Scientifically called the world of Birds Aves, it was a fascinating place full of diversity and beauty. Among the 27 different species, the order Strigiformes is distinguished by its unique members: spiders. The order is also divided into two families, the Strigidae and the Tytonidae, which include spiders all over the world. In this article, we will explore the latter in more detail, focusing on the barn dog family (Tytonidae), and examining thirty-five different species of barn owls Tyto alba.
Understanding Barn Owls
Scientifically known as Tyto alba, the bird that lives in the pasture is one of the most widespread species. Their ghostly appearance makes them very recognizable parrots. They are nocturnal predatory birds and feed primarily on small mammals such as rats, mice and rats. With their unique hearing and silent flight, coral reefs are excellent hunters.
Habitat and Distribution
Domesticated sharks are found on every continent except Antarctica, making them one of the most widespread shark species. Their adaptability to different environments, from grasslands to deserts to forests and cities, has allowed them to expand. These birds prefer open areas where they can be easily hunted.
Nesting and Behavior
Barn owls are cavity nesters, often using tree hollows, cliffs, or abandoned buildings as nesting sites. They are also known to adapt well to man-made structures and can be attracted to nest boxes. These birds are solitary hunters but may form pairs during the breeding season.
New World Barn Owls
1. North American Barn Owl (Tyto alba pratincola)
The North American barn owl is a race found in the United States and Central America. It is one of the largest races in terms of range, thriving in various habitats from grasslands to farmlands.
2. Central American Barn Owl (T. a. Guatemala)
This race picks up where the North American barn owl leaves off, ranging through Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Panama. The Central American barn owl shares similar habits and habitats with its northern cousin.
3. Bahamian Barn Owl (T. a. lucayana)
The Bahamian barn owl inhabits the Bahamas, where it is adapted to the island environment, often nesting in natural cavities or man-made structures.
4. Cuban Barn Owl (T. a. furcata)
Found in Cuba, the Grand Caymans, and Jamaica, the Cuban barn owl is known for its distinctive plumage and vocalizations.
5. Subandean Barn Owl (T. a. subandeana)
This race is found in Colombia and Ecuador, continuing the barn owl’s range in South America. It is adapted to the Andean foothills and nearby lowland areas.
6. Colombian Barn Owl (T. a. contempta)
The Colombian barn owl inhabits Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. It is one of the smallest and darkest races, adapted to the tropical forests and open landscapes.
7. Hellmayr’s Barn Owl (T. a. hellmayri)
Ranging from Venezuela to Brazil, the Hellmayr’s barn owl is adapted to a variety of habitats, from rainforests to savannas.
8. Brazilian Barn Owl (T. a. tuidara)
Found in Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, the Brazilian barn owl completes the barn owl’s range on the South American mainland. It is well adapted to both tropical and temperate environments.
9. Tortugan Barn Owl (T. a. glaucops)
Inhabiting the islands of Tortuga and Hispaniola in the West Indies, this race is adapted to the unique island ecosystems.
10. Dominican Barn Owl (T. a. nigrescens)
The Dominican barn owl is found on the island of Dominica in the West Indies. It is a dark race, adapted to the island’s forested areas.
11. St. Lucia Barn Owl (T. a. insularis)
This race inhabits the Lesser Antilles in the West Indies, including St. Lucia, Grenada, and St. Vincent, adapted to the islands’ varied habitats.
12. Curacao Barn Owl (T. a. bargei)
The Curacao barn owl is found on the island of Curacao off the coast of Venezuela, adapted to the arid island environment.
13. Galapagos Barn Owl (T. a. punctatissima)
Inhabiting James Island in the Galapagos Islands, this race is adapted to the unique and diverse ecosystems of the islands.
European Barn Owls
14. British Barn Owl (Tyto alba alba)
The British barn owl ranges across the British Isles, France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Greece, and North Africa. It is adapted to a variety of habitats, from farmlands to urban areas.
15. European Barn Owl (T. a. guttata)
Found in Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Russia, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Crimea, this race is adapted to the varied climates and landscapes of Europe.
16. Madeiran Barn Owl (T. a. schmitzi)
This race inhabits the island of Madeira off the coast of Portugal, adapted to the island’s unique environment.
17. Ernest’s Barn Owl (T. a. ernesti)
Ernest’s barn owl is found on the islands of Corsica and Sardinia in the Mediterranean, adapted to the islands’ distinct ecosystems.
