Barn owl

Barn owl
Tyto alba, Scopoli, 1769

It is a medium-sized owl, closely bound to human settlements. It lives in places like attics, bell towers and barns. Its grey back and head are covered with rusty red spots, which look a bit like flames and have inspired the Polish name of this species (“flame owl”). Its black eyes are in strong contrast with the facial disc, which directs sound waves towards the owl’s ears. It is mostly active at dusk and dawn, which is when it hunts: mainly rodents, small birds or frogs. Barn owls do not hoot; instead, they produce hoarse noises. In the past, their cries and calls were interpreted as ghosts.
Distribution: Europe, South Asia, Central-South America, Central-South Africa, Australia

male / female
body length: 33–40 cm
wingspan: 80–95 cm
body mass: 0,28–0,45 kg