Barn owls, also known as Tyto alba, are fascinating creatures that have inspired humans for generations. With their distinctive heart-shaped faces and piercing eyes, these nocturnal creatures have captured the imagination of people all over the world. Today, we’ll be exploring some fast facts about these intriguing birds, and what makes them so unique.

1. Barn Owls are found all over the world, except for Antarctica.

These birds can be seen in a wide variety of habitats, from forests and grasslands to deserts and suburbs. They have a widespread range, with populations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and both North and South America.

2. Barn Owls are silent hunters.

One of the most impressive abilities of Barn Owls is their silent flight. They have special features that allow them to flap their wings without making a sound, making them perfect stealth hunters. This allows them to surprise and capture their prey with minimal disturbance.

3. Barn Owls are carnivores.

The main diet of Barn Owls consists of small mammals like mice, voles and shrews. They will also eat various insects and other invertebrates. Despite being called ‘barn’ owls, they don’t typically live in barns – their favoured habitats tend to be open spaces, giving them plenty of opportunity to hunt.

4. Barn Owls are monogamous.

These birds mate for life, and will often return to the same nesting site year after year. They have a strong pair bond, sharing responsibilities like grooming and hunting for food equally. The female will lay a clutch of eggs, and both parents will take turns incubating them until they hatch.

5. Barn Owls have excellent hearing.

To make up for their lack of sight in total darkness, Barn Owls have evolved incredible hearing abilities. Their ears are asymmetrical, with one situated higher than the other on their head. This gives them a better sense of where sounds are coming from, and the ability to locate prey that is hidden or under cover.

In conclusion, Barn Owls are truly fascinating creatures that still captivate us to this day. With their silent flight, carnivorous diet, and impressive hearing abilities, it’s easy to see why they continue to inspire us. So next time you’re out and about in the evening, keep an ear out for the hauntingly beautiful screech of a Barn Owl – you never know, you might just catch a glimpse of one.