The barn owl is one of the most fascinating and recognizable birds of prey in the
world. Because of its ghostly appearance, heart-shaped face, and screeching call,
it has managed to pique human interest over the centuries. Whether you are
wondering what a barn owl looks like, how big it is, or what it sounds like, all your
questions are answered in a significant and interesting way.
What Is a Barn Owl?
The barn owl, or Tyto alba, is a nocturnal bird found on all continents except
Antarctica. Unlike many other owl species, it belongs to the Tytonidae family,
making it different from “true” owls, or Strigidae.
It is also called the “white owl” or “ghost owl” because of its white, glowing
appearance at night.
What Does a Barn Owl Look Like?
A barn owl has the following distinctive features:
A heart-shaped face, perfect for hearing
White on the underside (this is why they are sometimes referred to as the
white barn owl)
Golden-brown wings and back, covered in spots
Dark eyes, not the yellow eyes typical of most owls
On rare occasions, some barn owls may be very dark, earning the name black
barn owl, and some may be very pale. However, there is no such thing as a blue
barn owl.
Barn Owl Size: How Big Is It?
Barn owls are medium-sized birds, and their dimensions are:
Length: 33-39 cm (13-15 inches)
Wingspan: 80-95 cm (31-37 inches)
Weight: 400-700 grams
Because they have long wings, barn owls are very good gliders. When a barn owl
is in flight, it seems to be weightless.
Barn Owl Wings & Silent Flight
One of the most amazing features of the barn owl is its silent flight. Its wings have
very soft and frayed feathers, thus ensuring silent flight. This is very helpful to the
barn owl, especially when hunting in the dark.
What Does a Barn Owl Sound Like?
Contrary to the usual ‘hoot’ sound of an owl, the Barn Owl’s call is a harsh
screeching sound.
The Barn Owl sound is a long, raspy scream.
It is also described as an eerie or haunting sound.
It is used for communication and territorial purposes.
If you want to know what a Barn Owl sounds like, it is a sharp human
scream.
Baby Barn Owls, on the other hand, make hissing and snoring sounds when they
beg for food.
Barn Owl Habitat: Where Do They Live?
Barn Owls live in open environments.
These places include:
Grasslands
Farmlands
Marshes
Rural areas
Barn Owls also live in places such as:
Barns (hence the name Barn Owl)
Tree cavities
Abandoned buildings
Nest boxes.
The American Barn Owl is a regional population found in North and South
America.
What Do Barn Owls Eat?
Barn Owls are carnivorous and skilled flyers and hunters.
Barn Owls mainly eat:
Mice
Rats
Birds
Insects
Baby Barn Owl: From Fluffy to Fierce
A baby barn owl is called an owlet. They look quite different from the adult
ones:
Covered with fluffy white feathers
Eyes closed or half-opened at birth
Completely dependent on their parents
As they grow, they acquire feathers and learn to fly before becoming
independent hunters.
Barn Owl Adaptations
Barn owls are perfectly adapted to hunt at night:
Excellent hearing – can locate prey even in complete darkness
Facial disc – like a satellite dish to collect sounds
Asymmetrical ears – to locate the exact spot of the prey
Silent flight – to attack the prey undetected
These features make the barn owl one of the best nocturnal hunters.
How Long Does a Barn Owl Live?
In the wild:
4-10 years – many die at a younger age due to predators or harsh weather
conditions
In captivity:
They can live a little longer as they are protected.
What Eats a Barn Owl?
Despite being hunters themselves, barn owls have their own set of enemies:
Larger birds of prey like eagles
Foxes
Snakes – especially eggs and chicks
Barn Owl Camera & Nest Boxes
Today, wildlife enthusiasts have started installing barn owl cameras in nest boxes.
This provides a rare insight into the life of the barn owl. With the installation of a
barn owl nest box in a tree or a barn, conservation of the species is also possible.
Barn Owl Art, Tattoos & Drawings
The mysterious look of the barn owl is the reason why it has inspired:
Detailed Barn Owl Drawings
Symbolic Barn Owl Tattoos, depicting wisdom and mystery
Myths and Folklore about the Barn Owl
Fascinating Barn Owl Facts
They can consume as many as 1,000 rodents annually
Their flight is almost noiseless
They have a global reach, with the only exception being Antarctica
They do not hoot; instead, they screech
The Barn Owl is much more than a spooky night bird. It is a stealth expert, a vital
member of the ecosystem, and a bird with a multitude of interesting
characteristics. From the silence of its wings to the haunting sound of its call, the
Barn Owl still manages to fascinate people.
If you are startled by a blood-curdling scream at night, don’t be afraid. It could be
the amazing nocturnal owl at work.