Barn Owl

Latin Name: 
Tyto alba
Category: 
Size: 
35cm
Description: 

Sexes alike. Dull golden-buff above, finely speckled black and white; white below, often with fine , dark spots; heart-shaped, white facial disc striking. Solitary or in pairs; nocturnal, but sometimes hunts during day; normally rests during day, mostly in a tree-cavity, dense creepers or some dark loft; perches upright; flies silently, mostly under 4m from ground; pounces on prey.

Habitat: 
Grasslands, cultivation human habitation, even town-centres.
Distribution: 
Almost all India, south of Himalayan foothills.
Call: 
Call Description: 
Long-drawn, wild shriek; a variety of snoring, hissing notes.
National Status: