common barn owl
Quick Summary
The common barn owl (Tyto alba) is a nocturnal bird of prey found worldwide, except for Antarctica and Micronesia. Barn owls are characterized by their heart-shaped facial disks and lack of ear tufts, with small, dark eyes. They typically measure 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 inches) in length and have plumage that ranges from white to yellowish or brownish-orange.1
These owls primarily hunt small rodents like mice and shrews, often in cultivated areas. They build nests in hollow trees, buildings, or old hawk nests. While historically considered one species, recent classifications recognize three distinct species based on vocalizations and genetics: the western barn owl (T. alba), the eastern barn owl (T. javanica), and the American barn owl (T. furcata). Other species, such as grass owls, inhabit open grasslands.1
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