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Barn OwlAlternative names: "Delicate Owl", "Screeching Owl", "Lesser Masked Owl" Size: 30-40 cm |
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Habitat |
(for details refer to a field guide) |
Barn Owls are global birds that are found on other continents as well. In Australia they are mostly found in the eastern half of the continent, except western QLD, plust basically all of the NT. They breed in the south-east of the continent, in the southern and eastern hill ranges and the Murray River catchment. Outside their breeding season they are also found along the west coast of the continent and occasionally, when conditions are right for them to find sufficient prey, anywhere in between, including the most arid parts of the continent. Barn Owls are also found on Tasmania, mostly on the eastern side.
Barn Owls can be found in a variety of habitats, from open grassland (when hunting) to open and riparian woodland, where there are trees with suitable hollows or caves. They adapt well to the presence of humans and can be found roosting and/or nesting e.g. in barns or sheds.
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Sightings |
A Barn Owl was first seen by us in Australia in July 2009, just east of Bauhinia, QLD. We passed it driving by the reflector post it was sitting on. When we had turned around the car to take a closer look, the bird was still there, which made identification reliable, but before we could take a photo it took off.
A pair of birds is seen regularly by us since May 2011 15 km east of Narrabri, NSW. Another pair was spotted 15 km north-east of Narrabri.
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Behaviour |
| Social behaviour: Territorial | Mobility: Dispersive | Elementary unit: Solitary/pair |
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Food |
Like other members of the owl family, Barn Owls are carnivores. They prey mostly on small mammals.
