Who Gives a Hoot? - An 'Owl'-Encompassing Quiz

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. To what order of birds is the owl most closely related? Anseriformes (example: ducks) Caprimulgiformes (example: nightjars) Struthioniformes (example: ostriches) Tinamiformes (example: tinamous)

2. Which of the following best describes the hunting habits of most owls? Mimicking the mating calls of small rodents and luring them to the nest Lurking camouflaged on the ground and waiting for prey to pass by Perching quietly in trees then flying in short, rapid surges to seize prey Forming a company of several owls that fly in a circle around the prey

3. How do owls consume their food once they’ve caught it? All of these feeding behaviors are commonly exhibited by some types of owls. They kill it instantly, tear the meat off the bones with their beak, and eat it in portions. They kill it instantly, swallow it whole, and regurgitate the inedible materials. They eat the prey alive, swallow it whole, and regurgitate the inedible materials.

4. It is often difficult for untrained observers to see owls in the wild. Which of the following is NOT a reason that owls can be tricky to spot? Natural camouflage ability Rarity of daytime activity Almost soundless flight Unsharpened, silent talons

5. Some owls are active throughout the night, but this is not the case for most owls. During which part of the night are owls typically most active? Midnight Dusk and dawn Dusk only Dawn only

6. Male owls have a higher vocal pitch than female owls. True False

7. Because sound is so important to owls, their ears have several unique features. Which of the following is NOT commonly true of owl ears? Have a moveable flap Covered in lacy feathers Located on back of the head One ear higher than the other

8. Owls have very poor eyesight compared to humans; in full sunlight, owls are completely blind. True False

9. Owls have been around for millions of years. The oldest owl fossils found have been dated to what epoch? (Hint: think of the profession of the people who study fossils.) Eocene – about 56 million years ago Miocene – about 23 million years ago Oligocene – about 34 million years ago Paleocene – about 65 million years ago

10. Owls can have some interesting and descriptive names. Which of the following is NOT a real type of owl? Elf owl Goblin owl Snowy owl Pygmy owl