by DJ Featherton

If your interest is beautiful birds, don’t neglect the distinctly beautiful Barn Owl. As with many owls, they are nocturnal predators that aren’t often seen. Fact is, they’re the most widely distributed species of owl in the world, and one of the most widespread species of all birds. Their size differs in different locations. The largest is found across the United States from coast to coast and down through Mexico.

The Barn Owl is a medium sized raptor with a very distinct image. Their wingspan can reach 45 inches, and they can stand up to 20 inches tall. Their large white face is heart-shaped with contrasting dark brown eyes. The back of their head, back and wings are a beautiful honey tan with some black and white specks. Their breast and underwing are bright white. This owl looks like no other, and  birders agree they are the most beautiful.  

The Barn Owl gets his name from frequently nesting in barns and farm out-buildings where they feed on the many mice and other small mammals. Over time, the Barn Owl devours a massive volume of rodents and is well appreciated by the farmer. In fact, the Barn Owl can eat  over twice its weight of rodents in a single evening. These unique owls prefer under-roof nesting in any abandoned building or set of rafters. In some regions they’ve been called the Church Owl because of nesting in church steeples.

Barn Owls are nocturnal meat-eaters. Their extraordinary hearing and night vision makes them excellent night hunters. They catch their prey and devour it whole, then later regurgitate the indigestible skin and bones in the form of pellets. Because of their diet, the Barn Owl has no interest in feeders. They can, however, be attracted to an owl box if its not in dense trees where their predator, the Great Horned Owl may live. Barn owls want to be by the grassy or swampy areas where rodents are plentiful. Another way to attract the Barn Owl is to provide a large and deep bird bath where they can drink and bathe. So, unless you have a lot of rodents outside, the best you can offer is water and an owl box.  Find directions here.

The Barn Owl has more than a few characteristics of his own. They don’t hoot. They screech and scream. In fact, they’re down right noisy. It’s recommended to put that owl box some distance from the house because the adults and their offspring could become irritating. Oh well. Cool as these owls are, I prefer grabbing binoculars and seeing them where I can find them. 

Yes, the Barn Owl is a bird that must be on your list. Though common, they are frequently a surprise to see. A flash in the headlights, or a sudden swoop through some old building. No matter where, the Beautiful Barn Owls are like no others. Keep those binocs handy.