Western Barn Owl

Overview

Western Barn Owl (Tyto alba) is a species of Barn Owls (Tytonidae) in the order Owls. A ghostly pale owl with a heart-shaped white face; one of the most widespread land birds; nests in barns, ruins and tree holes; a superb mouser with soft silent flight; hisses and screeches rather than hooting.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Tyto; binomial: Tyto alba; authority: (Scopoli, 1769). Typical size: 33-39cm. Average lifespan: 10-20 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: Africa and the Palearctic.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

Change English name of Tyto alba to Western Barn Owl with split of Tyto javanica and T. furcata.