Diet
The barn owl is a nocturnal hunter. It eats small mammals like mice, shrews, voles and rats. It also eats birds. It has a keen sense of smell, which along with the ability to see in low light, helps it catch its prey. Its soft feathers also muffle sound so it can more easily sneak up on its prey.
Life Cycle
Males attract a mate with calls. They then chase the female. Both the male and female will then let out a series of screeching calls.
The female barn owl lays five to ten eggs at a rate of one egg every two to three days. She will lay her eggs on bare wood or stone in buildings, in tree hollows, caves or burrows. The owlets hatch in 32-34 days and both parents feed them. The owlets can hunt on their own when they are about two months old. Because the barn owl has a life expectancy of only about two years, females often have two broods a year.
Behavior
When a barn owl is threatened, it will spread its wings and sway its head back and forth. It may also fall on its back and strike out at the threat with its feet.
Image Credits: Clipart.com unless otherwise noted
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