African Barn Owls
18. Canary Island Barn Owl (T. a. gracilirostris)
This race is found on the eastern Canary Islands off the coast of Africa, adapted to the islands’ arid landscapes.
19. Cape Verde Barn Owl (T. a. detorta)
The Cape Verde barn owl inhabits the islands of St. Vincent and Santiago in the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of West Africa, adapted to the dry, island environment.
20. West African Barn Owl (T. a. poensis)
Found on the island of Fernando Po off the coast of West Africa, this race is adapted to the island’s tropical forests.
21. Sao Thome Barn Owl (T. a. thomensis)
Inhabiting the island of Sao Thome off the coast of West Africa, this race is adapted to the island’s unique ecosystems.
22. African Barn Owl (T. a. affinis)
The African barn owl is a very large race found on the African mainland, occurring from Gambia in northwestern Africa to the very southern tip of the continent. It is adapted to various habitats, from savannas to deserts.
23. Madagascan Barn Owl (T. a. hypermetra)
Even larger than the African barn owl, the Madagascan barn owl inhabits only the large island of Madagascar and the Comoro Islands, adapted to the islands’ unique environments.
24. Erlanger’s Barn Owl (T. a. erlangeri)
Erlanger’s barn owl is found in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Iraq, and Iran. It is used by farmers in Israel for integrated pest management, adapted to the region’s arid landscapes.
Asian Barn Owls
25. Indian Barn Owl (T. a. stertens)
The Indian barn owl is found in India, Pakistan, Burma, Assam, and Sri Lanka. It has a large range, similar to the European, North American, and African races, adapted to a variety of habitats.
26. Burmese Barn Owl (T. a. javanica)
Inhabiting Burma, Thailand, Indo-China, and all of Southeast Asia, the Burmese barn owl is used by oil palm plantations to help control rodent infestations, adapted to tropical climates.
27. Andaman Barn Owl (T. a. de-roepstorffi)
This is a very red race of barn owl that occurs only on the Andaman Islands in the Indian Ocean, adapted to the islands’ unique ecosystems.
28. Sumban Barn Owl (T. a. sumbaensis)
The Sumban barn owl is found only on Sumba Island in Indonesia, adapted to the island’s distinct environment.
29. Kisar Barn Owl (T. a. kuehni)
Inhabiting only Kisar Island in Indonesia, this race is adapted to the island’s unique ecosystems.
30. Savu Barn Owl (T.a. everetti)
The Savu barn owl is found only on the island of Savu in Indonesia, adapted to the island’s specific environment.
Australian Barn Owls
31. New Guinea Barn Owl (T. a. meeki)
This race is found in southeastern New Guinea and the Dampier and Vulcan Islands, adapted to the region’s diverse habitats.
32. Boaing Island Barn Owl (T. a. crassirostris)
The Boaing Island barn owl inhabits Boaing Island east of New Guinea, adapted to the island’s distinct environment.
33. Santa Cruz Barn Owl (T. a. interposita)
Inhabiting the Santa Cruz and New Hebrides Islands off the coast of Queensland, this race is adapted to the islands’ varied habitats.
34. New Caledonia Barn Owl (T. a. lulu)
The New Caledonia barn owl is found in New Caledonia, New Hebrides, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and the Society Islands, adapted to the islands’ diverse ecosystems.
35. Australian Barn Owl (T. a. delicatula)
This race is found in Australia, Tasmania, and the Solomon Islands. It is used in sugar cane plantations to help control cane, roof, and Norwegian rats, adapted to a variety of habitats.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barn Owls
Are Barn Owls Endangered?
While barn owls are not currently endangered, some races face threats from habitat loss and pesticide use. Conservation efforts focus on preserving natural habitats and promoting sustainable agriculture.
What Do Barn Owls Eat?
Barn owls primarily feed on small mammals, such as mice, voles, and rats. They are also known to eat birds, insects, and amphibians when their preferred prey is scarce.
How Do Barn Owls Hunt?
Barn owls hunt primarily by sound. Their exceptional hearing allows them to locate prey even in complete darkness. They fly silently, swooping down on their prey with incredible precision.
How Can I Attract Barn Owls to My Property?
Providing suitable nesting sites, such as nest boxes, can attract barn owls to your property. Maintaining open spaces and minimizing the use of pesticides will also encourage these birds to visit.