Inked Mag Staff
November 6th, 2020
45 Outstanding Owl Tattoos
Would you get an owl tattoo?
Owls are among the most frequently tattooed birds, possibly animals as a whole. Their popularity among tattoo enthusiasts is often attributed to their striking appearance and the symbolism their carry in folklore. Owls belong to the Strigiformes order of birds and are classified by their upright stance, broad heads, sharp talons and feathers adapted for silent flight.
In the owl species, there are two families that the birds are split between: true owls and barn owls. There are many different breeds of owls found all over the world, notably the snowy owl, the great horned owl, barn owl and screech owl. Owls have evolved to take on many different habitats, including deserts, arctic tundra and forests. They can be found throughout North America, as well as in Europe, Africa and Asia depending on the breed.
Depending on where you are in the world, owls take on different cultural symbolism. For instance, in the Western world many cultures associate owls with wisdom and vigilance. However, in many Native American tribes they’re regarded as bearers of supernatural danger and a symbol of death.
To see some of our favorite owl tattoos, check out the work of talented artists around the world in the gallery below. Then let us know your thoughts on these tattoos in the comments section on social media.
Editor's Picks
Bridging Classical Art and Modern Tattooing
Esteban Rodriguez brings the discipline of classical fine art to the living canvas of skin, creating hyper-realistic tattoos that merge technical mastery with emotional depth.
Show Your Ink Fashions Brings Custom Style to Tattoo Culture
Show Your Ink Fashions creates custom shirts designed to showcase your tattoos as wearable art, blending fashion with personal expression.
The Ultimate “Superman” Tattoo Roundup: Just in Time for Superman’s Return to Screens
With Superman’s big return to theaters, fans are revisiting some of the most iconic ink inspired by the Man of Steel.
More From News Content
Rums That Go Down Like Fresh Ink
August 21, 2025
Inked Girl of the Month: Miss Minnie
August 5, 2025
Inked-Approved Beers: No Fluff, Just Damn Good Brews
July 29, 2025
