Barn Owls

Barn Owls. . The Barn Owl (Tyto Alba) is one of the most beneficial owls in the world. Their presence adds beauty and enchantment to the environment, and their significant rodent control skills comprise a very practical need for their presence. For farmers and land owners, encouraging native barn owls to nest on their land can provide effective, ongoing biocontrol.

Conservation
Unfortunately, urban sprawl, habitat destruction and the use of agricultural poisons and pesticides has reduced Barn Owl numbers over the last century but an active program of owl box construction will help offset this. The primary purpose of these Barn Owl boxes will be to encourage population growth by providing a safe nesting environment for these birds of prey.

Fun Facts

• Barn Owls vary in size and color.
• They are nocturnal, and rest during the day.
• A typical lifespan for a Barn Owl is four years.
• Barn Owls do not hoot like typical owls, instead they produce a sharp shriek.
• Barn owls are usually monogamous, sticking to one partner for life unless one of them dies.
• Breeding takes place at varying times of the year depending on location, with an owl family (clutch) averaging about four eggs.
• Scientists estimate that Barn Owls eat at least one rat a day. If you think of an entire owl family - an adult male and female plus one or two young - we are talking about three or four rats a day. In one year, this family can catch more than 1,000 rats!