Vesper and Fig the Owl and Mouse Pendant

Barn owls are in their own family. Did you know that? They are so unique compared to other owls that they were given their own family. Most of the North American owl species are grouped together in a family called Strigidae but barn owls are in Tytonidae, which comes from the Greek word tuto, meaning "night owl". Even their body shapes are so different than other owls. Longer, narrower skulls than most other owls, shorter tail feathers, smaller eyes, and even where their sternum is connected is different than any other owl. So, they get a family all to themselves!  While barn owls are normally thought of as just one species, there are actually three in the world. There is the American barn owl, Eastern barn owl, and the Western barn owl. Only the American barn owl lives in the US. The Eastern is found in South Asia to Australia, and the Western is found in Europe, Africa, and Western Asia.  Hunting by sound rather than sight, these amazing creatures can hunt in total darkness. That heart-shaped cup face draws the sounds in to be captured by two ears on the sides of their heads at two different heights. Having one ear a little higher than the other allows them to sense even more about their prey below them.  You might not have noticed that this barn owl is also hunting her prey. But the mouse is still and not making any movements so the owl can't detect his presence. This one of a kind necklace was entirely handmade and one of a kind from sterling silver. Each feather of the barn owl was etched by hand and allows her to fly soundlessly through the night. The black star filled night behind her. And, above, the tiniest mouse just perch and waiting to make his escape. The pendant itself is about 2.75 inches tall and about 1.25 inches wide. It comes on an 18 inch long sterling silver loop chain ending in a sweet heart shaped clasp.  Already completed one of a kind designs such as this owl will be mailed off to you within 3-5 days.