BARN OWL

Tyto alba

BIRD

Order Strigiformes

Description

17-18 in long, about 1 lb; wingspan to 43 in. Females larger than males. White breast and white, heart-shaped face; red-brown speckled body.

Range

world-wide on major land areas; extends from southern Canada to southern Chile, from east to west coast, in the Western Hemisphere.

Status

The Illinois Department of Conservation has classified barn owls as endangered in this state due to decline food supply and the number of available nesting sites as agriculture intensifies. Although not currently listed as endangered outside of Illinois, international trade of this species is regulated by law.

Recent studies have shown that decline in vole (and to a lesser degree, mouse) populations have a great effect in reducing both barn owl and long-eared owl populations in Illinois. These studies conclude that providing nest sites isn't enough to secure these species' survival here. Their hunting habitat and food supply must also be present. Voles and mice, in turn, are often treated as agricultural pests. As agriculture intensifies in Illinois, vole populations decline.


Photo © James P. Rowan Photography

 

Ecology

Habitat
trees, abandoned burrows and buildings, old farm machinery left in fields. Because it frequents abandoned buildings, this bird has been the source of ghost tales. Prefers temperate forests and grasslands.
 
Niche
carnivorous: prefers small rodents but will occasionally take other prey. Predators include the great horned owl. Nocturnal and arboreal, but will hunt during the day especially when hungry young are in the nest.

Life History

Except in northernmost areas, barn owls have two broods each year, usually early spring and late summer. 4-7 eggs hatch after several weeks. Altricial young are covered with fuzzy down. Both parents brood and feed the young. Male will bring food to brooding female. Young mature in 10-12 wks. Life span 5-11 yrs in the wild.

Special Adaptations

  • Flight feathers are serrated at their tips, muffling the flapping sound of the wings during flight.
  • Short feathers on side of head form a groove that helps direct sound waves into the ear opening.
  • Sharp talons for seizing and holding prey.
  • Hooked beak for tearing meat.
  • Eyes in front allow for depth perception and ability to isolate and efficiently capture prey, as well as to avoid obstacles.
  • Eyes fixed in sockets, so owl's flexible neck designed to turn up to 270 degrees (three quarters of a circle).
  • Camouflage coloring helps keep owl from being discovered during the day.