American Barn Owl

A long, rough-edged scream that may be repeated after dark. American Barn Owls do not give the rounded hoots people expect from many other owls.

Adults are usually year-round residents and do not make regular seasonal migrations. Young birds can disperse hundreds of miles, and some northern fall movements have been reported; food shortages or severe weather may also prompt shorter shifts.

Open habitats such as farmland, grasslands, marshes, deserts, and suburbs—generally needs open areas for hunting and cavities (natural hollows, barns, church steeples, nest boxes) for nesting. Found across the U.S. in suitable habitat, but sensitive to cold climates with deep snow (scarcer in far north).

Nocturnal (occasionally crepuscular). Roosts by day in dark cavities (barn rafters, tree holes). Breeding season timing varies with climate—generally spring in temperate areas, but can breed anytime if food abundant. Pairs may have multiple broods in warm regions. During breeding, males and females perform screeching duets and males may do fluttering display flights. In winter, non-breeding period, they continue to hunt nightly; in harsh cold/snow, many may perish or move to find better conditions.

A medium-sized owl with a distinctive heart-shaped white face, dark eyes, and a mix of golden-buff and gray on the upperparts. Underparts are pale with fine spots. Lacks ear tufts. Often seen silently flying over fields at night or roosting in barns and other structures by day. Known for its eerie, rasping screech.