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Barn Owl

Tyto alba ORDER: STRIGIFORMES FAMILY: TYTONIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Barn Owl is one of the most widely distributed birds in the world, found on all continents except Antarctica, and on many oceanic islands as well. It has been introduced by people to some of the few places it did not already occur, namely Hawaii, the Seychelles Islands, and Lord Howe Island.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Owls
Owls
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized owl.
  • White or mostly white underside.
  • Heart-shaped, white face.
  • Back tawny, marked with black and white spots.
  • Long legs.
  • Eyes dark.
  • Round head without ear tufts.

Immature Description

Immature like adult.

Range Map Help

Barn Owl Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

Similar Species

  • Snowy Owl is white on the back as well as on the front.
  • Short-eared Owl can look nearly white from below, but it has a black crescent in the middle of the wing, and dark wingtips.
  • Young Great Horned Owl can be largely pale below, lack ear tufts, and give hoarse rasping calls, but its face is orange.