‘Barn Owl’

Tyto alba

01.

The barn owls are one of the most beautiful owls living in our country. They
have an unmistakable heart-shaped veil of face and rank among the
endangered species. In the last 30 years there has been a significant decline in
the population of these very interesting owls. It is especially caused by the
closing of owl holes in lofts, church steeples; the modernization of farm
buildings, and the fact that they are victims of road traffic, severe winters with
a high snow layer and poisonings caused by the consumption of poisoned prey.

02.

They are a typical synanthropic species of owl living close to humans in various
agricultural buildings, church steeples, ruins of castles and other similar
buildings. It is mainly found at lower altitudes up to 300 m a.s.l.

03.

They nest in the sheltered niches of buildings, the dark corners of lofts, but also
in the installed nesting boxes. At the time of the excessive reproduction of the
common vole (Microtus arvalis), they are able to nest twice a year, even in the
winter months. On the other hand, at the time of the shortage of food, they do
not nest at all and what's more, they even devour the hatched young.

04.

The barn owls hunt their prey in the open landscape. Their food mainly consists
of small rodents, but also birds, bats and, to a lesser extent, insects.

05.

If there is a danger, they pretend to be dead or ruffles their feathers up, spread
their wings, clatter their beak and hiss.