Common Name:
Barn Owl
Scientific Name:
Tyto Alba
Wild Status:
Least Concern
Habitat:
Grasslands, Deserts, Marshes, Human Settlements
Country:
Every continent except Antarctica
Shelter:
Trees, Hollows, Buildings
Life Span:
4 years in the wild
Size:
10+ Inches
Cool Facts:
- Barn owls are incredible hunters who focus on prey like mice and rats
- Just like mice and rats, barn owls are mostly nocturnal and come out to hunt at night
- Their keen sense of sight and hearing help them catch prey in the dark
- Their ears are not bilaterally symmetrical, meaning one is slightly higher than the other
- Owls in general have long been associated with spooky business, such as witchcraft and magic
- Unlike other owls, they do not hoot. Instead, they make a screeching noise
- The females have darker feathers than the males
Details:
One of the most efficient predators in the animal kingdom, the barn owl can catch its prey with minimal information. A small crinkle on the ground, a slight rustle, or a tiny squeak is all that is needed for an owl to catch mice in the cover of darkness and leaves. The owl's expert hunting and mysterious nature have drawn humans for thousands of years as seen in stories and works of art in numerous human cultures. Humans see in owls not only a fierce hunting prowess but a wisdom to learn from, as well as fear. While many humans think of owls as bad omens or bringers of death, in truth, most owls will never harm a human without being harmed first. This acceptance of humans has given rise to the barn owl, named after its habit of taking up residence in barns. Barns offer not only safe nests away from predators and rain, but a steady supply of rats that may steal a farmer's hard earned corn. This mutualistic relationship with humans may explain why the barn owl is so widespread.
Taxonomic Breakdown:
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae Genus: Tyto Species: T. alba