Definition & Meaning of "barn owl"

What is a "barn owl"?

A barn owl, scientifically known as Tyto alba, is a medium-sized owl species found in various regions around the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It derives its name from its affinity for nesting in barns and other structures. With its unique heart-shaped face and distinctively pale plumage, the barn owl is an iconic and easily recognizable bird. Its feathers are predominantly light brown to white, providing excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. Barn owls are primarily nocturnal hunters, relying on their exceptional low-light vision and acute hearing to locate prey, which consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, and shrews. Their silent flight allows them to approach their prey without detection. Barn owls are known for their eerie screeching calls and their ability to hover in mid-air while hunting.