Asymmetry – not identical on both sides of a central line

Camouflage – colors, tones, patterns, shapes or behavior an organism uses to blend with its surroundings; also concealment that alters or obscures the appearance; also protective coloration, a common animal defense

Carnivore – any animal that consumes other animals that are living (predation) or dead (scavenging)

Facial Disc – concave collection of feathers on the face of some birds (especially owls) to collect sound waves and direct them to the ears

Morph – an individual of one particular form, such as the red morph and gray morph of the Eastern Screech Owl, in a species that has two or more forms

Nocturnal – active at night (as opposed to diurnal)

Owl pellet – a mass of undigested food an owl regurgitates consisting of bones, fur, etc.

Plumage – the layer of feathers that cover a bird and the pattern, color and arrangement of those feathers

Predator – an animal that hunts and kills other animals, usually for food

Prey – an animal that is killed and eaten by another animal

Raptor – bird of prey; also a type of bird often characterized by a hooked beak, sharp talons and keen eyesight

Talon – claw of a bird of prey