Strix

genus of birds

Strix is a genus of owls in the typical owl family (Strigidae).

Strix owls
Temporal range: Early Miocene to present
Great grey owl, Strix nebulosa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Strigiformes
Family: Strigidae
Genus: Strix
Linnaeus 1758
Type species
Strix aluco

This is one of the two living families of owls, the other being the barn owls (Tytonidae). Common names for Stryx are earless owls, though they are not the only owls without ear tufts. "Wood owl" is also used as a more generic name for forest-dwelling owls. Neotropical birds in the genus Ciccaba are sometimes included in Strix.

These are medium-sized to large, robustly built, powerful owls. They do not have ear tufts and most are nocturnal woodland birds. They eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles.