Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part series about owl species that call Missouri home. Missouri boasts a rich variety of wildlife, including some truly captivating creatures, such as the elusive and intriguing owl. These awe-inspiring birds of prey command respect with their magnificent physical features, such as powerful wings, sharp talons, and piercing eyes. Their distinctive calls, from haunting screeches to melodious whistles, only add to their mystique. The birds’ unmatched hunting abilities, a testament to their years of evolution, place them at the pinnacle of the animal kingdom’s predators. Although each species of owl has its own unique characteristics, all owls have certain features that distinguish them as owls, according to Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL). Owls are birds of prey that have evolved to hunt effectively at night. To facilitate their night vision, owls have tubeshaped eyes that are positioned facing forward, rather than to the side…