Barn Owl preparing to fly

In this image, a barn owl was perched on a cedar tree limb and preparing to fly. Barn owls are raptor birds or Birds of prey and are the subject of... more

by Flees Photos

Title

Barn Owl preparing to fly

Artist

Flees Photos

Medium

Photograph - Home Decor And Giclee Wall Art By Chris Flees

Description

In this image, a barn owl was perched on a cedar tree limb and preparing to fly. Barn owls are raptor birds or Birds of prey and are the subject of many old wives' tales. They were accused of being "spirits in barns" since they only really came out at night. As far as raptor birds, the owl, including the barn owl, flies relatively slowly.

facts about Barn Owls (Tyto alba):

Appearance: Barn Owls are medium-sized owls with a wingspan of about 39 to 49 inches (100 to 125 centimeters) and a length of 12 to 15 inches (30 to 39 centimeters). They have a unique appearance with a heart-shaped face, long legs, and a relatively small head. They have pale, creamy plumage on their face, chest, and underparts, while their back and wings are a mix of golden-brown and gray. Their plumage is soft and fluffy, designed for silent flight.

Distribution: Barn Owls have a worldwide distribution and are found on every continent except Antarctica. They have a broad distribution and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, marshes, deserts, farmlands, and forests. They are particularly well adapted to agricultural landscapes.

Habitat: Barn Owls are highly adaptable and can thrive in diverse habitats. They have a preference for open habitats with available nesting sites and abundant prey populations. They are commonly found in rural and agricultural areas where they nest in barns, abandoned buildings, tree hollows, and sometimes cliffs.

Diet and Hunting: Barn Owls are primarily nocturnal hunters with a diet that consists mainly of small mammals, such as mice, voles, shrews, and rats. They have exceptional hearing and use their keen sense of hearing to locate prey in complete darkness. When hunting, they fly silently and dive down onto their prey with remarkable precision.

Vocalizations: Barn Owls are known for their eerie, high-pitched screeching calls. They emit a distinctive raspy hiss or a long, raspy scream. These vocalizations are often used for territorial defense and courtship displays. They can also produce clicking sounds with their beaks.

Breeding Behavior: Barn Owls are monogamous and typically mate for life. They are cavity nesters and will use various locations for nesting, including tree hollows, barns, and man-made nest boxes. The female lays a clutch of about 4 to 7 white eggs, and both parents participate in incubation and raising the young.

Conservation Status: The conservation status of Barn Owls varies depending on the region and local populations. They face various threats, including habitat loss, pesticide use, vehicle collisions, and secondary poisoning from consuming prey that has been exposed to pesticides. Providing suitable nesting sites and promoting habitat conservation can help support their populations.

Silent Flight: Barn Owls have specialized feathers with fringed edges that allow them to fly almost silently. This adaptation enables them to approach their prey without being detected, enhancing their hunting success.

Barn Owls are fascinating birds known for their distinctive appearance and hunting abilities. Their presence in agricultural landscapes can be beneficial as they help control rodent populations. Efforts to provide suitable nesting sites and minimize the use of harmful pesticides can contribute to their conservation.

This image is © Chris Flees. All rights reserved.

Uploaded

May 17th, 2014