BARN OWL
Tyto alba
Notable Physical Characteristics - Size - Habitat - Nesting - Hunting
Behavior - Call - Additional Information - Resources
Notable Physical Characteristics
Distinctive heart-shaped facial disk (Helps channel sound for hunting)
Tawny plumage w/ white belly
Broad, pointed wings
Long legs
Medium sized owl
Wingspan: 42”
Length: 16”
Weight: 1 lb
(Females are marginally larger than males)
Found on all continents except Antarctica
Mostly inhabit open woodland
Monogamy is common
Owls will breed at any time of year given abundant food supplies
Can nest twice in a good year
Typically nest in tree hollows or old buildings
Usually lay 3-6 eggs
1 month + incubation period
Chicks are fully fledged in 2 months
Diet consists mostly of small rodents
Dependent on silent flight (muffled by the feathers) so the owl can hear and not be heard
4 asymmetrical ear openings located within facial disk provide acute hearing
Often sit on posts on low branches to locate prey
Deep, slow wingbeats
Can reach speeds of 80 km/h
Body structure limits maneuverability
Can walk on the ground in a lurching motion
Runs quickly with the aid of wings
Climbs proficiently on vertical surfaces
Rasping screech: csssssshhhH
2-year average lifespan in the wild
Sometimes referred to as the Monkey-face owl
Among the most widely distributed of all land birds
Mortality rate as high as 75% in first year