb little rodents a day!
The rest of the infographic contains a lot of cool information and facts about this bitchin’ bird. Like the fact that it’s been it’s own genus for years. BOSS. But recent genetic research shows that they are related to horned owls. Bummer, but you still rock Hedwig! Also I didn’t know this but it totally makes sense — owls in general can’t move their (human-sized) eyeballs on their own. They have to move their flexible neck to look around! I guess that’s why owls are so chill, no shifty eyes; or from another perspective, mad freaky. But if this bird gives you the heebie jeebies, don’t fret, for this bird resides in the far north near the arctic circle. No trick or treating for this fowl. HAPPY SPOOKING. BWAWAWAWAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. [via]