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Barn Owl


Barn Owl

The much loved barn owl is most often seen at night in the countryside along riverbanks, towpaths, field hedgerows and roadsides, where it hunts for prey.

Numbers of barn owls fell dramatically in the last 30 years but appear to have stabilised recently. The owls have suffered from a loss of native habitat as well as being victims of collisions with road vehicles. In times of little food, parent barn owls will only feed the biggest chick and let the smaller ones die. Because of this, 75% of chicks die within the first year of life.

The best time to spot a barn owl is at dusk.

Facts

Appearance: Instantly recognisable, the barn owl has a white heart-shaped face, underparts and legs. Its back, wings and head are a golden brown with black and grey mottling.

Size: 30-40cm, with an 85-95cm wingspan

Weight: 290- 460g

Lifespan: Up to 10 years, rarely more than 2.

Diet: Rodents, small mammals, frogs, birds and insects

Family: Tytonidae

Did you know?

  • Pairs of barn owls usually stay together for life.
  • Barn owls have excellent hearing and can locate prey just by listening
  • Barn owls swallow their prey whole and will regurgitate indigestible bits (fur, bones, etc) in pellets later on.