Barn owl by Diane Jordan

The barn owl (Tyto alba) is one of the best known and most fascinating owl species in the world. It is known for its striking, heart-shaped face and has a wide distribution that takes it from Europe to Australia and large parts of Asia. Its most distinctive feature is the white, heart-shaped facial veil, which gives it an unmistakable appearance. This veil helps to focus sound to improve hunting at night. The barn owl has very soft, often reddish-brown to grey plumage with white patches on the underside. The body is relatively slender and the wings are long and broad. It is a medium-sized owl, about 33 to 39 cm long, with a wingspan of 80 to 95 cm. Its eyes are black and relatively large in relation to its head. The barn owl has a very wide distribution and can be found in almost all continents of the world, with the exception of cold regions such as the Arctic and Antarctic.
It is widespread in Europe and can also be found in urban areas. In Germany, however, it is rarer than other owl species and is often associated with old buildings and barns. Barn owls favour open landscapes such as meadows, fields and agricultural areas, but also rural and urban mountainous areas. They often nest in old churches, towers, barns or other buildings that serve as a substitute for caves.
They are often found near human settlements, as these places offer many hunting opportunities and nesting sites are available in the form of empty buildings or nesting boxes.