Leviticus 11 lists animals considered "unclean" by God and therefore forbidden for the Israelites to eat. Verse 16, specifically, lists several types of birds that fall under this category.

Here's a breakdown:

"the horned owl": This refers to a large owl with prominent ear tufts, likely the Great Horned Owl.
"the screech owl": Smaller owls known for their distinctive screeching call.
"the gull": Various species of seabirds.
"any kind of hawk": This is a broad category encompassing all types of hawks.

Meaning in Context:

The verse simply identifies these specific birds (and hawks in general) as unclean and therefore prohibited for consumption. The reasons for these specific prohibitions are not explicitly stated in the text.

Possible Interpretations:

There are several theories as to why these animals were considered unclean:

Diet and scavenging: Some suggest that many of these birds are predators or scavengers, and their diet was considered unclean or undesirable.
Association with paganism: In some ancient cultures, certain birds were associated with pagan deities or practices, which the Israelites were to avoid.
Symbolic reasons: Some scholars believe that the distinctions between clean and unclean animals were symbolic, representing moral or spiritual qualities. For example, birds of prey might have been seen as aggressive or unclean because they feed on dead animals.
Arbitrary distinction: Some believe these rules were simply a test of obedience to God's commands, without any specific inherent reason for each animal.
Public health: There could have been unrecognized reasons for them being considered unclean (perhaps they were more prone to disease or carried toxins).

Ultimately, the exact reason for the inclusion of these specific birds remains a matter of interpretation. The important point is that they were designated as unclean according to Levitical law and therefore forbidden for consumption by the Israelites.