🐾

Barn Owl

Tyto alba

Least Concern ↓

Diet

Carnivore

Lifespan

4 years

Length

35 cm

Weight

500 g

Trend

↓ Decreasing

About

The most widespread owl species on Earth, barn owls are found on every continent except Antarctica and in almost every habitat type from tropical forests to temperate farmland. Characterized by their heart-shaped facial disc that funnels sound to asymmetrically placed ears, enabling them to locate prey in total darkness by sound alone. They swallow prey whole and regurgitate compressed pellets of indigestible bone and fur, making them valuable rodent control agents for agriculture.

Fun Facts

✨ They can locate prey in total darkness using only sound.
✨ A barn owl eats about 1,000 mice per year.

Habitat & Distribution

Typically found in diverse ecosystems where prey species are available.

🏗️ Artificial - Terrestrial 🌿 Grassland

Widely distributed across Africa (Seychelles), Europe (6 countries), North America (United States), and South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela). Population trends indicate a declining trajectory in parts of its range.

🇧🇪 Belgium 🇨🇴 Colombia 🇩🇰 Denmark 🇪🇨 Ecuador 🇱🇺 Luxembourg 🇳🇴 Norway 🇸🇨 Seychelles 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇺🇦 Ukraine 🇺🇸 United States 🇻🇪 Venezuela

Diet & Behavior

🥩

Carnivore

Barn Owl is classified as carnivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🥩 Carnivore

Animal matter 100%

Conservation Status

LC Least Concern

Population Trend

↓ Decreasing

Full Taxonomy

Species

Tyto alba (Barn Owl)

Names in Other Languages

Japanese メンフクロウ

Chinese 仓鸮

Spanish Lechuza común

French Effraie des clochers

German Schleiereule

Portuguese coruja-da-igreja / coruja-das-torres

Russian Сипуха

Arabic الهامة

Thai นกแสก

Similar Species in Tyto

Australasian Grass-Owl

Tyto longimembris

Least Concern

🐾

Australian Masked-Owl

View all species in Tyto →

Explore More

Artificial - Terrestrial

Compare Species

vs African Grass-Owl vs Andaman Masked-Owl vs Ashy-faced Owl vs Australasian Grass-Owl

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Barn Owl?

The scientific name of Barn Owl is Tyto alba. It belongs to the genus Tyto.

What is the conservation status of Barn Owl?

Barn Owl (Tyto alba) is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. The population trend is decreasing.

Where does Barn Owl live?

Barn Owl is found in Widely distributed across Africa (Seychelles), Europe (6 countries), North America (United States), and South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela). Population trends indicate a declining trajectory in parts of its range.. Countries include Belgium, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, Luxembourg, Norway, Seychelles, Sweden, Ukraine, United States.

What family does Barn Owl belong to?

Barn Owl (Tyto alba) belongs to the genus Tyto, which is part of the taxonomic family Tytonidae.

What does Barn Owl eat?

Barn Owl is carnivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.

How long does Barn Owl live?

Barn Owl has an average lifespan of approximately 4 years in the wild.

Is Barn Owl endangered?

No, Barn Owl (Tyto alba) is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, meaning it is not currently at significant risk of extinction.

What kingdom does Barn Owl belong to?

Barn Owl (Tyto alba) belongs to the kingdom Animalia (Animals).