Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of
Conservation
Common Name: OWL, BARN
Phylum: CHORDATA
Class: AVES
Order: STRIGIFORMES
Family: TYTONIDAE
Genus: TYTO
Species: ALBA
Taxonomic Authority: (BONAPARTE)
Taxonomy References: 038 , 001
NONGAME
Status References: 025 , 016 , 040
"Forage in open grassland or crop fields. Nest in cavity trees greater than 20\" dbh, and in barns or grain elevators."
Primary Habitat: "Grassland(matrix)"
"Rare permanent resident *26*."
| Known | Likely | Unknown | Not Likely | Historic | Extirpated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BARRY | MISSISSIPPI | ADAIR | |||
| BARTON | ANDREW | ||||
| BATES | ATCHISON | ||||
| BOLLINGER | AUDRAIN | ||||
| BOONE | BENTON | ||||
| BUCHANAN | CALDWELL | ||||
| BUTLER | CAMDEN | ||||
| CALLAWAY | CARROLL | ||||
| CAPE GIRARDEAU | CARTER | ||||
| CASS | CEDAR | ||||
| CHARITON | CHRISTIAN | ||||
| COLE | CLARK | ||||
| CRAWFORD | CLAY | ||||
| DADE | CLINTON | ||||
| DALLAS | COOPER | ||||
| DAVIESS | DENT | ||||
| DEKALB | DOUGLAS | ||||
| GREENE | DUNKLIN | ||||
| HARRISON | FRANKLIN | ||||
| HENRY | GASCONADE | ||||
| HOLT | GENTRY | ||||
| HOWELL | GRUNDY | ||||
| JACKSON | HICKORY | ||||
| LACLEDE | HOWARD | ||||
| LAFAYETTE | IRON | ||||
| LAWRENCE | JASPER | ||||
| LEWIS | JEFFERSON | ||||
| LIVINGSTON | JOHNSON | ||||
| MCDONALD | KNOX | ||||
| MILLER | LINCOLN | ||||
| MORGAN | LINN | ||||
| NEW MADRID | MACON | ||||
| NEWTON | MADISON | ||||
| PEMISCOT | MARIES | ||||
| PERRY | MARION | ||||
| PETTIS | MERCER | ||||
| PHELPS | MONITEAU | ||||
| RAY | MONROE | ||||
| SALINE | MONTGOMERY | ||||
| SCOTT | NODAWAY | ||||
| SHANNON | OREGON | ||||
| ST. CHARLES | OSAGE | ||||
| ST. CLAIR | OZARK | ||||
| STODDARD | PIKE | ||||
| VERNON | PLATTE | ||||
| POLK | |||||
| PULASKI | |||||
| PUTNAM | |||||
| RALLS | |||||
| RANDOLPH | |||||
| REYNOLDS | |||||
| RIPLEY | |||||
| SCHUYLER | |||||
| SCOTLAND | |||||
| SHELBY | |||||
| ST. FRANCOIS | |||||
| ST. LOUIS | |||||
| STE. GENEVIEVE | |||||
| STONE | |||||
| SULLIVAN | |||||
| TANEY | |||||
| TEXAS | |||||
| WARREN | |||||
| WASHINGTON | |||||
| WAYNE | |||||
| WEBSTER | |||||
| WORTH | |||||
| WRIGHT |
References for distribution: 026 , 028 , 033 , 035 , 039 , 015 , 011 , 012 , 013 , 014 , 041 , 007 , 009 , 010 , 042
Wyaconda R.
North Fabius R. and Middle Fabius R.
Cuivre R.
Dardenne Creek
Meramec R.
Bourbeuse R.
Miss. R. from River Aux Vases to Ohio R.
Castor R. and Castor R. Diversion Channel
Miss R. from Ohio R. to Arkansas Border
St. John's Ditch and Blue Ditch
St. Francis R. from Wappapello Dam to Arkansas Border
Little R.
Area Bordered by Black R. and St. Francis R. South of Quintan, MO
Mo. R. from Nishnabotna R. to Nodaway R.
