Barn Owl
Barn Owl Facts
| Size | 10-20 in (25-50 cm) |
| Speed | Up to 50 mph (80 km/h) |
| Weight | 0.5-1.6 lb (250-700 g) |
| Lifespan | 5-12 years |
| Food | Small mammals, fish, birds |
| Predators | Foxes, raccoons, wild dogs |
| Habitat | Worldwide (except rainforests and deserts) |
| Order | Owls |
| Family | Barn owls |
| Scientific name | Tyto alba |
| Characteristics | Heart-shaped face |
The barn owl has a rather light plumage and a distinctive heart-shaped face. It is a nocturnal solitary animal and the most prevalent of all owl species in the world. Only in cold regions such as the Antarctic it cannot be found. The barn owl is about as big as a small cat, but does not weigh more than 0.5-1.6 lb (250-700 g).
Barn Owls Fly Through the Night Noiselessly
Many birds can be heard before you even see them – such as doves. How do barn owls manage not to make the slightest noise when flying? Let’s start with the basics: When a bird is flapping its wings, this causes air turbulences that can be perceived by your ears. The trick is to cause less air turbulences. The barn owl has three anatomical characteristics to make this possible:
1. The surface of its wings is extremely soft - like a fluffy carpet that swallows any noise.
2. The flight feathers are slightly frayed at the edges and have the same effect as a shock absorber.
3. The front edge of the wings is not smooth but toothed like a comb.
Try this:
- Use your open hand to fan yourself some air – preferably right next to your ear. Can you hear something? It’s the noise caused by the air turbulences. Not loud, but perceivable.
- Have you ever walked through an empty room? Everything sounds louder there! The more things are in the room, e.g. carpets, the less noisy it gets.
All this is very exciting for scientists, because these findings help to improve our lives, too. They enable us to construct quieter airplanes or wind power plants for instance. The emulation of “tricks” from nature is called Bionics, by the way.
Barn Owls are Relaxed Hunters
Most predator birds are circling in the air to detect their prey. Barn owls like to sit on fences or poles to quietly keep an eye on the surroundings. As soon as they discover small prey they glide over the ground and grab it with their feet.
The Barn Owl has Got Asymmetrical Ears
The barn owl has good eyesight, but its sense of hearing is much better. It can find its way easily even in complete darkness because it has got “asymmetrical” ears. One ear is placed slightly higher than the other. This enables the owl to better locate the direction where a sound is coming from. The lower ear checks the ground and the other one listens to what is going on “up there”. The owl’s face, which has the shape of a flat bowl, also helps to focus any noise. Even the quietest sounds.
Barn Owls are Picky When Nesting
Barn owls do not build their own nests and do not like to nest in tree holes or rock crevices. They love to nest in church towers and barns.
Barn Owls are Better Hunters Than Cats
Farmers love the barn owl – it is better than any mouse trap or rat poison. Not even a cat can catch as many mice as the barn owl. In relation to its weight it gulps down twice as much food as other owls. It devours 1,500 to 3,000 mice per year!
- Watch now on animalfunfacts.net:
Video: All About Animal Senses - e g. about the bird's sense of hearing
