Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

Barn Owl family (Tytonidae)
The Barn Owl is a medium-sized owl, reaching 16 in tall and 45 in wingspan. It has no ear tufts, a heart-shaped white face, and dark eyes. Its underside is white to mostly white with dark spots. Its back is tawny and gray with black and white spots. The legs are long and tail is short and squarish. The slightly larger females are usually more spotted on the breast than the males and the breast is more buff-colored. Its call is a drawn-out, hissing scream. Nests in a cavity in trees or buildings. Found on all continents, except Antarctica. It is found usually in open habitats such as deserts, grasslands, fields, and marshes. Sometimes found in barns. Most active at night and around dusk. Has excellent low-light vision, but can find prey easily by sound alone. It eats mostly small mammals. Flies silently. Also known as White Owl, Silver Owl, Monkey-faced Owl, Hobgoblin or Hobby Owl, Straw Owl, and Barnyard Owl, to name a few. Listed as endangered in CT, IL, IN, MI, RI, and WI; threatened in OH; and species of special concern in MA, NJ, OK, SC, TN, VA, and VT.

Copyright Brett Miley