General Overview
The Tytonidae family, commonly known as the Barn Owls, includes medium-to-large nocturnal raptors recognized for their distinctive heart-shaped facial disks. Unlike the true owls (Strigidae), barn owls belong to a separate evolutionary branch of owls. They are found worldwide, occupying every continent except Antarctica, and play important ecological roles as rodent predators. The common barn owl (Tyto alba) is one of the most widespread birds on Earth.
Appearance
Barn owls in Tytonidae share several defining features:
- A heart-shaped facial disk with a sharp outline
- A slim, elongated body and long legs
- Soft, pale plumage, often featuring mixtures of white, buff, gold, or grey
- Dark eyes (in contrast to many Strigidae with yellow eyes)
- A short beak adapted for tearing prey
- Serrated wing feathers that allow silent flight
Some species, including various Tyto owls, show striking plumage differences between individuals (light vs. dark morphs).
Diet
Tytonids are specialised mammal hunters, relying heavily on hearing to locate prey. Their diet usually includes:
- Rodents (voles, mice, rats)
- Shrews
- Small birds (occasionally)
- Insects and bats (depending on species)
Their exceptional hearing, among the best of any bird, allows them to hunt effectively in total darkness.
Habitat
Barn owls occupy a variety of open or semi-open habitats, including:
- Grasslands and farmland
- Savannas
- Wetlands
- Urban and suburban areas
- Forest edges
They prefer areas with open ground for hunting small mammals and often nest in:
- Tree cavities
- Barns and abandoned buildings
- Cliff ledges
- Nest boxes
Behavior
Typical behaviors of Tytonidae include:
- Strictly nocturnal activity patterns (most species)
- Silent flight, made possible by special feather adaptations
- Strong territoriality around nesting sites
- Nesting in cavities or sheltered structures, laying clutches of several white eggs
- Chicks that grow rapidly, often with strong sibling competition when food is scarce
Barn owls produce a characteristic piercing hiss or screech, rather than the hoots associated with many other owls. Many species remain non-migratory, though some populations move locally in response to prey availability.
