Barn Owl
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Michael_G%C3%A4bler" title="User:Michael Gäbler">Michael Gäbler</a> (CC BY 3.0)
NameBarn Owl
Common NameBarn Owl
Scientific NameTyto alba
FamilyTytonidae
Wingspan (cm)88
Length (cm)36
Weight (g)450
Plumage DetailsThe plumage features a pure white to pale buff, heart-shaped facial disc. Underparts are white to pale buff, sometimes with fine dark spots. The upperparts are a mix of golden-buff and grey, intricately mottled with dark markings and fine white spots.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its eerie, drawn-out, hissing screech rather than a hoot. Also produces various chattering, wheezing, and clicking sounds.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsopen country, grassland, farmland, marshland, woodland edges, urban areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNearly cosmopolitan, found on all continents except Antarctica, including Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia, and the Americas.
Identifying Featuresheart-shaped facial disc, pale underparts, golden-buff and grey mottled upperparts, dark eyes, silent flight, screeching call
Description
The Barn Owl is a medium-sized, nocturnal owl recognized by its distinctive heart-shaped facial disc and silent flight. It is a highly effective predator, primarily hunting small mammals in open country.
