There's something about an owl that makes it feel a little more mysterious than almost any other bird. Maybe it's those enormous eyes, the uncanny ability to fly almost completely silently, or simply the fact that while most of us are settling down for the evening, these fascinating birds are only just getting started.

From tiny owls that can fit comfortably into the palm of your imagination to formidable predators capable of taking down surprisingly large prey, there is an incredible amount of variety hidden beneath that familiar silhouette.

And after looking at the bird of prey associated with each birth month, I couldn't resist taking a closer look at owls in particular...

All 12 Birth Month Owls

Now, we’re already familiar with the idea of a birth month bird, birth month animal, and birth month bug (oh yes, I'm deadly serious!), but each species of owl has its own distinctive habits, characteristics, and quirks, making these beautiful raptors ideal for matching up with our personalities.

You might be independent like a snowy owl, quietly observant like a barn owl, or considerably more formidable than your small stature suggests, like a northern pygmy owl.

So, turn down the lights, embrace your nocturnal side, and grab yourself a motion-activated wildlife camera with night vision, like the GardePro on Amazon. It's time to find out which owl matches your birth month...

January – Great Horned Owl

If you're a January baby, you're the great horned owl: confident, formidable and not particularly interested in being told what to do. There's a certain authority to this particular bird that makes it a fitting match for the first month of the year; after all, it's a powerful and adaptable predator, recognizable by its prominent ear tufts and deep hooting call.

Like this owl, you probably aren't afraid to take up space. You're protective of the people and things you care about, you're capable of handling difficult situations, and when you have decided what you want, good luck talking you out of it!

Now, great horned owls occupy a remarkably wide range of habitats across the US, including woodlands, open country and areas close to people. What better reason, then, to buy yourself an Owl House from Amazon?

February – Snowy Owl

February belongs to the Snowy Owl, which feels appropriate for a bird of prey that looks as though it was designed specifically for winter.

If you're a February baby, you're independent, resilient and perhaps a little more comfortable doing your own thing than following the crowd. Snowy Owls are famously associated with Arctic environments, and their striking white plumage provides camouflage in snowy surroundings.

You're also likely to be adaptable when circumstances demand it. Snowy Owls don't simply stay put in the far north all year, and some travel considerable distances south during winter.

In other words, you're perfectly capable of changing course when you need to.

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March – Eastern Screech Owl

March babies get the eastern screech owl, which means their birth month owl is small, adaptable and considerably more resourceful than its size might suggest. You may not always be the loudest person in the room, but that doesn't mean you're not paying attention. Eastern Screech-Owls are remarkably adaptable birds that can live in woodland, farmland and suburban environments, provided suitable habitat is available.

That makes them a fitting match for anyone who tends to make the best of whatever situation they find themselves in. Because, much like your feathered friend, you're practical, observant and probably rather good at finding solutions that other people overlook.

April – Burrowing Owl

April belongs to one of the more unusual members of the owl family: the burrowing owl. Unlike many owls that spend their days tucked away in trees, burrowing owls are strongly associated with open country and, as their name suggests, underground burrows. They have an unusually long-legged appearance and an alert, almost comically expressive look.

If you're an April baby, you're probably a little unconventional yourself. You're curious, energetic and happy to do things your own way. And I am very confident in suggesting, too, that you might also be the person who sees an opportunity where everyone else sees a problem. Sound familiar? I bet it does!

May – Barn Owl

One of the most iconic birds of all time (hey, this little beauty shared a screen with David Bowie in Labyrinth!), May's birth month owl is the graceful, observant, and quietly intuitive barn owl.

With their pale, heart-shaped faces and almost ghostly appearance, barn owls are among the most instantly recognizable owls in the US. They're also superb nocturnal hunters, using their exceptional hearing to locate prey even when visibility is poor.

If this is your birth month owl, you may be someone who notices things other people miss. You don't necessarily need to be the center of attention; you'd rather watch, listen, and work things out for yourself. And when you do finally make your move, it's usually with considerably more precision than anyone expected.

