Western Barn Owl

Habitat: The small-scale cultural landscape is the ideal habitat for this species. This is where this specialised bird of prey finds its main prey. Large areas with rough grassland and copses. Ruins, farms, hollows in tree and rocks, and quarries are the most popular nesting sites, but nest boxes are also highly sought after.

Appearance: The most widespread owl in the world. Found throughout Europe except Scandinavia. In Belgium and the Netherlands, it is a fairly rare breeding bird, but a year-round resident and winter visitor in fairly small numbers.

Breeding season: March to September, nests in hollow spaces – the birds do not bring nesting material, but partially line the nest with pellets, 4 to 6 eggs.

Characteristics: Length 33 to 39 cm, wingspan 85 to 93 cm, weight 310 to 370 grams, age 27 years.

Food: Mainly mice. When food is plentiful, the owls store up a supply of mice near their roosts and nesting sites. In years when mice are scarce, small birds make up a higher percentage of their prey, especially young birds and those that are easy to catch on the ground. The barn owl hunts almost exclusively at night. It does not leave its roost until late dusk.