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.

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Discover more about the Barn Owl

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When to see

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

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Where to see

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

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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.

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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

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