A Phenomenal Nocturnal Hunter
The Common Barn Owl is sometimes called the "monkey-faced owl" because of its white, heart-shaped face and dark eyes. It is a nocturnal bird of prey with keen eyesight, but often locates its prey by sound alone. The Common Barn Owl's flight is whisper quiet. Its prey rarely recognizes the danger until its too late. The Barn Owl can keep a barn or structure free of mice better than most cats.
Description
The Barn Owl is a medium-size owl measuring 13 to 20 inches in height with a wingspan 
of 2 ½ to 3 feet. It is readily distinguished from other owls by its heart shaped facial-ruff. The ruff is white rimmed with tan and completely encircles the eyes and beak. Ear tufts are non-existent. It is primarily a white bird with shades of buff and yellow on its head and back. The chest and belly are white. The legs are long and bare.
The eyes of an owl are in a fixed position and cannot move from side to side. To see, they turn their whole head. Contrary to popular belief, they cannot rotate their heads 360 degrees. They can rotate it 270 degrees which is still better than man. We can barely turn ours 180 degrees.
Range and Habitat
The Common Barn Owl can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They are primarily found in the middle latitudes avoiding the extreme heat of the desert and the bitter cold in the north.
They inhabit the grasslands relying on open fields and the edge of woods for hunting. They avoid densely forested areas, high elevations and extensively cultivated farmlands.
Mating and Nesting Habits
Barn Owls are cavity nesters. They will build their nests in man-made structures such as buildings, church steeples, and nest boxes. They are prolific breeders, usually hatching two broods each year. A typical clutch consists of 3 to 6 eggs, and are incubated for 29 to 34 days. The owlets fledge between 56 and 62 days but remain dependent on their parents for another two months. The female usually lays a second clutch before the owlets from the first brood fledge.
The Barn Owl is primarily nocturnal, hunting and feeding at night.
Feeding Habits
The Barn Owl's diet is predominantly mice, rates, voles and gophers. On occasion it will snatch a fish out of the water, or a bird from the sky. When hunting, it flies low to the ground and dives onto its prey with talons extended. Extremely good at hearing, the Barn Owl can catch its prey in total darkness. It is a nocturnal creature 
but will occasionally hunt during daylight hours.
Its prey is torn apart and completely consumed. What the Barn Owl cannot digest is packed into pellets and spits-up.
Flight
Like most owls, the Barn Owl is silent in flight. This is due to the tiny serrations on the leading
edge of its flight feathers. This breaks up the airflow over the wings reducing the turbulence and the noise.
Nikon Monarch ATB Binoculars
Perfect for watching barn owls and other birds of prey
The Nikon Monarch Binoculars
The waterproof, fog-free Nikon binoculars are perfect for outdoor use. Bright, beautifully defined images are delivered by superior quality, multilayer coated lense.O-ring seals and nitrogen gas provide added resistance to the effects of changes in climate, while the durable design and rubber armoring ensure reliable performance and a comfortable grip, even during prolonged use. Worry-free viewing of the great outdoors.
Voice
At close range, the Barn Owl's cry is an ear-shattering shree! When cornered, it will hiss like a snake.
Interesting Trivia
1. The Barn Owl doesn't hoot, it hisses.
2. Due to its coloring, the Barn Owl is often referred to as the "golden owl."
3. The Barn Owl can live up to 17 years of age.
Owls of the United States and Canada
Owls of the United States and Canada: A Complete Guide to Their Biology and Behavior
Amazon Price: $26.37 (as of 12/26/2009)
Wayne Lynch began work as a full-time science writer and photographer in 1979. Today he is the author of numerous award-winning books and television documentaries and one of Canada's best-known and most widely published photographers.
Owls of the World
Owls of the World: Their Lives, Behavior and Survival
Amazon Price: (as of 12/26/2009)
Reviews Posted on Amazon.com
A fascinating portrait of 205 species of owl... explores myth and legends... intriguing facts are brought to light. -- Suzanne Hively, Cleveland Plain Dealer 11/26/2003
Copious color photographs effectively illustrate concepts and enhance the book's visual appeal... a valuable addition to any natural history collection. -- Catherine Jeanjean, Library Journal 12/01/2003
Extremely accessible yet scientific work... Many of the numerous color photographs are breathtakingly beautiful. -- Nancy Bent, Booklist / RBB 12/15/2003
Some of my Favorite Owls
Little Brothers
The Barred Owl
The Common Barn Owl
The Eastern Screech-owl
Big Brothers
The Great Grey Owl
The Great Horned Owl
The Snowy Owl
Seen any interesting birds lately?
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Reply
- Evelyn_Saenz Evelyn_Saenz Dec 6, 2009 @ 1:33 pm
- After reading more about Barn Owls, I plan to add Barn Owl Nesting boxes near the fields on our farm in Vermont.
Just added a link to this lens on my Old Vermont Barn lens.
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Reply
- ArtByLinda ArtByLinda Aug 10, 2009 @ 10:44 pm
- Oh my goodness, you have some amazing footage of the beauty of these owls on this lens, great info too! :)
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Reply
- lakeerieartists lakeerieartists Jul 18, 2009 @ 4:14 pm
- My mom has a fascination with owls, and collects artwork of owls. I painted her a snowy owl, but barn owls have such cute faces. I am always amazed at how far they can turn their heads around. Great lens. Blessed by an angel. :)
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Reply
- MeltedRachel MeltedRachel Jun 27, 2009 @ 6:03 am
- A beautiful bird and a beautiful lens! Thank you.
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Reply
- Karolsstuff Karolsstuff Feb 17, 2009 @ 9:08 pm
- Haven't found a wild barn owl yet to photograph!! Hopefully, one day..they are beautiful! Great lens!
- Load More
About the Author
Lensmaster ElizabethJeanAllen has been a member since March 16 2008, has rated 4,014 lenses, favorited 445, and has created 200 lenses from scratch. Lizzy Jean donates their royalties to Squidoo Charity Fund. This member's top-ranked page is "2009 Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments". See all my lenses
Hawks and Owls of the Great Lakes Region and Eastern North America
by Chris G. Earley
Hawks and Owls of the Great Lakes Region and Eastern North America
Amazon Price: $12.71 (as of 12/26/2009)
A nice handy guide to hawks and owls, especially for beginners and less experienced birders... Robert E. Hoopes, Wildlife Activist 06/2004
An excellent identification guide... the photos are well chosen... the text is clear and concise. Jim Williams, Minneapolis Star Tribune 08/18/2004
Resources used to construct this page
Lynch, W. 2007. Owls of the United States and Canada. John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore.
Peterson, T.P. & Peterson, V.M. 2002. Birds of Eastern and Central North America, Fifth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, New York, N.Y.
Carolina Raptor Center
Western North Carolina Nature Center
University of Minnesota Raptor Center
Barn Owl-Tyto alba
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by ElizabethJeanAllen
I tell my students to Learn from the Past, Live in the Present, and Plan for the Future. With Squidoo I can do all three.
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