Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

Quick Facts

Scientific Name: Tyto alba
Family: Tytonidae
Size: 33-39 cm (13-15 inches)
Wingspan: 85-93 cm (33-37 inches)
Weight: 250-350 g (9-12 oz)

Conservation Status

IUCN Status: Least Concern (globally), but Amber List in UK
Population Trend: Recovering in UK after significant historical declines

Worldwide Distribution

The Barn Owl is found primarily in:

Almost worldwide distribution across six continents
Throughout the United Kingdom
Europe, Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia
Absent only from polar and desert regions
Resident year-round, generally non-migratory
Populations more dense in warmer regions

Spotting Difficulty Rating

🔍🔍🔍 (3/5 – Moderate)

Nocturnal habits make daytime sightings rare
Distinctive silhouette and coloration when seen
Often visible at dusk hunting over rough grassland
Relatively common but secretive

Habitat and Behavior

The Barn Owl is one of the most distinctive and widely recognized owl species, with its heart-shaped facial disc, ghostly white underparts, and golden-buff upper plumage. This medium-sized owl has long legs, a short tail, and rounded wings that allow it to fly silently over its hunting grounds.

Primarily nocturnal, though occasionally active at dawn and dusk, Barn Owls hunt mainly by sound rather than sight. Their asymmetrically positioned ears give them extraordinarily precise hearing, allowing them to locate small mammals in complete darkness or hidden beneath vegetation. They typically hunt by quartering slowly and methodically over rough grassland, field margins, and roadside verges.

Barn Owls are non-territorial outside the immediate vicinity of their nest sites. They typically roost during daylight hours in quiet, undisturbed locations including hollow trees, old buildings, church towers, and purpose-built nest boxes. Their distinctive screech rather than the hooting sound associated with many owl species has earned them various nicknames including “screech owl” in some regions.

Cultural History

The Barn Owl has one of the richest folkloric histories of any British bird, featuring prominently in superstitions and beliefs across cultures. Its silent flight, nocturnal habits, and ghostly appearance have contributed to its association with the supernatural in many traditions.

The Welsh called it “the bird of death” (Aderyn y Corff), and in some rural communities, a Barn Owl screeching near a house was believed to predict an imminent death in the family. This superstition was so strong that in some parts of rural England, people would nail dead Barn Owls to barn doors to ward off evil, lightning strikes, or bad weather.

However, not all cultural associations were negative. In some farming communities, Barn Owls were welcomed for their excellent rodent control capabilities. A nesting pair of Barn Owls might consume over 1,000 mice and voles annually, providing natural pest control. Some farmers believed that a Barn Owl nesting in their buildings would protect their grain stores and bring prosperity.

In Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, owls were associated with wisdom and the goddess Athena/Minerva, though this connection was primarily with the Little Owl rather than the Barn Owl. Nevertheless, the Barn Owl’s wise, contemplative appearance has helped shift its cultural perception over time from fearsome to fascinating.

Fun Facts

🦉 Can locate prey by sound alone in complete darkness due to asymmetrical ear openings

🍽️ Swallow prey whole and later regurgitate pellets containing fur and bones 💓 Have specially adapted heart-shaped facial discs that funnel sound to their ears 👂 Can detect the high-frequency sounds of small mammals at remarkable distances 🦟 Their flight is completely silent due to specialized feather adaptations 👑 Female Barn Owls are typically larger and more spotted than males 🏠 Can raise up to two broods per year in good conditions

Best Places to Spot a Barn Owl in the UK

Suffolk Coast, especially RSPB Minsmere
Somerset Levels
Norfolk Broads
Yorkshire Dales
Cambridgeshire Fens
North Downs, Surrey and Kent
Isle of Wight countryside

Recommended Viewing Tips

Watch at dusk or dawn along field margins and rough grassland
Look for distinctive white underparts contrasting with golden upperparts
Drive carefully on country roads at night where they often hunt along verges
Listen for their eerie screech, not a typical owl “hoot”
Scan farm buildings, old barns, and church towers for roosting birds
Check dedicated Barn Owl nest boxes in suitable habitat
Winter months often provide better viewing opportunities

Conservation Notes

While recovering in the UK, Barn Owls benefit from:

Installation and maintenance of nest boxes in suitable habitat
Preservation of rough grassland and field margins for hunting
Reduction in use of rodenticides and insecticides
Maintenance of traditional farm buildings with suitable entry points
Creation of wildlife corridors along roads to reduce vehicle collisions
Protection of roosting and nesting sites from disturbance
Management of grassland to support small mammal populations

Remember: Always observe wildlife responsibly and respect their natural habitats. Avoid disturbing roosting or nesting Barn Owls.