Taxonomy
Tyto alba | Barn Owl | Scréachóg reilige
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed
according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high
conservation value as a result.
Species Biology
Identification
The Barn Owl has a white,
heart-shaped face with a brownish back and white underparts.
When seen in flight, the observer
will notice a clean white underwing with no markings. This is a key defining
feature as the Long-eared owl has dark markings on its underwing.
The head, back and the wings all
contain a highly defined pattern consisting of blacks, browns and white.
Standing at approximately 34 cm
in length and with a wingspan of 89 cm, this species can weigh 300 grams.
This nocturnal bird of prey is
rarely seen during the day.
Diet
This species feeds on a variety
of animals from mammals such as mice, voles and shrews to birds and even
amphibians such as frogs.
It has been shown that Irish
populations have a heavy reliance on the Greater White-toothed Shrew, a
non-native, invasive species as a staple food item.
Habitat
Typically observed in open
habitats where it will hunt prey along linear features such as hedgerows, roads
and riverbanks.
Suitable breeding habitat for the
Barn Owl includes dilapidated buildings and tree cavities as well as barns and
sheds, in some cases.
Reproduction
A clutch of 4-6 eggs will be laid
from late-March to early-July. A typical egg will weigh approximately 21.2
grams and will hatch after an incubation period of 32 days. The young will
fledge after 63-61 days.
The average life expectancy for
this species is around four years with individuals breeding after the first
year.
Conservation actions
The Barn Owl will benefit from
the use of specially designed nest boxes. Many of these nest boxes have been
erected by local branches of BirdWatch Ireland.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
This species has been recorded as
declining in Ireland in terms of its range and breeding population. Today, its
numbers are restricted to central and southern reaches of the island.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2025
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/barn-owl/
The Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/barn-owl/
British Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob7350.htm
Barn Owl Project (Facebook Page):
https://www.facebook.com/Barnowlprojectireland/