Barn Owl

A soft, mottled brownish-tan feather with faint banding and a downy base, characteristic of a Barn Owl. Barn Owls are medium-sized owls with distinct heart-shaped facial discs and pale plumage.

Mottled light brown/tan with darker banding and white speckling/spots.

Pennaceous upper portion with plumulaceous downy base; soft, fringed edges typical of owl feathers for silent flight.

Thin, flexible rachis, light colored. Barbs are dense but soft.

Soft, velvety texture, matte appearance.

Wing

Soft fringed edges for silent flight, tawny-brown coloring with lighter mottling.

Open habitats, agricultural areas, grasslands, and human structures like barns.

Nearly global distribution; found on all continents except Antarctica.

Important predator of agricultural pests, particularly rodents.

Other owl species, but Barn Owls generally have lighter, warmer tawny tones compared to the grayer/darker browns of species like the Great Horned Owl or Barred Owl.

Barn Owls have asymmetrical ears, allowing them to locate prey by sound with pinpoint accuracy in total darkness.

Often associated with folklore and superstition due to their ghostly appearance and harsh, screeching calls.

Look for very soft, almost velvety feathers with fringed edges near barns, silos, or large hollow trees.

Fair condition, some wear and fraying visible on the edges and tip.