Wood owl, any of 11 species of birds of prey of the genus Strix, family Strigidae, characterized by a conspicuous facial disk but lacking ear tufts. Wood owls occur in woodlands and forests in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The name wood owl is also applied to members of the genus Ciccaba, found in Africa and the Americas. They eat insects, birds, and small mammals, primarily rodents and hares.
The barred owl (Strix varia) of eastern North America has an overall barred pattern in brown and white. It is about 40 to 50 cm (1.3 to 1.7 feet) long.
The great gray owl (S. nebulosa), of northern Europe, Asia, and North America, is among the largest owls, often more than 70 cm (2.3 feet) long. Much of its apparent size results from its plumage. It is gray to brownish, barred underneath, and heavily streaked.