Nature Notes – Jan ’25
Barn Owl – Silent Assassin of the Countryside
If you live in a town or large village you are unlikely to find barn owls near your home. In urban areas, most owl contacts are with the tawny owl and its familiar hooting and “kee-wick” calls. Conversely if you live in a rural area with barns, outbuildings or man-made owl boxes, the ‘white owl’ may be a familiar sight.
The predominantly white barn owl is widely distributed in the UK. If you get to see one close-up you will observe that the head, body and underwings are mainly white. However, the back and upper wings are a mixture of buffs, browns and pale grey. The heart-shaped facial disc is flat with a short, hooked beak and piercing black eyes which are twice as efficient as human eyes. The white feathered legs are longer than those of other owl species. Owl feathers are very soft. The wing feathers are adapted to disrupt air flow and deaden the noise made by wing beats.
Almost everything about this bird is specially adapted to help it find and catch its favoured prey; small mammals. In addition to excellent eyesight, it has exceptional hearing. The ear openings which are at the side of the facial disc are set asymmetrically. This arrangement allows it to determine the exact location of its prey even in deep vegetation.
The bird may sit on top of a hedge waiting for prey but more often patrols on near silent wings over roadside verges or meadows, or patches of deep vegetation. The wings are broad and the overall body weight is much less than a typical 20 cm long bird. These features enable it to fly quite slowly without stalling. It drops onto its prey with it legs outstretched and captures its food with sharp talons.
Spotting Barn Owls
Although it hunts mainly in virtual darkness, it is possible to come across barn owls early in the morning or at dusk. At this time of year first light is at about 7 a.m. and barn owls are often flying along verges by quiet roads looking for a last meal before going to roost. Sightings beside the road from Kibworth to Tur Langton, Cranoe and Slawston are not infrequent; especially on weekend mornings when the roads are quieter.
If you were to go looking for barn owls on foot, by cycle or in a vehicle be very mindful of your safety and that of other road users and be aware that one of the causes of barn owl mortality is speeding traffic!
We are very fortunate to have farmers and other landowners who make a place for barn owls either by preserving suitable barns or providing nest boxes.
Hopefully you will get to see a barn owl this winter.
David Scott
Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital
