Name: British Barn Owl (Tyto Alba Alba)
Conservation Status: Not globally threatened but many island populations are threatened or vulnerable mainly due to loss of habitat. Of concern in the UK.
Population: 10-12,000 in the UK
Origin: Widespread across England, Wales and Ireland. Also widespread across western and southern Europe and northern Africa.
Habitat: Farmland, grassland, meadows
Diet: Predominantly rodents, some larger mammals and small birds
Size: 33-39cm

With a heart-shaped face, beige back and wings and pure white underparts, the Barn Owl is a distinctive and much-loved countryside bird. Once a common sight, this owl species unfortunately faced a dramatic decline in the 20th century - largely due to the introduction of pesticides and farming methods that destroyed hedgerows, meadowland and field headlands - consequently losing habitat for prey species. The conversion or demolition of old farm buildings (where they get their namesake from) and the urbanisation of many areas of arable farmland has also decreased appropriate places for the barn owls to live themselves resulting in the decline of these beautiful owls.

Our barn owls are called Maverick & Goose!