Order: Strigiformes
Family: Tytonidae
The Barn Owl is a medium-sized, pale owl with a distinctive heart-shaped facial disc and dark eyes. In Patagonia, it is often seen gliding silently over open fields and grasslands at dusk and night. Its plumage is a mix of white, golden, and gray, providing excellent camouflage among grasses and barns. The Barn Owl is known for its eerie, raspy screech rather than the typical hooting of other owls. It plays a crucial role in controlling rodent populations, making it a valuable ally to farmers. Despite its wide range, the Barn Owl is sensitive to habitat loss and changes in agricultural practices. In Patagonia, it nests in tree cavities, cliffs, and abandoned buildings, often reusing the same sites year after year. Its silent flight and ghostly appearance have inspired myths and legends across cultures.
Habitat
Open grasslands, farmlands, steppes, and the edges of forests; often near human settlements.
Foraging
Hunts mainly at night, flying low to catch small mammals, especially rodents, using keen hearing and vision.
