Barn-owl
Tyto alba
Nocturnal owl hunting rodents in African open fields and farms.
| Scientific name | Tyto alba |
|---|---|
| Swahili name | Bundi |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Tytonidae |
| Size | Male: 0.3-0.4 kg; Female: 0.4-0.6 kg |
How to identify
Distinct heart-shaped facial disc; pale feather coloration, golden yellow back with spots; broad wings, silent flight; black eyes adapted for night vision; medium to small body size
Habitat
Open farmland, grasslands, sparsely wooded savannas, valleys, farms and abandoned buildings
Diet
Carnivorous, primarily preys on small mammals such as field mice, insects, and small birds
When it is active
Nocturnal, active from dusk to dawn
Where it lives
Widely distributed globally, present throughout much of Africa including Kenya and the Masai Mara region
How to spot it
Use red light flashlight at night, remain quiet, easier to find near field edges and abandoned buildings
Photography tips
Use telephoto lens, increase ISO in low light, avoid flash, photographing flight posture at dawn or dusk yields best results
Threats
Habitat destruction, pesticide use reducing prey availability, road traffic accidents
Similar species
Common owl (Strix aluco), differs by having a round facial disc with darker coloration and louder flight noise
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