Bird profile

Barn Owl

Tyto alba

Barn owls hunt mainly over open ground, using exceptional hearing to locate small mammals in dim light. Their pale, heart-shaped faces and long wings make them easy to distinguish from many other owls.

Barn Owl in its natural environment
Photo: Caroline Legg. CC BY 2.0.
HabitatOpen country, farmland, and woodland edges
DietCarnivore
RangeMost continents
Signature traitsilent precision flier

Adaptations

Soft feather edges reduce flight noise, while asymmetrical ear openings improve sound location. Long legs and sharp talons help the owl reach into grass and secure prey.

Behavior and daily life

Barn owls hunt mainly over open ground, using exceptional hearing to locate small mammals in dim light. Their pale, heart-shaped faces and long wings make them easy to distinguish from many other owls.

Conservation

Current profile labelSee current reference

Conservation conditions vary across the species range. Follow the linked background reference for the latest assessment and regional guidance.

Its heart-shaped facial disc helps direct faint sounds toward asymmetrical ears.

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