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June – Great Gray Owl

The great gray owl is one of the largest-looking owls in North America, making it a pretty spectacular birth month owl to call your own. If you're a June baby, you're thoughtful, patient and perhaps slightly mysterious. Great gray owls have an imposing appearance, but much of that apparent size comes from their exceptionally thick plumage rather than sheer body mass.

You're probably the type who doesn't rush into things. You'd rather observe, gather information and decide when the time is right. And while people might underestimate you because you're quiet, there's considerably more going on beneath the surface.

July – Saw Whet Owl

If you're born in July, your birth month owl is one of North America's smallest owls: the saw whet owl. Don't let the diminutive size fool you, though, for these little owls are capable predators, and they're far more interesting than their modest stature might suggest.

If you're a July baby, you're curious, private and quietly determined. You might prefer a small circle of close friends to a room full of strangers, but once something captures your attention, you're not easily distracted.

You're also probably the person who gets underestimated exactly once.

Want to welcome more birds of prey to your yard? Keep the area as natural and inviting as possible, then, with plants like these:

August – Western Screech Owl

August belongs to the western screech owl, which means that you (much like your feathered friend here) are adaptable, self-reliant and considerably less conspicuous than you deserve to be.

These small owls can make use of a surprisingly broad range of habitats, including woodland, desert and suburban environments in parts of the western US. And this makes them a good match for August babies, who are likely to be practical and independent without feeling the need to advertise it.

You're good at making yourself comfortable wherever you happen to land, and you probably don't need much fuss to get on with things. All hail that kind of energy, quite frankly!

September – Short Eared Owl

September's birth month owl is one that's famed for being alert, adventurous and happiest when it has room to move. I'm talking, of course, about the short-eared owl!

Unlike many owls that spend much of their time hunting from wooded habitats, short-eared owls are strongly associated with open country. They're also unusual among owls for often being active around dusk and dawn, rather than exclusively under cover of darkness.

If you're a September baby, you're probably observant but restless in the best possible way. You like having options, you notice what's happening around you and you're not particularly interested in being boxed in. Which is, yes, one of the world's favorite things about you, so own it!

October – Barred Owl

Halloween month belongs to the barred owl, a particularly fitting match for anyone who likes a little personality with their wildlife.

Barred owls are recognizable by their distinctive brown-and-white barred plumage and rounded heads, but perhaps their most memorable characteristic is their vocalization. Their familiar hooting call has been described in a variety of ways, and they can be surprisingly vocal.

If you're an October baby, you're probably sociable, expressive and not especially afraid to make yourself heard. You may also have a slightly mischievous streak, and, if you're anything like yours truly, very fond of karaoke (even if you're not necessarily the best at it!).

November – Long Eared Owl

November babies get the long eared owl, which might be the most mysterious member of this list of birth month owls. Why? Well, because long eared owls are slender birds with prominent ear tufts that give them a particularly serious expression. They're also secretive and can be remarkably difficult to spot despite being widespread across parts of North America (which is why it's a good idea to arm yourself with these TSO Polar HD 10x50 Binoculars from Amazonif you want to spy one).

If this is your birth month owl, you're observant, private and probably rather good at keeping a secret. You don't necessarily need everyone to know what you're thinking. In fact, you're quite happy watching from the sidelines until you decide there's a reason to get involved.

December –Northern Pygmy Owl

Last but not least, December belongs to the northern pygmy owl, which means you likely have one of the biggest personalities on this list (despite being one of its smallest owls).

Now, don't be fooled; northern pygmy owls are tiny, but they are still formidable predators. They're active during the day more often than many other owl species and can take prey surprisingly large relative to their own size.

That makes them a fitting match for anyone who refuses to let their size, circumstances or other people's expectations dictate what they're capable of. Because, just like December babies, they're bold, energetic and probably more fearless than people initially assume.

Whichever owl you are, take care that the very next time you're outside after dark, you listen carefully. You may not always see an owl (they're rather good at avoiding that) but there's always the possibility that one is watching from somewhere nearby.

And if it happens to be the owl associated with your birth month? Well, I think that's a pretty good sign for the year ahead, personally...