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
Family: Tytonidae (Barn Owls)
- Shape
- Broad and slightly asymmetrical with a distinctively rounded tip; lacks the sharp tapering found in primary feathers.
- Size
- Approximately 5 to 6 inches (12-15 cm) in length, which is consistent with middle secondary feathers for an adult Barn Owl.
- Rarity
- Common, though their nocturnal nature and silent flight make them difficult to spot without dedicated effort.
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Description
The Barn Owl is a medium-sized owl with a distinctive heart-shaped facial disk and no ear tufts. It has long, moth-like wings and a pale, ghostly appearance in flight. Their plumage is a beautiful mix of buff, grey, and white with fine black spots.
Colour & Pattern
Base color is a creamy white to pale off-white. The outer vane shows subtle, misty grey-brown mottling and faint, irregular transverse banding typical of the species' dorsal wing coloration.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous throughout most of the vane with a specialized velvet-like pile (fimbriae) on the dorsal surface for noise reduction; plumulaceous at the base near the calamus.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft, silky, and matte. The surface has a unique "hairy" or velvety feel due to elongated barbules that dampen the sound of air moving over the wing.
Key Features
The heart-shaped facial disk and the silent-flight velvety texture of the feather are diagnostic. The pale coloration with fine grey-brown mottling is specific to Tyto alba.
Habitat
Open country, including grasslands, marshes, agricultural fields, and forest edges. They frequently nest in man-made structures like barns, silos, and church steeples.
Geographic Range
One of the most widespread birds in the world, found on every continent except Antarctica. In Oregon (Bend area), they are year-round residents in suitable open habitats.
Ecological Role
Apex nocturnal predator of small mammals. A single family of Barn Owls can consume over 1,000 rodents during a single nesting season, acting as vital natural pest control.
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) feathers are darker with more prominent orange-buff and distinct barring; Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) feathers are larger, stiffer, and much darker brown.
Interesting Facts
Barn Owls have the most acute hearing of any animal ever tested. Their ears are placed asymmetrically on their head, allowing them to triangulate the exact position of prey in total darkness.
Condition Notes
Good condition; the feather shows natural curvature and intact barbs, though some separation is visible near the base. Lack of significant wear suggests it was recently molted.
Notes
In bend or