Length: 33-35cm
Wingspan: 85-93cm
Conservation Status: Amber
Description: Barn owls are perhaps one of the most easily recognizable of the hunting owls because of its pure white under side and pale upper parts. Smaller than a tawny owl, the barn owl has longer and narrower wings and its white mask-like face is its most distinguishing features. Both male and female barn owls have yellowish-brown upper parts, although grey is also a common colour. Female barn owls tend to have more spotting on the back and breast and are slightly larger in size compared to the males. The talons of the barn owl are black and its toes and bill vary in colour from light pink to dark pinkish–grey. The barn owl's heart shaped face is visible soon after hatching for juvenile barn owls; however once they lose their off-white down they resemble the adult.
Nesting: As its name suggests barn owls chooses undisturbed buildings for their nesting sites, but will also use tree holes or crevices in cliffs and rocks. Rather than bringing materials to the nest to build, barn owls tend to make use of existing debris at the nesting site, clearing away what is not needed. Breeding starts in April and once laid, the white, non-glossy eggs are incubated by the female for a period of 27-34 days. Laying 4-7 eggs in intervals of 2 days, barn owls will produce 1-2 clutches each year. As the eggs are laid in intervals they also hatch at different times and it is often the oldest and largest of the chicks which is fed first. Both male and female barn owls will feed the chicks. Unfortunately for the younger chicks, if food is in short supply they will often die and become food for the surviving chicks. Once independent the juveniles will disperse to find their own territory so there is less competition for food.
Feeding: In Britain, 90% of a barn owl’s prey consists of woodland rodents which are hunted in the undergrowth and at the side of country lanes. Barn owls will hunt their prey from exposed perches (such as fence posts) and also in flight, where they will fly low and slow over field edges in a wavering direction. They catch their prey with their powerful toes and long, sharp talons. The outer talon is reversible to enable a better hold on prey. Barn owls eat their prey whole, regurgitating large, blackish pellets consisting of indigestible parts including teeth, fur and bones. As well as rodents such as voles, wood mice and rats, barn owls are also known to eat small birds and amphibians.
Information and image from Garden Bird Supplies
If you want to attract barn owls to your garden then you may be interested in the following products:
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