Barn Owl
NameBarn Owl
Common NameBarn Owl
Scientific NameTyto alba
FamilyTytonidae
Wingspan (cm)112.5
Length (cm)36
Weight (g)500
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are golden-buff to tawny, finely speckled with black and white. Underparts are white to pale cinnamon, often with sparse dark spots. The facial disc is pure white or pale buff, distinctly heart-shaped, framing dark eyes.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a distinctive, drawn-out, hissing screech, often described as an eerie shriek. They also produce various hisses, snores, and clicks, especially around the nest.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, agricultural, open woodland, urban/suburban, marsh
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNearly cosmopolitan, found on all continents except Antarctica, making it the most widespread owl species. It inhabits temperate and tropical regions globally.
Identifying FeaturesHeart-shaped facial disc, Pale underparts, Golden-buff upperparts, Silent, buoyant flight, Hissing screech call, Dark eyes
Description
The Barn Owl is a medium-sized owl easily recognized by its distinctive heart-shaped facial disc and pale plumage. It is a nocturnal hunter, known for its silent, buoyant flight as it hunts small mammals in open country.
