The barn owl (Tyto alba), a medium-sized and pale-colored owl, is distinguished by its long wings and short, square tail. Across its subspecies, it exhibits considerable variation in size and color, typically measuring 33 to 39 cm in length with a wingspan of 80 to 95 cm. The plumage on the head and back ranges from grey to brown, while the underparts can be white to brown, sometimes speckled with dark markings. The face is heart-shaped and predominantly white across most subspecies.
To identify the barn owl in flight, look for its distinctive heart-shaped face, black eyes, and pale body. The tail shape helps distinguish it from other owls, and the undulating flight pattern is characteristic. The legs and feet are long and slender, aiding in silent flight and maneuverability.
Barn owls favor open habitats such as farmland or grassland with interspersed woodland, typically below 2,000 meters in altitude. They are often found hunting along woodland edges or in rough grass strips next to pastures.
This cosmopolitan species is found on every continent except Antarctica, avoiding only polar and desert regions, Asia north of the Himalayas, and some Pacific islands. It is generally sedentary, with young dispersing from natal sites along river corridors.
Barn owls are nocturnal but may also hunt by day in some regions like Great Britain and certain Pacific Islands. They are not particularly territorial but have a defined home range for foraging. Males and females usually roost separately outside the breeding season.
