Western Barn Owl / Tyto alba LC

The Barn Owl (Tyto alba) is one of the most widespread and recognizable owls in the world. Its Russian name, "Сипуха", comes from its characteristic husky call. Known under various nicknames referring to its appearance, sounds, habitat, and silent flight, the Barn Owl is a nocturnal predator treasured by birdwatchers.

Taxonomy and Discovery

First described in 1769 by Tyrolean naturalist Giovanni Scopoli as Strix alba, it was later reclassified into the genus Tyto. Its scientific name, Tyto alba, literally means "white owl".

Appearance

Barn Owls are medium-sized among owls, with a distinctive heart-shaped facial disc, long legs, and slim body. Asymmetrical ear placement and silent flight allow them to locate prey precisely and hunt efficiently at night.

• Body length: 25–40 cm
• Wingspan: 85–95 cm (up to 110 cm in some regions)
• Weight: 188–700 g (average 300–350 g)
• Plumage: upperparts reddish-golden with ash flecks; underparts pale cream with small dark spots
• Heart-shaped facial disc — key identification feature

Voice and Behavior

During the breeding season, Barn Owls produce harsh, hissing and rattling calls. At other times, they are mostly silent. They may click their beak or flap wings to scare intruders. Audio recordings of Barn Owl calls are available on this page.

Range and Habitat

Barn Owls have an extensive range across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Americas (excluding the extreme north of Alaska and Canada), and many islands. They avoid high-altitude mountains and extreme cold. Usually, they are found in farmlands, open fields, barns, lofts, and other buildings where prey is abundant.

• Range: widespread globally, except extreme northern regions
• Habitat: farms, lofts, bell towers, cliffs, ravines, open fields near water
• Often lives near humans and uses buildings for nesting
• Island populations are often smaller and lighter due to ecological adaptation

Diet and Hunting

Barn Owls feed mainly on small terrestrial mammals: voles, mice, rats, and shrews. Occasionally they eat small rabbits, birds, lizards, and large insects. Hunting is mostly nocturnal, using acute hearing and sight, and sometimes by ambush from a perch.

• Main prey: voles, mice, rats, shrews
• Occasionally: small birds, lizards, insects
• Hunting strategy: silent flight, low-level patrols, ambush from perches

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Barn Owls are mostly monogamous, though polygamy has been reported. Courtship involves aerial displays and vocalizations by males. They do not build complex nests — often occupy tree hollows, cavities in cliffs, abandoned burrows, or lofts. Females lay eggs gradually, so chicks hatch asynchronously, giving older chicks a survival advantage when food is scarce.

• Clutch size: usually 4–7 eggs (up to 14 in exceptional cases)
• Incubation: ~30 days, mainly by female
• Hatching: asynchronous
• Fledging: chicks fed up to 3 months; sexual maturity at ~10 months
• Lifespan: average ~2 years; up to 11–17 years in favorable conditions (record in Europe: 17 years 11 months)

Threats and Conservation

Main threats include habitat loss, pesticide use, rodenticides, road collisions, and changes in agricultural landscapes. In some regions, Barn Owls are listed in national Red Books. Predators such as larger owls, hawks, and mustelids are a threat mainly to juveniles.

• Threats: pesticides, habitat destruction, loss of nesting sites
• Predators: owls, hawks, mustelids
• Island introduction: can disrupt ecosystems (e.g., Galapagos, Seychelles)

How to Help Barn Owls

• Install and maintain nest boxes (approx. 100×50×50 cm with a 12×15 cm entrance in the upper corner).
• Keep lofts and buildings accessible for nesting owls.
• Reduce pesticide and rodenticide use.
• Provide supplementary food in harsh winters if locally appropriate.
• Educate farmers and communities about the ecological benefits of Barn Owls.

Interesting Facts

• Barn Owls were introduced to some islands to control rodents, sometimes causing unintended ecological consequences.
• Island populations are often smaller than mainland birds.
• When humans approach, they may display “grimaces” and rocking movements.
• Although nocturnal, they sometimes hunt during the day in winter or while feeding chicks.