The Barn Owl is one of the most widely distributed birds in the world, found on every continent except Antarctica, and one of the most beneficial raptors to agriculture — a single pair and their young can consume over 1,000 rodents during a breeding season. Its heart-shaped facial disc funnels sound with extraordinary precision, allowing it to hunt in complete darkness by sound alone. Its eerie, rasping shriek gave rise to many ghost stories.
Best time to see a Barn Owl
The best time to see a Barn Owl is April–September, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 702 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Barn Owl? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Barn Owl sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Barn Owl?
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