Barn Owls

Barn Owl, Tyto alba

Family Tytonidae (Barn Owls)

Size: 23"

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Barns, farmland, open areas with mature trees

The barn owl is a large-headed, pale owl with small dark eyes, a heart-shaped facial disk, and long, feathered legs. The wings, back, tail, and crown are light rusty brown with light-gray smudging and small white dots. The underside, face, and underwing linings are white, with spots of rust on the breast. Females are usually darker than males, with more color and spotting across the breast and sides. The facial disk is enclosed by a thin line of dark feathers. Barn owls are nocturnal rodent hunters, and their call is a haunting, raspy screeee! The adult male is illustrated.