Barn Owl

Alittle info on the Barn Owl if anyone is into Birding. I do it often when out hiking/canoeing/fishing Cool

A Brief Biology of Barn Owls
Where are they found?
The Barn Owl (Tyto alba) is one of the world's most widely distributed land birds and is found on all continents except Antarctica. However, in Canada it is confined to the southern extremes of Ontario and British Columbia. The largest populations in BC occur along the lower Fraser River valley from Hope west to Delta. These owls also occur along southeastern Vancouver Island and in the southern Okanagan valley and Creston valley.

How big are they?
Like other raptors, females are larger than males. On average female Barn Owls weigh about 570 grams (20 ounces) and males around 485 grams (17 ounces). Wingspans range from 105-115 cm (42-45 inches) and from the length from bill to tail is around 33-40 cm (13-16 inches).

How long do they live?
Barn Owls can be long-lived but typical survive only 2-4 years in the wild. The oldest known Barn Owl from the wild in North America is 15 years 5 months.

What are their sources of mortality?
Barn Owls frequently fall victim to collisions with motor vehicles when hunting along busy road corridors at night. In northern latitudes, such as Canada, these owls are prone to starvation during lengthy periods of snow cover which hampers their ability to find prey. Larger owls, such as the Great Horned Owl, will also prey on the Barn Owl.

What do they eat?
Voles and mice typical make up over 95% of a Barn Owls' diet. Small birds, rats, and shrews are also taken. In coastal areas of British Columbia, the Townsend's Vole (Microtus townsendii) is the dominant prey species.

Do they migrate?
The Barn Owl is a resident bird and therefore non-migratory. This non-migratory behavior makes them susceptible to die-offs during harsh, snowy winters.

How would I know if one was living on my property?
The easiest way to determine if these owls are present is to check your out-buildings and look for them roosting in the rafters, perched on high beams or hiding in dark nooks. Remember that the owls don't want to be disturbed and may be hidden from view, but if an owl has been present there should be pellets, white wash or molted feathers below its roost. Unusual screeching calls heard during the night can also indicate that these owls are living nearby.

White wash and pellets - what are they?
Like most wildlife, Barn Owls leave behind clues when they inhabit an area. These clues or sign can be used to detect their presence. Some of the most obvious signs are "white wash" or "pellets" deposited below the bird's favorite roost. . Owl droppings resemble splatters of chalky, white paint and are therefore described as "whitewash". Owls eat their prey whole and later regurgitate the non-digestible parts (i.e. fur, bones, and feathers). When dry, these regurgitated pellets look like clothes dryer lint, but in fact are fur and bone fragments compacted into a cylindrical shape called a "pellet".

QUICK FACTS

A Barn Owl may eat over 10,000 rodents in its lifetime.

A Barn Owl will not prey upon small dogs, cats, or chickens.

A Barn Owl does not HOOT like other owls, their call is a raspy screech.

The Barn Owl has a very restricted range in Canada.

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That's some cool info you got there. Cool

Yeah, the puke pellets are pretty interesting. There was an episode of Dirty Jobs with that in it. There was a guy who went into barns and old buildings and would gather the pellets, wrap them up and sell them to classrooms so the students could take them apart and piece back together what the owl ate. A biology lesson wrapped in foil. Who'd a thunk it? Surprised

I don't think I've ever seen an owl in the wild before. The only place I've seen them is like a zoo, or an educational type setting with people holding their talons with thick, leather gloves on. Smile

I will keep looking, though. Very Happy

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Ive only seen 1 owl while hiking about 4 years ago. a Grey Owl, it was huge, it freaked me out.
It makes no noise, and was coming at use at an angle. Then banked right hard & sort of vanished, lol.
Very cool moment. Ya, keep on lookin FLF9 Cool

_________________
A Knifeless Man is a Lifeless Man
Canadian To The Core
Carry Less by Knowing More
Knowledge Weighs Nothing

Yeah, their wings make zero noise when they fly so they can sneak up on their prey. Cool

My heart would probably skip a few beats if one came flying at me out of nowhere. Shocked

I will keep looking, Dave. Cool

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Using dial-up is like riding a tricycle at Indy.

Last edited by flashlightfreak9 on Tue Aug 05, 2008 11:16 am; edited 1 time in total

we used to have owls in the woods behind my house when I was young don't know what kind just heard them. I love owls. Very Happy

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