Nodaway R.
Mo.R. from Nodaway to Kansas City
Platte R.
One Hundred and Two R.
Northwest Corner of Jackson County
Grand R. from Headwaters to Shoal Creek
Thompson R.
Grand R. from Shoal Creek to MO. R.
Chariton R. from Shuteye Creek to Mo. R.
Little Chariton R.
Marais Des Cygnes from Headwaters to Little Osage R.
Little Osage R.
Marmaton R.
Osage R. from Headwaters to Warsaw, MO.
Sac R.
Pomme De Terre R.
South Grand R.
Osage R. from Warsaw to Bagnell Dam
Niangua R.
Osage R. from Bagnell Dam to Mo. R.
Gasconade R. from Headwaters to Big Piney R.
Big Piney R.
Gasconade R. from Big Piney R. to Mo. R.
Mo. R. from Kansas City to Little Chariton R.
Mo. R. from Little Chariton R. to Gasconade R.
Lamine R.
Blackwater R.
Mo. R. from Gasconade R. to Miss. R.
White R. above Tablerock Dam
James R.
Black R.
Current R.
Warm Fork Spring R. and South Fork
Eleven Point R.
Lost Creek
Spring R.
Indian Creek
Comments: "Likely to occur in units listed, based on county occurrence."
Central Till Plains, Mississippi River Alluvial Plains, Osage Plains, Ozark Highlands
Comments: ""
Bluestem Prairie/Oak Hickory Forest
Cedar Glades
Oak-Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory-Pine Forest
Southern Floodplain Forest
ALL
Glaciated Plains
Glaciated Plains: Western
Glaciated Plains: Grand River
Glaciated Plains: Eastern
Glaciated Plains: Lincoln Hills
Big Rivers: Upper Missouri
Big Rivers: Lower Missouri
Ozark Border
Ozark Border: Missouri River
Ozark Border: Mississippi River
Ozark: Springfield Plateau
Ozark: Upper Ozark
Ozark: Elk River
Ozark: White River
Ozark: Lower Ozark
Mississippi Lowlands: Lowlands
Osage Plains
Species is associated with "Terrestrial" habitats.
References for Aquatic Associations:
Cereal Grain
Perennial Grass (Warm season)
Perennial Grass (cool-season)
Savanna (Grass-Shrub)
References for Habitat Types: 017
Savanna
Dry Savanna
Dry-Mesic Savanna
Mesic Savanna
Limestone/Dolomite Savanna
Chert Savanna
Sandstone Savanna
Sand Savanna
Prairie
Dry Prairie
Dry-Mesic Prairie
Mesic Prairie
Wet-Mesic Prairie
Limestone/Dolomite Prairie
Dry Limestone/Dolomite Prairie
Dry-Mesic Limestone/Dolomite Prairie
Chert Prairie
Dry Chert Prairie
Dry-Mesic Chert Prairie
Sandstone/Shale Prairie
Dry Sandstone/Shale Prairie
Dry-Mesic Sandstone/Shale Prairie
Sand Prairie
Dry Sand Prairie
Dry-Mesic Sand Prairie
Hardpan Prairie
Caves
Dry Cave
References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 019 , 021 , 022 , 028 , 030 , 017
"Carnivore"
Comments for larval food habits:
""
References for larval food habits:
Cricetidae (woodrats, mice, voles, lemmings); Not Specified
Birds; Not Specified
Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, mantids); Not Specified
Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
""
References Juvenile Food Habits 019 , 020 , 021
Coleoptera (beetles); Not Specified
Mammals; Not Specified
Soricidae (shrews); Not Specified
Talpidae (moles); Not Specified
Geomyidae (pocket gophers); Not Specified
Heteromyidae (pocket mice, kangaroo rats); Not Specified
Icteridae (meadowlarks, blackbirds, orioles); Not Specified
Fringillidae (grosbeaks, sparrows, finches, and buntings); Not Specified
Terrestrial Insects; Not Specified
Insects
Insects; Not Specified
Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, mantids); Not Specified
Cricetidae (woodrats, mice, voles, lemmings); Not Specified
Muridae (Norway rat, house mouse); Not Specified
Birds; Not Specified
Columbiformes (pigeons and doves); Not Specified
Passeriformes; Not Specified
Sturnidae (starlings); Not Specified
Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""
References Adult Food Habits 019 , 020 , 021 , 032 , 034 , 036 , 037
References for egg niches requirements:
References for feeding larvae niche requirements:
References for resting Larvae niche requirements:
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
References for feeding juvenile niche requirements: 022
Human association: barns/sheds
Human association specified in comments(00690)
References for resting juvenile niche requirements: 019 , 021 , 028
