Barn Owl
Image: Jonathan Wild (cc-by-nc)
NameBarn Owl
Common NameBarn Owl
Scientific NameTyto alba
FamilyTytonidae
Wingspan (cm)110
Length (cm)36
Weight (g)450
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are golden-buff to orange-buff, finely speckled with grey and white. Underparts are pure white to pale buff, often with scattered dark spots. The facial disc is white or pale buff, bordered by a darker rufous-brown edge.
Vocalization / CallUnlike typical hooting owls, Barn Owls produce a distinctive, drawn-out, hissing screech or shriek. They also make various hisses, snores, and clicks.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, farmland, open woodland, marsh, desert, human habitation
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNearly cosmopolitan, found on all continents except Antarctica, including Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia, and the Americas.
Identifying Featuresheart-shaped white facial disc, pale underparts, golden-buff upperparts with fine speckling, dark eyes, silent, buoyant flight, distinctive screeching call
Description
The Barn Owl is a medium-sized, pale owl with a distinctive heart-shaped facial disc. It is a nocturnal hunter, known for its silent flight and exceptional hearing, primarily preying on small mammals in open habitats.
