RANGE: Covers most of the United States with northernmost populations in southern Michigan and British Columbia. Northernmost factions are partially migratory. Southern most range includes all of central and south America. Other race occur world wide in Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.

HABITAT: Countrysides with an abundance of open fields and numerous old buildings (or large hollow trees).

SIZE: LENGTH: 14-20 inches
WINGSPAN: 40-47 inches
WEIGHT: 11-21 inches

LIFE EXPECTANCY:
WILD: Less than 10 years, average of 2 years
CAPTIVITY: 15-20 years

REPRODUCTION: Breeding cycle takes about 4 months from courtship to fledging of the young. Therefore it is possible for them to have 2 breeding cycles per year. Eggs are laid at 2-3 day intervals with clutch size ranging from 2-11 eggs. The young fledge at 56-62 days and soon begin to venture away from the nest site. At this point the adults roost away from the nest site and begin their breeding cycle all over again.

DIET: Small mammals (mice, voles and shrews)

BEHAVIOR: Remain in their nesting territory year round. Reuse nest sites year after year, upwards of 30 years in some cases. The barn owl is essentially monogamous and if one individual dies the survivor will call in another mate and reuse the nesting site. Maintain pair bond year round by roosting together and mutual preening activities. Male does all territorial and nest site defense. Copulation usually occurs at potential nest sites and usually follows food presentation by the male.

POINTS OF INTEREST: Called the "flying mousetrap", "heart faced owl", "monkey faced owl", "ghost owl". The barn owl has been recorded catching 60 mice in half an hour, (2 mice a minute). Such a successful hunter because of its excellent hearing. The facial disc on this bird is very noticeable and it's purpose is to direct sound to its ear flaps. This bird has asymmetrical ears-- the right is higher than the left, and with its dramatic facial disc it is able to pinpoint the location of its prey in complete darkness. The barn owl's greatest predator is the great horned owl. The great horned owl usually hunts at dusk and dawn so perhaps that is one reason why the barn owl only hunts in the darkest of night.

STATUS: As a species the barn owl is one of the most common bird of prey in the world. However in Kentucky it is threatened due to loss of habitat and nesting sites.