Natural features: caves, dry
Tree cavities: cavities in live trees
Tree cavities: cavities in dead/dying trees
Dbh of nest trees specified in comments(00590)
Human association: houses
Human association: barns/sheds
Human association specified in comments(00690)
Isolation from humans: not required; some human association is beneficial
References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 019 , 022 , 024 , 027 , 028 , 030
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Successional stage: stable prairie/grassland
Successional stage: climax grassland
Snags
Agricultural crops: small grains
References for feeding adult niche requirements: 022 , 028 , 030
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Successional stage: stable prairie/grassland
Successional stage: climax grassland
Snags
Agricultural crops: small grains
References for resting adult niche requirements: 019 , 021 , 028
Agricultural crops: small grains
Dbh of nest trees specified in comments(00590)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Human association specified in comments(00690)
Human association: barns/sheds
Human association: houses
Isolation from humans: not required; some human association is beneficial
Natural features: caves, dry
Snags
Successional stage: climax grassland
Successional stage: stable prairie/grassland
Tree cavities: cavities in dead/dying trees
Tree cavities: cavities in live trees
| Code | Comment |
|---|---|
| 011 | Nest on flat platforms as well as mine shafts,ledges,and cliffs *19*. In NE, nested in holes in cut banks along canals, lakes, and roads, and in nest boxes *36*. |
| 019 | The number of clutches per year depends on the supply of food. If food is plentiful will produce young year round.*24,27*. |
| 031 | In utah, observed winter mortality due to starvation resulting from very cold weather and extensive deep (20-25 cm) snow cover *31* |
| 099 | Nest success in NE 4.1 per nest in nest boxes, 3 per nest in natural cavities *36* |
| 005 | Perch on snags to spot prey *30* |
| 007 | May breed year round, depending on food availability *19,27* |
| 017 | Incubation period 29-34 days *29* |
| 018 | Clutch size 3-11 eggs, generally 5-7 *19,27* |
Periodicity: active at night
Mortality rate specified in comments(031)
Other life history information specified in comments(099)
Origin in state: native
Seasonal distribution in state: all seasons
Foraging strategy: hawking
Foraging sites: ground
Foraging sites: snags
Foraging sites specified in comments(005)
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Nest/den site: cavity in live tree
Nest/den site: cavity in dead or dying tree
Nest/den site: secondary cavity (uses existing cavity)
Nest/den site: dirt bank
Nest/den site specified in comments(011)
Nest/den site: cave
Nest/den site: man-made structure
Nest materials: no nest structure
Gestation/incubation period specified in comments(017)
Clutch/litter size specified in comments(018)
Number of broods/litters per year specified in comments(019)
Development of young at birth/hatching: altricial
Parental care of young: both parents
| Code | Comment |
|---|---|
| 011 | Nest on flat platforms as well as mine shafts,ledges,and cliffs *19*. In NE, nested in holes in cut banks along canals, lakes, and roads, and in nest boxes *36*. |
| 019 | The number of clutches per year depends on the supply of food. If food is plentiful will produce young year round.*24,27*. |
| 031 | In utah, observed winter mortality due to starvation resulting from very cold weather and extensive deep (20-25 cm) snow cover *31* |
| 099 | Nest success in NE 4.1 per nest in nest boxes, 3 per nest in natural cavities *36* |
| 005 | Perch on snags to spot prey *30* |
| 007 | May breed year round, depending on food availability *19,27* |
| 017 | Incubation period 29-34 days *29* |
| 018 | Clutch size 3-11 eggs, generally 5-7 *19,27* |
References for life history: 019 , 020 , 021 , 022 , 027 , 030 , 031 , 036 , 002
Urban - develop/maintain artificial nesting sites
Urban - restrict human disturbance during migration, breeding, nesting, etc.
