10 Astonishing Facts About Barn Owls That Will Leave You Spellbound

The barn owl is a nocturnal species of owl that is widely found throughout the world. Barn owls, also known as common barn owls, are one of the most widespread species of owl. You can find these fascinating creatures in North, Central, and South America, as well as Europe, Africa, and Asia. There is so much to learn about this fascinating bird species, so let’s look at ten fascinating barn owl facts that will leave you amazed!

1. It’s Very Hard To Distinguish Between A Male And Female Barn Owl

During their flight, it’s extremely difficult to tell whether the barn owl you’re seeing is a male or a female. The two genders look incredibly similar, but there are still a few distinct differences between them. It is common for female barn owls to weigh in at around 1.3 pounds and reach lengths of anywhere between 13 and 16 inches. Males, on the other hand, usually weigh about a pound and are about 12 to 14 inches long. The females will also possess darker feathers and spots on their bodies and faces, whereas the males will be a tad lighter.

2. Barn Owls Do Not Hoot

Barn owls make a different set of sounds compared to some other owls. Most barn owls will actually belt out a loud screech that ranges from one to two seconds. Males will usually rely on this call while in flight to find potential partners to invite into their nest. To warn off any predators who may threaten their nests, barn owls not only scream but also hiss.

3. Barn Owls Hunt At Night

Since they are nocturnal creatures, barn owls do the majority of their hunting at dusk and dawn. They rely on their absolutely incredible eyesight and hearing to catch their prey. Since their hearing is so precise, they can catch and strike their meal in total darkness. As their eyes are designed to see in low light levels, they are incredibly accurate when hunting. Barn owls have very soft wings, so when they are flying through the air, they don’t make a sound. This allows them to sneak up on prey without being detected.

4. Farmers Love Barn Owls

These owls are called barn owls because they tend to sleep in barns and hunt near agricultural sites, which provide them with the best hunting grounds. It is beneficial for farmers to have barn owls around because they take care of the rodents that live on their land. Barn owls can consume a rat a day. Additionally, barn owls are happy to build their nests within barns, and farmers often welcome them as natural pest control. This arrangement benefits both the owls and the farmers.

5. Barn Owls Will Swallow Their Prey Whole

Barn owls possess the incredible ability to swallow their prey whole, including the bones, fur, claws, and all. Afterwards, they will then begin to cough up pellets that are made up of all the indigestible matter. Pellets are extremely important to barn owls, as they use them — along with prey fur or feathers, bark, and leaves — to build nests.

6. A Barn Owl’s Ears Are at Different Levels of Its Head

The ear openings on a barn owl’s head are actually asymmetrical. A barn owl’s left ear opening is actually higher than the right and is covered by short, dense feathers that frame the ears to allow sound to be amplified. The ears facing different directions help the owl to accurately locate a sound without having to turn its head. A barn owl’s hearing is estimated to be about ten times more sensitive than that of humans and allows it to detect certain frequencies.

7. Barn Owls Have Long Legs

Barn owls are known for having long, slim legs, which help them reach into grass or undergrowth to catch prey. In terms of weight distribution, these birds are perfect for flying. In other words, their thighs will have larger muscles that they will keep close throughout their flight, and extend the slimmer parts of their legs and feet outward.

Barn owls’ feet are their most important tool. Their talons are incredibly sharp and fast, catching prey in almost no time once they swoop down. They will then either crush or stab their prey with their sharp nails or begin to suffocate it. 

8. Barn Owls Can Live Almost Anywhere

The ability of barn owls to live in almost any habitat is one of the main reasons they are so widely distributed across the world. Their adaptability allows them to live in cities, suburbs, deserts, and forests. Generally, they will build their nests in or near safe areas where they know a good supply of prey is available. Barn owls are among the most versatile birds. 

The barn owl, however, is no longer nearly as common in Canada as it once was, being more likely to be found along the coast of British Columbia, south of Vancouver. It has become extremely rare to find them in their previous habitat, southern Ontario. The species is listed as endangered overall in Canada due to loss of habitat and a lack of nesting sites. The main cause is disappearing grasslands where the birds hunted in the past, but a study found that harsh winters, predation, road mortality, and the use of rodenticides are also factors.

9. Male Barn Owls Fly To Impress Females

Male barn owls will go out of their way to impress females by displaying a variety of different flight patterns. They try different flight patterns to attract a female and participate in a display known as “moth flight.” Moth flight is when a male will hover in front of a female barn owl and dangle his feet. 

10. Barn Owls Are Monogamous 

Another lovely barn owl fact is that they are known for forming monogamous pairs, meaning a male and female will choose to mate for life. They remain mated each year by using the same nesting sites and performing a number of courtship rituals to ensure they maintain their bond. Despite being mostly monogamous, some barn owls may participate in bigamy as well, with one male having two female partners.