Kap'n'Kaos
Barn Owl ~ One Who Doesn' t Give A Hoot !
Explore # 69 ! 24-05-'09 !
The Barn Owl is a pale, long-winged, long-legged owl with a short squarish tail ! Tail shape is a way of distinguishing the Barn Owl from true owls when seen in flight, as are the wavering motions and the open dangling feathered legs. The light face with its peculiar shape and the black eyes give the flying bird an odd and startling appearance, the ridge of feathers above the bill somewhat resembling a nose !
Its head and upperparts are a mixture of buff and grey feathers ! Some are purer richer brown instead, and all have fine black-and-white speckles ! The heart-shaped face is usually bright white !
It was found that at least in the continental European populations, females with more spotting are healthier on average. This does not hold true for European males by contrast, where the spotting can differ ! The bill varies from pale horn to dark buff, corresponding to the general plumage hue. The iris is blackish brown. The toes, as the bill, vary in color; their color ranges from pinkish to dark pinkish-grey. The talons are black !
Barn Owl nestlings are covered in off-white down all over, but the heart-shaped facial disk is visible soon after hatching !
Contrary to popular belief, it does not hoot as it instead produces the characteristic shree scream, Listen Here ear-shattering at close range ! It can hiss like a snake, and when captured or cornered, it throws itself on its back and flails with sharp-taloned feet, making for an effective defence !
Barn Owl ~ One Who Doesn' t Give A Hoot !
Explore # 69 ! 24-05-'09 !
The Barn Owl is a pale, long-winged, long-legged owl with a short squarish tail ! Tail shape is a way of distinguishing the Barn Owl from true owls when seen in flight, as are the wavering motions and the open dangling feathered legs. The light face with its peculiar shape and the black eyes give the flying bird an odd and startling appearance, the ridge of feathers above the bill somewhat resembling a nose !
Its head and upperparts are a mixture of buff and grey feathers ! Some are purer richer brown instead, and all have fine black-and-white speckles ! The heart-shaped face is usually bright white !
It was found that at least in the continental European populations, females with more spotting are healthier on average. This does not hold true for European males by contrast, where the spotting can differ ! The bill varies from pale horn to dark buff, corresponding to the general plumage hue. The iris is blackish brown. The toes, as the bill, vary in color; their color ranges from pinkish to dark pinkish-grey. The talons are black !
Barn Owl nestlings are covered in off-white down all over, but the heart-shaped facial disk is visible soon after hatching !
Contrary to popular belief, it does not hoot as it instead produces the characteristic shree scream, Listen Here ear-shattering at close range ! It can hiss like a snake, and when captured or cornered, it throws itself on its back and flails with sharp-taloned feet, making for an effective defence !