Barn Owl

Tyto alba

With heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under parts the barn owl is a distinctive and much loved countryside bird.

Widely distributed across the UK, and indeed the world, the bird has suffered declines over the past fifty years as a result of the degradation of once prey-rich habitats in the face of intensive agricultural practices. This decline, fortunately, has halted in many areas and the population may now be increasing.

How to be responsible when watching wildlife >

Discover more about the Barn Owl

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

Barn owls can be seen all year round; during the day, but best at dusk.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Open country, along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Food if often swallowed whole, and after, bone's and fur are regurgitated as pellets. They also have lop-sided ears, enabling them to know exactly where the noise of a small mammal is coming from.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Long Eared Owl

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

Barn owls can be seen all year round; during the day, but best at dusk.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Open country, along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Food if often swallowed whole, and after, bone's and fur are regurgitated as pellets. They also have lop-sided ears, enabling them to know exactly where the noise of a small mammal is coming from.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Long Eared Owl

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

Barn owls can be seen all year round; during the day, but best at dusk.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Open country, along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Food if often swallowed whole, and after, bone's and fur are regurgitated as pellets. They also have lop-sided ears, enabling them to know exactly where the noise of a small mammal is coming from.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Long Eared Owl

Book your opportunity to see this wildlife

The Greenhouse

The Green House is a relaxing space for 1-2 guests in the heart of the Scottish Borders away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With styl...
Read more >

Benmore Outdoor Centre

Experience Adventure and Tranquillity at Benmore Outdoor Centre Set amidst the majestic beauty of Benmore Botanic Garden in the heart of the Cowal...
Read more >

Wild Discovery

Wild Discovery is an award-winning wildlife tour company offering its guests opportunities to see the most charismatic and enigmatic species in Sco...
Read more >

RSPB Scotland Loch Gruinart nature reserve

There’s always plenty to see at Loch Gruinart reserve. As autumn falls lapwing flocks gather together and the flooded pools by the hides come to li...
Read more >

Mckenzie Mountaineering - Guided Walking Adventures

We specialise in a variety of exciting trips and tours including long-distance trails, multi-activity days, hill walking group adventures from one...
Read more >

Aspen Outdoors Ltd

Hiking holidays in Scotland, Guided Mountain and Canoe adventures, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expeditions and Outdoor Training. At Aspen Outdoor...
Read more >

Wild West Coast

Our trips leave from Lochaline, Tobermory and Oban. We always put the wildlife first on all of our small scale trips. Whether you want to photograp...
Read more >

Starfish Travel

You can leave Scotland with your feet but never with your heart
Read more >

Reisen ins Glück

Small-group walking adventures shaped by landscape, culture and quiet local connection — crafted by those who live the land. A Slower Way Into Sco...
Read more >

Speyside Wildlife - Wildlife Identification Training

If you’ve always wanted to know what the bird calls are that you hear whilst out walking in our Scottish National Parks, or to feel confident that...
Read more >