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
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Field Voles
- House Mice
- Common Shrews
Predators
- Eurasian Eagle-Owl
- Great Horned Owl
- Red Fox
ThreatsHabitat loss, secondary rodenticide poisoning, and vehicle collisions
HabitatsGrasslands, agricultural fields, pastures, and forest edges
Life span2 to 4 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyTytonidae
- SpeciesTyto alba
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Equipped with sharp talons and beak; observe from a distance and do not handle.
- Why it is dangerous
- Possesses powerful talons and a sharp beak capable of inflicting deep puncture wounds if cornered.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognizable by its pale, heart-shaped facial disc, dark eyes, and lack of ear tufts.
- What to do
- Never attempt to touch or capture a wild owl; contact local wildlife rehabilitators if one is injured.
- What to notice
- Often nests in quiet, dark cavities like barn lofts, hollow trees, or specialized nest boxes.
- Support conservation
- Avoid entering nesting areas during spring and summer to prevent parents from abandoning their young.
Responsible observation
- 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.
Close Relative Close Relative Close Relative
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