Barn Owl (also known as the Monkey-faced Owl or Ghost Owl)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Tytonidae, Genus: Tyto, Species: Tyto alba · Tytonidae (Barn Owls) · Flight feather (Remex), likely a secondary or an inner primary
Species
Tyto alba
Feather Type
Flight feather (Remex), likely a secondary or an inner primary
Family
Tytonidae (Barn Owls)
Shape
Asymmetrical vane with a rounded tip; the leading edge is narrower than the trailing edge, typical of flight feathers designed for lift and silent movement.
Size
Estimated 15-18 cm (approximately 6-7 inches) in length. This is consistent with the secondary flight feathers of an adult Barn Owl, which typically measure 14-20 cm.
Rarity
Common but elusive due to nocturnal habits. Populations are stable globally but have declined in some intensive agricultural areas due to habitat loss and rodenticide use.
Color & Pattern
Warm buff-gold or honey-brown base color on the outer web, fading to a creamy white or pale cinnamon on the inner web. Distinctive faint, dark greyish-brown speckling and very subtle transverse barring are visible.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous throughout most of the vane with a small plumulaceous section at the base. The leading edge features a specialized serrated 'comb' (fimbriae) that breaks up air turbulence for silent flight.
Texture & Surface
Incredibly soft, velvety, and matte. Lacks the oily gloss or stiffness found in waterfowl, as Barn Owls rely on dry, sound-dampening plumage rather than waterproofing.
Description
This feather belongs to the Barn Owl, a medium-sized owl with a distinctive heart-shaped facial disc and no ear tufts. The bird is pale overall with ghost-like white underparts and golden-buff upperparts. In flight, they appear very light, buoyantly scanning fields for voles and mice.
Key Features
Warm honey-buff coloration, extreme softness to the touch, and the presence of fine, hair-like fringes on the barbs designed for silent flight.
Habitat
Open country, grasslands, agricultural fields, marshes, and woodland edges. They frequently nest in hollow trees, caves, and man-made structures like barns and belfries.
Geographic Range
One of the most widespread birds in the world; found on every continent except Antarctica. In North America, they range from the northern US to Central America.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. The vane is intact with minimal fraying at the tip. No obvious fault bars or parasite damage, suggesting it was molted from a healthy adult.
Interesting Facts
Barn Owls have exceptionally acute hearing; their ears are placed asymmetrically on their head, allowing them to triangulate the exact position of prey in total darkness.
Ecological Role
Apex nocturnal predator of small mammals. They act as a natural pest control and are vital indicators of the health of grassland ecosystems.
Similar Species
Short-eared Owl feathers are more heavily barred and have a different buff tone. Great Horned Owl feathers are much larger, stiffer, and more intensely patterned with dark mottling.