BARN OWL

Tyto alba

Barn owls get their name by having a history of being found in barns and or old abandoned structures. Barn owls are commonly found throughout the United States and well into Mexico and South America. These owls also have their very own unique look to them which makes them easy to recognize. Like other owls, they have a flat face due to their facial disk, but their feather pattern and coloration make it unique, and it is often compared to what an apple cut in half looks like. Their chest and front of their bodies are a cream or light brown color with darker speckles whereas their wings and dorsal feathers are more of a brown with a unique pattern. Just like another owl, their call is unique to their species as well with it sounding more like a scream or more so little whispers.

OUR CURRENT RESIDENT

Athena, Female – Hatched on March 10, 2024

Athena came to ZooMontana in May 2024. Athena is still very young, and because she was born in captivity, she is still figuring out how to be an owl. Athena is often triangulating (or moving her head in a triangle) to try and to hear better and is often displaying behaviors that make it look like she is dancing.

You can get to know Athena better and meet them in person through our programs scheduled through the education department!

TAXONOMY

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Strigiformes
Family: Tytonidae
Genus: Tyto
Species: Tyto alba

ANIMAL FACTS

Carnivore: mainly eat small rodents, small birds,

Population Status (according to IUCN): currently listed as Least Concern

Population Status (according to Montana Field Guide): currently listed as Apparently Secure

Habitat: open grasslands, pasture lands, hay fields, croplands, and marshes

Activity: crepuscular (or nocturnal) – mostly active at dusk and dawn (or night)