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Barn Owl has spread in the Western European regions, and in the Russian Federation it is extremely rare. She is the oldest representative of the order of owls. Ancient legends classify this owl with various magical properties, this bird is often called the night owl, which appeared in a ghostly appearance, while making moans that resemble a screech.
A distinctive feature of this species is the shape of the head and the ability to make specific sounds. The population of these owls is ranked among the most common species that live on our planet.
Distinctive features of this type
This owl got its name due to the characteristic features of the sound of its own voice. The singing of a nocturnal bird resembles the sounds of snoring escaping from a sizzling throat. She is distinguished from her closest relatives by the shape of the head, the outline of which resembles a stylized model of the heart. When looking at this bird from a close distance, it seems that its face is hidden by a white mask of theatrical origin.
Light colors predominate in the plumage of this owl; one of its most remarkable characteristics is the appearance of its face. Its size is like a daw or representatives of eared owls, the length of its body reaches 39 centimeters, and the weight of representatives of this species of owls reaches 350 grams. The width of the wingspan of this bird can be 90 centimeters.
One of the peculiarities of barn owls is the noticeable differences in the mass indices of various individuals, which can range from 180 grams to 700 grams, and depend on the individual characteristics of each bird.
The upper part of the body is painted in sand or red color, which is covered by multiple blotches consisting of white and dark gray tones. The lower part of her body is represented by white, which in some individuals can be replaced by yellow. Multiple blotches consisting of dark shades dilute the monotony of the color scheme of the lower body of the bird.
The wings of the night huntress are painted white, which is clouded by characteristic opals made up of a flowing golden hue. The color of her eyes is expressed in a dark brown tone, although some individuals may have black eyes. The size of the eyes of this bird is incredible, and represents a characteristic feature that distinguishes the owl family.
Barn owl is the owner of a rather slender build of its body, its legs are characterized by a considerable length, they are covered with fluffy plumage, densely covering the surface of the paws to the very fingers of the bird. From other owls it is distinguished by a shortened tail and beak, painted in yellow and white.
The coloration of the lower half of the body of a representative of this species depends on the places in which she lives. For example, representatives living in the northern regions of the African continent, in the western and also southern regions of Europe and in the Middle East, have white plumage that forms the lower part of the bird's body. And for individuals living in other European regions, the lower body is formed from the plumage of yellow-orange color.
The nature of the color of the plumage of female barn owls has no differences from the color of the plumage of males of this species.Of course, upon closer examination, it can be noted that the females of these owls possess darker tones of their cover, but this difference is rather difficult to determine.
The color scheme that fills the plumage of young individuals of this species does not have clear differences from the palette of mature individuals; it is distinguished, perhaps, by a more colorful character in the expression of tones representing their color.
Places that the night hunter chooses for her habitat
The subspecies that includes the common barn Owl, consist of 35 positions, they have spread throughout all continents, if you do not take into account Antarctica. Meet representatives of this species can even be on the islands. In the recent past, populations of these owls in large numbers inhabited the territory of the former CIS, but today the situation has changed, and it is quite rare to meet barn Owl. In the vastness of the Russian Federation, it can now be seen only in areas of remote Kaliningrad. In Europe, it does not occur, as well as in the northern part and in areas occupied by mountain ranges.
First of all, this species of owls has noticeable abilities to adapt to all kinds of climatic features of various latitudes, which allowed them to gain worldwide distribution. But the barn owl is not adapted to save the fat reserve, which means that it experiences complete apathy for winter conditions. For this reason, it is impossible to meet in the northern regions of the United States and in the greater territory of Canada, as well as in the northern regions of Europe and almost the entire area of Russia. Climatic conditions peculiar to desert regions located on the territory of Africa or Asia are also not acceptable for this bird.
History knows cases in which scientists tried to relocate representatives of this species of owls artificially to new habitats. This way the barn owl managed to penetrate the islands belonging to the Seychelles and Hawaiian archipelagos, as well as to the territory of New Zealand. As a result of the experiment, a significant decrease in the kestrel population was noted, which became the object of hunting owls.
Nesting
Barn Owl in many cases arranges its home next door to people. To arrange her nesting sites, she can choose both urban areas and rural settlements. She is able to make her nest using any secluded place for this purpose; an empty hollow, the attic area or a niche formed in the wall can freely approach it. In addition, abandoned buildings attract the attention of owls.
In nature, these birds can most often be found on the open plains, the space of which is animated by the presence of a few groups of trees. Similar characteristics can be applied to light forests or swamps, as well as to various meadows. In addition, this type of owl patrols territories located near wastelands or various water bodies, as well as ravines or highways.
These birds are well known in the locations of various buildings and in areas of agricultural complexes. Barn Owl does not like densely growing forests, as well as highlands. Birds of this species prefer spaces where there are a lot of easily accessible prey and there are no long frosty winters, as well as minimal competition from other predators.
In most cases, they are attached at all times to the territory in which they live. A rare exception is the conditions under which a sharp decline in the population of small animals that make up the diet of owls leads to hungry times.
Barn Owl Diet
The owl grabs its prey on the fly, catching it with its sharp claws and taking it to a secluded place where, slowly, it eats it. A great help in hunting a night bird is its excellent hearing, allowing you to hear any sounds made by prey, which helps to detect it.
Breeding
For a year the barn owl makes 1 clutch, and only occasionally 2. The breeding period depends on the habitat of the bird. For example, in North America, this is from March to June.
The place for masonry is always chosen by the male. Usually he prefers a dark and closed place. During hatching, the male carries food to the female. Clutch usually makes 2-7 eggs (sometimes their number can reach 14). Size - 30-35 mm. Hatching lasts about 1 month. And after 50-55 days, the chicks are ready to fly.
Video: Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
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