If you regularly hear an owl hooting, it is likely to be a Tawny Owl. Barn owl (Tyto alba) is a medium-sized owl. In the wild, many young barn owls do not survive their first year of life. The colors are light brown mixed in with dark brown. You will notice that almost all species of owls out there have a rounded face. Its facial disc is shaped like a heart and its beak is yellowish-brown in color. Barn owl pairs typically stay together as long as both members of the pair are alive. Some scientists think this may be a result of breeding and raising large clutches more than once a year, which uses a lot of energy. In the 1990s, the owl became a symbol of the bitter conflict between conservation efforts and economic activity. Barn Owls make eerie screeching and hissing noises. Their piercing gaze, uncanny ability to swivel their heads in the round, and their spooky stealth has long made them the subjects of art, literature, and films. Young owlets (and females prior to nesting) will make food begging calls. It is named for the tufts of feathers that sit on top of its head, called plumicorns. (This breathtaking photograph was taken in Northern California's redwood forest in 2008.) Males tend to be much paler than females however a dark-breasted version, known as guttata, from mainland Europe can sometimes be … The Barn Owl has a very distinctive look to the fact. But where foot traffic is heavy, such as along boardwalks in southern swamps, the barred owl may sit tight and provide good views at close range. However, this one has a heart shape to it that is very endearing. Facts about barn owls tell us that this is a species found everywhere in the world, except Antarctica. The great horned owl has no horns! With heart-shaped face, mottled buff back and wings and pure white underparts, it’s easy to see why the barn owl is also known as the ghost owl. Barn Owl Facts – Facts about Barn Owls Summary. Hear what other UK owls sound like on our owl identification page. See a photo of a barn owl flying over a stand of reeds and download free wallpaper from National Geographic. Males tend to be much paler than females however a dark-breasted version, known as guttata, from mainland Europe can sometimes be … Scientists don’t know why these owls sport the tufts, but they do have a few theories. Scientists don’t know why these owls sport the tufts, but they do have a few theories. It is named for the tufts of feathers that sit on top of its head, called plumicorns. With heart-shaped face, mottled buff back and wings and pure white underparts, it’s easy to see why the barn owl is also known as the ghost owl. The great horned owl has no horns! Owls: A Guide to Every Species in the World Found on every continent other than Antartica, the owl is anything but an unexceptional bird. It has a mottled appearance of grayish-brown color with long wings. Barn Owl – Tyto alba Description. Barn Owl Scientific name: Tyto alba (common barn owl) Facts: • Barn Owls eat mice, voles and shrews. They are a monogamous species and will mate from February to March and hatch their eggs during April and May. Fun Facts. The northern spotted owl is a threatened species native to the old-growth cloud forests of the province of British Columbia, Canada, and the U.S. states of Washington, Oregon, and California.