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Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

Posted Sat, 10/10/2009 - 08:34 by admin
Description: 

Small owl, white below with a buff and gold back with fine brown markings.

Habitat: 

Favours grassland, natural or man-made. Pastures, roadside verges and crop-lands are used.

A bird photographed in a backyard in Fawkner. Such birds, found on the ground, during the day are likely to have been weakened by starvation, be affected by a rodenticide or injured by collision with a vehicle. Photo. Brian Bainbridge
Threats: 

Some newer rodenticides are very dangerous for this species. Removal of dead trees and large hollows needed for nesting is another threat. These owls are often hit by vehicles, having been attracted to the grass alongside roadsides for hunting.

What can we do?: 

Retain potential nesting habitat (tree hollows). Avoid using the most dangerous types of rodenticides (see link below for an article detailing this issue). Consider the possibility of encountering wildlife when driving at night and adjust speed accordingly.

Links: 
Article: Be Wise, look out for Owls in by Den Robin in 1/2004 issue of Bushmatters (NSW) newsletter