Photographs selected by Quentin Nardi

Eagles could be flying high on February 9, as the Philadelphia squad challenges the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, who hope to win their third consecutive title at Super Bowl LIX. However, “superb owls” are stars of the game every year, as the punny anagram grants these unique animals the spotlight.

No matter which team you root for, it’s also great to cheer for owls. One of the most recognizable and distinct fauna of the forest—with more than 200 species on six continents—they rival the popularity of any sport. Take a look.

Lichen
The feathers on these barn owls perfectly match the color of the lichen on the rock nearby. Mitch Walters, California, 2011
Great gray owls fly low
Great gray owls fly low when searching for mice, voles and other small prey in the dry grass and meadows. Jennifer Rogers, Wyoming, 2016

grooms its mate
An owl affectionately grooms its mate, which appears to be swept off its feet. Alessandra Ashley, Florida, 2016
a parliament of burrowing owls
“‘Who’ are you looking at?” a parliament of burrowing owls on a prairie in Hanover seemingly inquire about a visitor. Jamie Johnston, Colorado, 2024

Snowy Owl Cape
As if it were holding a cape, this snowy owl brings its feathers under its chin in dramatic fashion. Chris St. Michael, Canada, 2016
This unusual burrowing owl
This unusual burrowing owl has dark eyes, instead of the more common yellow pigment. Megan Lorenz, Florida, 2015
A snowy owl
A snowy owl demonstrates where it gets its name, seamlessly blending in with the frosty landscape surrounding it. Glen Strickey, Canada, 2021
Snowy owlets
Snowy owlets, which hatch a few days apart from each other, snuggle together with their soon-to-hatch siblings in the Arctic tundra. Florencia Mazza Ramsay, Alaska, 2015

A pair of baby great horned owls
A pair of baby great horned owls sit in a nest waiting for mom to bring back the meal of the day. Rick Erbach, Louisiana, 2020
Beware
Beware. When a great horned owl clenches its strong talons, it takes 28 pounds of force to open them again. Sandy Scott, Florida, 2018
The mottled brown coloring
The mottled brown coloring of the long-eared owl allows it to blend into the bark. Jan Speak, Minnesota, 2022
Owls share a tree branch
Owls share a tree branch as they seemingly pose for a photo. Mario Gustavo Fiorucci, Argentina, 2015
old-growth forest
A pair of barred owls rest in an old-growth forest. Chris St. Michael, Florida, 2016

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Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.