Urban - develop/maintain food plots in backyards, open areas, etc.
Urban - develop/maintain edge situations
Urban - maintain woodlots
Agricultural - seasonal restriction of human use of habitat
Agricultural - provide artificial nest sites
Agricultural - develop and maintain food plots
Agricultural - maintain riparian habitats
Agricultural - develop/maintain edge (ecotones)
Agricultural - maintain streamside vegetation
Agricultural - maintain habitat diversity
Agricultural - retention of crop residue over winter
Agricultural - no-till farming
Agricultural - maintain woodlots
Forest - provide artificial nesting sites
Forest - develop and maintain food plots
Forest - maintain early stage of ecological succession
Forest - maintain riparian habitats
Forest - develop/maintain edge (ecotones)
Forest - maintain streamside vegetation
Forest - maintain old growth forests
Forest - retain snags/cavity trees
Grassland - seasonal restriction of human use of habitats
Grassland - provide artificial nesting sites
Grassland - develop and maintain food plots
Grassland - maintain riparian habitats
Grassland - develop/maintain edge (ecotones)
Grassland - maintain stream banks
Grassland - maintain habitat diversity
Beneficial Management References: 028 , 002
Urban - application of pesticides
Urban - application of insecticides
Urban - control of animal species (pest/nuisance species)
Agricultural - application of pesticides
Agricultural - application of insecticides
Agricultural - control of undesirable vertebrate species (coyotes, gophers, etc.)
Agricultural - clean farming
Forest - application of pesticides
Forest - application of insecticides
Forest - control undesirable vertebrate species (coyotes, gophers, etc.)
Grassland - application of pesticides
Grassland - application of insecticides
Grassland - control of undesirable vertebrate species (coyotes, gophers)
Adverse Management References: 028
Comments on Management:
References for Management Comments:
| Reference Code | Citation |
|---|---|
| 001 | American Ornithologists Union. 1957. Checklist Of North American Birds, 5th Ed. Lord Baltimore Press. Baltimore, Md. 691 Pp. |
| 002 | Unpb Rathert,J.1981.Missouri Department Of Conservation.1110 S. College Ave. Columbia,Mo. 65201. (573-882-9880) |
| 003 | Kleen, V.M. 1976. The Changing Seasons - Middlewestern Prairie Region. Amer. Birds 30(1):77-82. |
| 004 | Kleen, V.M. 1976. The Changing Seasons - Middlewestern Prairie Region. Amer. Birds 30(5):961-965. |
| 005 | Heilbron, L.H. 1979.1978-1979 Christmas Bird Count. Amer. Birds 33(4):327-707. |
| 006 | Kleen, V.M. 1979. The Changing Seasons - Middlewestern Prairie Region. Amer. Birds 33(6):866-867. |
| 007 | Anderson, D. 1973. Winter Survey. Bluebird 40(2):7-8. |
| 008 | Comfort, J.R. 1975. Missouri Christmas Bird Count. Bluebird 42(1): 9-15. |
| 009 | Anderson, D. 1976. Spring Survey. Bluebird 43(1):17-22. |
| 010 | Robbins, M. 1977. Summer Survey.Bluebird 44(4):29-31. |
| 011 | Robbins, M. 1978. Spring Survey.Bluebird 45(3):14-20. |
| 012 | Birds Of Squaw Creek National Wildife Refuge. 1975. U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service. Rf-663560-2. |
| 013 | Missouri Department Of Conservation. 1979. Duck Creek Bird Checklist Mo Dept. Of Conserv. Jefferson City, Mo. |
| 014 | Birds Of The Bennett Spring State Park Area Field Checklist.Nature Interpretive Center Staff. |
