Barn owls are widespread and common across North America. Although less common in North America than the Great horned owl, the Barn owl (Tyto alba) is the most widely distributed species of owl in the world. They are found in moderate climates on all continents of the world except Antarctica. The Barn owl is considered a medium sized owl species, usually weighing from 0.88 to 1.5 pounds, standing 12.5 to 16 inches, with a wingspan of 4 feet. Barn owls have large heads with heart shaped faces. Their golden-brown uppersides blend in with dry grassland habitats, and their whitish undersides are thought to serve the purpose of an anti-silhouette when in flight so they are less visible to the prey below. Dark spots speckle both the upper and undersides of a Barn owl. Barn owls are cavity dwellers, making their nests and roosting in tree cavities, crevices along cliffs and riverbanks, and in buildings or barns. Instead of a ‘hoot’, Barn owls communicate with high pitched screams including a ‘K-r-r-r-ick’ sound, a longer more forceful shrieking when in distress or raspy hissing sounds.

While both species are owls are present in southwest Wyoming, we are unsure how common the Barn owl is in Uinta County. If you sight either a Great horned owl or barn owl or know where one has been seen nesting or roosting please let us know.