Galapagos Barn Owl Facts

Name: Barn Owl
Family: Tytonidae
Scientific name: Tyto Alba
Length: 26 cm (10.2 in)
Weight: up to 260 g (9.2 oz) for the Galapagos version
Wingspan: 68 cm (26.7 in)

Wingspan: 68 cm (26.7 in)
Category: Land Birds
Number of Species: 49
Endemic Species: 22

In total, 49 species of land birds have been recorded in the Galapagos, 22 of which are endemic to the Islands. Land birds can be divided into 5 categories: Diurnal Raptors, Night Birds, Larger Land Birds, Aerial Feeders and Smaller Land Birds.

Category: Night Birds
Endemic Subspecies: Barn owl, Short-eared Owl

Just three species of night birds have been recorded in Galapagos, two of which are resident with endemic subspecies. Each of the species represents a different group. Owls are commonly seen during a Galapagos trip.

Barn Owls are medium-sized, mainly nocturnal, birds of prey with long, broad, rather rounded wings; hooked bills; relatively long, slender legs; and sharp, curved talons. They are distinguished from other owls by their white, heart shaped facial discs. The sexes are alike and immature plumages resemble adult plumage.

Identification:
A medium-sized owl identified by combination of greyish golden-brown upperparts with small white spots, dusky underparts with faint black spotting, heart-shaped facial disc and dark eyes. In flight, underwings appear white.

Behavior:
Mostly nocturnal, although sometimes seen hunting on the ground or from a perch during early morning and late evening; flies with slow, deep wingbeats and occasional glides. Sometimes found roosting during the day in buildings.

World's smallest species of barn owls sitting on a branch in the Galapagos Islands