BARN OWL (Tyto alba) is
the most widely distributed species of owl, and one of the most
widespread of all birds. It is also referred to as Common Barn Owl, to distinguish it from other species in the barn
owl family Tytonidae. These form one of two main lineages of living owls, the other
being the typical owls (Strigidae). T. alba is found almost anywhere in the world
except polar and desert regions, Asia north of the Alpide belt, most of Indonesia, and the Pacific islands. However, they have
been introduced to control rodents in the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
It is known by many other names, which may refer to the
appearance, call, habitat or the eerie, silent
flight: White Owl, Silver Owl, Demon Owl, Ghost Owl, Death Owl, Night Owl, Rat
Owl, Church Owl, Cave Owl, Stone Owl, Monkey-faced Owl, Hissing Owl, Hobgoblin
or Hobby Owl, Dobby Owl, White-breasted Owl, Golden Owl, Scritch Owl, Screech
Owl, Straw Owl, Barnyard Owl, and Delicate Owl. "Golden Owl" might
also refer to the related Golden Masked Owl (T. aurantia). "Hissing Owl" and, particularly in
the USA and in India, "screech
owl", referring to the piercing calls of these birds.
The Barn Owl is a pale, long-winged, long-legged
owl with a short squarish tail. Generally a medium-sized owl, there is
considerable size variation across the subspecies.
The Barn Owl measures about 25–50 cm (9.8–20 in) in overall length,
with a wingspan of some 75–110 cm (30–43 in). Adult body mass is also variable,
ranging from 187 to 800 g (6.6 to 28 oz).
The Barn Owl feeds primarily on small vertebrates,
particularly rodents. Studies have shown that an individual Barn Owl
may eat one or more rodents per night.[INFO:WIKIPEDIA]
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