ABOUT THE BARN OWL
(Tyto alba)
A Few Facts
The Common Barn Owl is the most widely distributed species of owl,
and one of the most widespread of all birds. Because it is an expert
rodent hunter that minimizes need for pesticides, farmers have begun
encouraging their presence by providing snug, dark cavity and well
positioned nesting sites. While the food supply remains dependable,
the owls will return season after season.
Description
A pale, long-winged, long-legged owl with a short squarish tail,
measure up to 18” in height, with a wingspan up to 44”. White heart
shaped face with black eyes and bill resembling a nose. Head and
upper body are light brown with dark gray feathers.
Habits
Generally nocturnal; may emerge at dusk or may be active at dawn,
occasionally seen in flight during full daylight. Flight is noiseless with
wingbeats interrupted by gliding.
Voice
Usual call is a drawn-out rasping screech. Courtship call of male is
shrill repetitive twittering. Adults returning to nest may give low, frog-like
croak. When surprised in its nest, makes hissing, rasping and snapping
sounds made by clicking the tongue.
Hunting & Food
Barn Owl is the most efficient hunter of small ground mammals:
gophers, voles, field mice, ground squirrels, shrews and rats. Other
prey may include baby rabbits, bats, frogs, lizards, birds and insects.
It hunts by flying low and listening for emerging prey. Family of Barn
Owls may consume up to 3,000 rodents in one year!
Breeding
Will breed any time during the year depending on food supply; may
breed twice with an average brood of 3.5 chicks. Classically breed in
winter months, October – February. Lay 3 to 6 eggs at 2 day intervals.
Eggs incubated for 30 to 34 days. Chicks are fledged in 50 to 55 days.
Will remain in the vicinity for a week or so to learn hunting skills and
then disperse. Young birds are able to breed at about 10 months.
Habitats
Traditional nests: Tree hollows, old buildings, caves and well shafts are
disappearing. However, if safe homes are provided and food is available,
the population can grow rapidly.
Mortality
Unfortunately, average life expectancy is 18-24 months. About 60% die
in their first year of life. Among the causes: poor choice of nests – chicks
fall out or predators can access. Modern obstacles also include power
wires, and moving objects like vehicles, railroad cars, etc.
(Tyto alba)
A Few Facts
The Common Barn Owl is the most widely distributed species of owl,
and one of the most widespread of all birds. Because it is an expert
rodent hunter that minimizes need for pesticides, farmers have begun
encouraging their presence by providing snug, dark cavity and well
positioned nesting sites. While the food supply remains dependable,
the owls will return season after season.
Description
A pale, long-winged, long-legged owl with a short squarish tail,
measure up to 18” in height, with a wingspan up to 44”. White heart
shaped face with black eyes and bill resembling a nose. Head and
upper body are light brown with dark gray feathers.
Habits
Generally nocturnal; may emerge at dusk or may be active at dawn,
occasionally seen in flight during full daylight. Flight is noiseless with
wingbeats interrupted by gliding.
Voice
Usual call is a drawn-out rasping screech. Courtship call of male is
shrill repetitive twittering. Adults returning to nest may give low, frog-like
croak. When surprised in its nest, makes hissing, rasping and snapping
sounds made by clicking the tongue.
Hunting & Food
Barn Owl is the most efficient hunter of small ground mammals:
gophers, voles, field mice, ground squirrels, shrews and rats. Other
prey may include baby rabbits, bats, frogs, lizards, birds and insects.
It hunts by flying low and listening for emerging prey. Family of Barn
Owls may consume up to 3,000 rodents in one year!
Breeding
Will breed any time during the year depending on food supply; may
breed twice with an average brood of 3.5 chicks. Classically breed in
winter months, October – February. Lay 3 to 6 eggs at 2 day intervals.
Eggs incubated for 30 to 34 days. Chicks are fledged in 50 to 55 days.
Will remain in the vicinity for a week or so to learn hunting skills and
then disperse. Young birds are able to breed at about 10 months.
Habitats
Traditional nests: Tree hollows, old buildings, caves and well shafts are
disappearing. However, if safe homes are provided and food is available,
the population can grow rapidly.
Mortality
Unfortunately, average life expectancy is 18-24 months. About 60% die
in their first year of life. Among the causes: poor choice of nests – chicks
fall out or predators can access. Modern obstacles also include power
wires, and moving objects like vehicles, railroad cars, etc.
