The white collar (commonly referred to as its “bow tie”) under the owl’s face helps to identify the species, which is widespread across the Northern Hemisphere.
The Owl Research Institute states that an owl’s feathers’ hues “help it fit in with the natural environment and, of course, keep it warm.”
“The colors of an owl’s feathers help it blend in with the natural environment and, of course, keep it warm,” the Owl Research Institute writes.

“Feather colors are not the only things that help camouflage owls. They have other tricks to conceal themselves.
“Many stand tall and pull their feathers in tightly, making the owls skinnier and harder to see.”
“When trying to conceal themselves, owls raise the whitish feathers surrounding the bill.”
Owls can conceal themselves from both potential prey and keen nature photographers thanks to their outstanding camouflaging abilities.