Adult

Description

Size: 16”

Plumage/Description:  Males and females are similar in plumage, adult males tend to be more white on the breast, females more of a buffy-orange color on the breast.  Both sexes have a large, white heart-shaped face, with a rounded-head, lacking feather tufts like the Great-horned Howl.  Head, back, wings and tail feathers are a mottled brown and beige color.

Habitat:  Open habitat, agricultural areas.

Time of year:  Year-round resident.

Relative Abundance:  Uncommon.

Behavior—  Nocturnal:  Active at night, roost during the day.  Outside of breeding season they are fairly solitary.

Diet:  Rodents, small mammals.

Similar species:  Great-horned Owl

Best sites:  Unpredictable.  One of the more reliable places to see Barn Owls over the last few years has been the Prescott Lakes Parkway Bridge over Granite Creek.