An owl with a slender silhouette and unmistakable plumage: the upperparts are golden-ocher with fine gray and white speckling; the underparts, the facial disk and the face are pure white. The facial disk is shaped like an inverted heart, perfectly symmetrical and adapted to focus sound toward the ears, which are placed asymmetrically to perceive the exact direction of prey in total darkness. It measures 34 to 45 cm. It is one of the most widely distributed owls in the world.
Behaviour
It hunts in silent flight at night, locating rodents purely by sound in total darkness. It can pinpoint a mouse in complete darkness by hearing alone. It nests in human structures: silos, bell towers, abandoned buildings, bridges. Very beneficial for rodent control in rural areas.
How and when to see it
Nocturnal. Detected at nightfall as it leaves its roost in the park's structures or in the hollows of large trees. Its call is a harsh hiss or screech, very different from the songs of the other owls.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where american barn owl has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where american barn owl lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Esteros Ñe’é
Experiencias con relato local y mirada cultural sobre los esteros.★ 5.0 - Gaucho Argentino
Travesías a caballo por una red de refugios en el Iberá. Cabalgatas de varios días con…★ 5.0 - Irupé Excursiones
Senderismo guiado. Visita guiada a museos, lugares históricos, capillas y senderos del…★ 5.0 - Salvaje Iberá
Senderismo, cicloturismo, safari fotográfico, avistaje de fauna, paseos largos en el día…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameAmerican Barn Owl
- Scientific nameTyto furcata
- GroupBird
- StatusNative
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