Barn Owl

Barn Owl
Tyto alba

Habitat:	Farmlands and grasslands

Range:	In the Americas this owl lives from the Canadian Border to the southern most part of South America. Can also be found in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Voice:	Many different calls but mostly hisses and screams.

Identification:	Length: 14 - 20 inches Wingspan: 43 - 47 inches Weight: 15 - 18 ounces This owl has no ear tufts, dark eyes, and a white heart-shaped face. Its front is whitish with scattered dark spots. Its back is a golden brown color with gray upperparts and small black and white spots.

Diet:		Prefers small to medium sized mammals, plus small birds, reptiles, frogs, and occasionally insects.

Nest:	Nests in cavities (hollow trees or nest boxes), abandoned buildings, caves, and occasionally on the ground. The Barn owl lays between 2 and 7 eggs and rarely up to 16. The female sits on the eggs for 29 - 34 days. The young stay in the nest for another 52 - 62 days. After another 2 months the young become independent. They will have one to three broods per year.

Comments:	The Barn Owl hunts primarily at night often while flying low, under ten feet, looking like a giant moth. It can hear incredibly well, and can actually catch prey in total darkness. One of this owl's nicknames is the Monkey-faced Owl.