Barn Owl
Tyto alba
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Strigiformes · Tytonidae
About
The barn owls, owls in the genus Tyto, are the most widely distributed genus of owls in the world. They are medium-sized owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long, strong legs with powerful talons. The term may be used to describe:The whole family Tytonidae, though this also includes the bay owls in the genus Phodilus Tyto, the largest genus of birds in Tytonidae, and particularly these species in that genus: Three species that are sometimes considered to be a single species known as barn owl or common barn owl: Western barn owl Tyto alba, from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East American barn owl Tyto furcata, from the Americas Eastern barn owl Tyto javanica, from southeast Asia and Australasia Andaman masked owl Tyto deroepstorffi endemic to the southern Andaman Islands New Caledonian barn owl Tyto letocarti, extinct, from the island of New Caledonia in Melanesia Rivero's barn owl Tyto riveroi, extinct, from Cuba
Fun Fact
Barn owls have the most acute hearing of any animal ever tested — they can catch prey in total darkness using sound alone, and their heart-shaped facial disc acts as a parabolic reflector for incoming sound waves.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Farmlands, grasslands, and buildings
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
4-5 years
Threats
- Agricultural Conversion
- Urban Expansion