Barn Owls
Tyto alba
Barn owls are found on every continent except Antarctica and are the most widespread of all owl species.
They are nocturnal predators and are rarely seen. They have a white heart-shaped facial disc which absorbs sound and directs it towards the ears, which are focused in different directions to assist in pin-pointing prey when hunting.
They prefer to live in open habitats such as open woodland, farms and grasslands.
WHAT THEY EAT
Barn owls hunt at night having the ability to fly silently catching small mammals, birds and reptiles. They use powerful talons to grasp prey and can swallow it whole, they then regurgitate the indigestible parts, such as bone, in a pellet.
BREEDING
Barn owls mainly breed in April–June, nesting in tree hollows, caves and buildings. Females lay between 3-6 eggs and only she will incubate them.
