Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player. Latin nameTyto alba FamilyOwls (Tytonidae) OverviewWith heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under parts the barn owl is a distinctive and much loved countryside bird. Widely distributed across the UK, and indeed the world, the bird has suffered declines over the past fifty years as a result of the degradation of once prey-rich habitats in the face of intensive agricultural practices. This decline, fortunately, has halted in many areas and the population may now be increasing. Where to see themOpen country, along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. When to see themAll year round; during the day, but best at dusk. What they eatMice, voles and shrews Estimated numbers
* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn. Distribution![]()
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. Find out moreAudio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100) |
![]() Barn owl perching ![]() Barn owl Similar birdsHelp the Barn owlJoin today and help us continue our conservation work to keep these birds safe. |