The Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

The Barn Owl (Tyto alba) is a medium-sized bird known for its distinctive heart-shaped face and silent flight. It has a pale, golden-buff and grayish plumage that helps it blend into its surroundings. Primarily nocturnal, it hunts small mammals like rodents using keen eyesight and highly sensitive hearing. Barn Owls prefer open habitats such as grasslands and farmland, often nesting in barns, tree hollows, or abandoned structures. They play a vital role in controlling pest populations. Despite their widespread distribution globally, they are sensitive to habitat loss and environmental changes, making conservation important for their continued presence.