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BARN OWL - Latin Name: tyto alba

http://www.barnowltrust.org/

UK Population Figure: Estimated at around 4 to 5,000 pairs.


Plumage: The plumage covering the head, back & outer wings are of a rich apricot colour; scattered with silvery blue mottling & the frontal area & under parts of the wings are of pure white, eyes are black & surrounded by a distinctive white facial disk that is heart-shaped.

Female Markings: Distinctive black speckling on frontal area under wing parts & a distinctive dark pencilled line around the facial disc together with an apricot coloured necklace.

Male Markings: Under parts & facial disc are of pure white.

Hearing Capabilities: Barn Owls mainly hunt by sound rather than by sight. With it's acute hearing the Barn Owl can detect the slightest movement & sound of its prey. The ears are set asymmetrical, one higher than the other under the feathering of the inside edge of the facial disc, located next to the eyes. The facial disc acts as an amazing sound funnel, collecting & filtering sound. This allows the Owl to detect the movement of its prey with complete accuracy.

It is said that a Barn Owl can actually hear a mouse's heartbeat in a 30ft sq room.
http://www.naturesongs.com/cobo1.wav