Barn Owl
ExploreBird
Barn Owl
Tyto alba
The Barn Owl has a heart-shaped face and is known for its ghostly appearance! It often hunts in fields and can fly silently to catch its prey.
Habitat: Farmlands and open fields
Appearance
The Barn Owl has a striking white, heart-shaped face and dark, beady eyes. Its underside is pure white or pale buff, contrasting with golden-brown upperparts speckled with grey and black dots. This unique face makes it easily distinguishable.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderStrigiformesFamilyTytonidaeGenusTyto
Category
BirdRarity
Common
Danger
2/5
Snaps
2
Interesting facts
A Barn Owl's big eyes can't move, so they move their entire head to look around!
Barn Owls often nest in old barns or abandoned buildings, giving them their name!
They can sometimes have two families of babies in one year if food is plentiful!
They swallow their prey whole, then later cough up a pellet of undigested bones and fur.
Special abilities
Ability
Silent Hunter
Barn Owls have super soft, specialized feathers that let them fly almost silently, surprising their prey.
Ability
Super Hearing
Barn Owls have asymmetrical ear openings and a facial disc that help them pinpoint tiny sounds, even in total darkness.
Ability
Head Swivel
Barn Owls can turn their heads almost all the way around, up to 270 degrees, to spot prey without moving their bodies.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 32-40 cm
- Wingspan
- 80-95 cm
- Weight
- 0.3-0.6 kg
- Lifespan
- 1-4 years
- Top Speed
- 32 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 4-7
- Incubation
- 30-34 days
Diet & Feeding
They are expert hunters who mostly eat small rodents like voles and mice.
Primary Foods
- voles
- mice
- shrews
- lemmings
- rats
- small birds
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
hunts
Meadow Vole
Microtus pennsylvanicus
A primary food source, keeping their populations in check.
hunts
House Mouse
Mus musculus
A common prey item, especially near human settlements.
hunts
Common Shrew
Sorex araneus
A small, fast mammal often caught by owls.
eaten by
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
Can sometimes prey on smaller Barn Owls if given the opportunity.
Traits
Wildlife
Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!
Feathered
These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.
Ambush Predator
Meet masters of surprise! These clever hunters hide quietly and wait patiently for their prey to come close before pouncing with a quick move.
Forest
These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.
Carnivorous
Discover fierce hunters and clever predators that get all their energy from eating other animals. They play a vital role in keeping nature's balance.
Nocturnal
Explore the secret world of animals that come alive at night! They are wide awake when it's dark, using their amazing senses to find food and play.
Also known as
Common Barn OwlGhost OwlWhite Owl
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5
Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Barn Owl?
32-40 cm
What is Barn Owl's wingspan?
80-95 cm
How much does Barn Owl weigh?
0.3-0.6 kg
How long does Barn Owl live?
1-4 years
How fast can Barn Owl move?
32 km/h
What does Barn Owl eat?
They are expert hunters who mostly eat small rodents like voles and mice.
Where is Barn Owl usually found?
Farmlands and open fields
How does Barn Owl hunt?
Pursuit
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
