Species · GBIF taxon 2497921
Barn Owl
Tyto albaAlso known as Ghost Owl, Monkey-faced Owl, Church Owl, Death Owl
Barn Owls are silent nocturnal hunters easily recognized by their stark white, heart-shaped facial discs and ghostly pale plumage. They glide effortlessly over open fields and pastures, using highly sensitive hearing to pinpoint the rustle of small rodents in complete darkness. Instead of traditional hoots, they announce their presence with eerie, rasping screeches that echo through the night.
NocturnalSilent FlyerRaptor
Licensed reference(c) caroline legg, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
- diet
- Small mammals, primarily voles, mice, and shrews
- family
- Tytonidae
- threats
- Habitat loss, secondary rodenticide poisoning, and vehicle collisions
- life Span
- 2 to 4 years in the wild
LC
Equipped with sharp talons and beak; observe from a distance and do not handle.
Possesses powerful talons and a sharp beak capable of inflicting deep puncture wounds if cornered.
Never attempt to touch or capture a wild owl; contact local wildlife rehabilitators if one is injured.Highly sensitive to nesting disturbance and vulnerable to secondary poisoning from chemical rodenticides.
Avoid entering nesting areas during spring and summer to prevent parents from abandoning their young.- Listen for screeches: Unlike typical owls, they do not hoot but emit a raspy, hissing screech.
- Look for pellets: Search beneath old barns or hollow trees for dark, glossy regurgitated pellets.
- Avoid disturbance: Keep a respectful distance from active nest boxes during the spring breeding season.