Florida burrowing owlet, Cape Coral, Florida, United States (© mlorenzphotography/Getty Images)

Owls are far more than the wide-eyed birds they appear to be. Found on every continent except Antarctica, they are known for forward-facing eyes, flat facial discs that channel sound and specialised hearing. Many species hunt in near silence thanks to soft-edged feathers. Their eyes remain fixed in their sockets, so they rely on remarkably flexible necks to scan their surroundings. From forests to deserts, owls inhabit a wide range of environments and play an important role in maintaining ecosystem balance.