| 015 | Welcome To Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge. U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge Pamphlet. |
| 016 | Rare And Endangered Species Checklist Of Missouri. 1997. MO Dept. Of Conservation. Natural Heritage Database. 33 Pp. |
| 017 | Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp. |
| 018 | Thom, R.H. and J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24. |
| 019 | Walker,L.W.1974.The Book Of Owls.Alfred A.Knopf Inc. New York 255 Pp |
| 020 | Cahn,A.R. and J.T.Kemp.1930.On The Food Of Certain Owls In East Central Illinois.Auk 47:323-328. |
| 021 | Eckert,A.W.1974.The Owls Of North America.Doubleday And Co.,Inc. Garden City,Ny. 278 Pp. |
| 022 | Parry, G. and R. Putnam. 1979. Birds Of Prey. Simon and Schuster. New York. 120 Pp. |
| 023 | Reese,J.G.1972.A Chesapeake Barn Owl Population.Auk 89:106-114. |
| 024 | Maestrelli,J.R.1973.Propagation Of Barn Owls In Captivity. Auk 90:426-428. |
| 025 | The Wildlife Code of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. 573-751-4115. |
| 026 | Easterla, D.A., M.B. Robbins and R.A. Anderson. 1992. Annotated Check-List Of Missouri Birds. The Audubon Society Of Missouri. |
| 027 | Harrison, H.H. 1975. A Field Guide To Birds Nests In The United States East Of The Mississippi River. Houghton - Mifflin Co., Boston 257 Pp. |
| 028 | Unpb Wilson, Jim D. Mo Dept. Conserv. P.O. Box 180. Jefferson City, Mo 65102. (573)751-4115. |
| 029 | Dunn, D.S., A.B. Warburton, And R.D.S. Wilson. 1982. The Barn Owl. Buteo Books. Vermillion Sd. |
| 030 | Missouri Dept. Of Conservation and U.S. Forest Service. 1985. Management Of Snags And Cavity Trees In Missouri. Mo Cons. Comm, Jefferson City, Mo. 21 Pp. |
| 031 | Marti, C.D. and P.H. Wagner. 1985. Winter Mortality In Common Barn Owls And Its Effect On Population Density And Reproduction. Condor 87:1 11-115.' |
| 032 | Knight, R.L. and R.E. Jackman. 1984. Food-Niche Relationships Between Great Horned Owls And Common Barn-Owls In Eastern Washington. Auk 101:175-179. |
| 033 | Unpb Missouri Department of Conservation Heritage Database. P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102. |
| 034 | Fritzell, E.K. and D.H. Thorne. 1984. Birds Predominate In The Winter Diet Of A Barn Owl. Wilson Bull. 96(2):321. |
| 035 | Unpb Wilson, J.D. and B. Jacobs. 1988. The Distribution And Breeding Status Of The Birds Of Missouri (Preliminary Report). Mo Dept. Of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102. |
| 036 | Gubanyi, J.A., R.M. Case and G. Wingfield. 1992. Diet And Nesting Success Of Barn Owls Breeding In Western Nebraska. Amer. Midl. Nat. 127:224-232. |
| 037 | Krogh, M., J. Ozier, and T. Litchfield. 1994. Diet Of The Common Barn-Owl In East-Central Georgia. Proc. Ann. Conf. Southeast Assoc. Fish Wildl. Agencies 48:295-301. |
| 038 | American Ornithologist's Union. 1989. Thirty-Seventh Supplement To The American Ornithologist's Union Check-List Of North American Birds. Auk 106:532-538. |
| 039 | Jacobs, B. and J.D. Wilson. 1997. Missouri Breeding Bird Atlas 1986-1992. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Natural History Series No. 6. Jefferson City, Mo. 430 Pp. |
| 040 | Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2021. Missouri species and communities of conservation concern checklist. Missouri Department of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. pp. 56. |
| 041 | Unpb Eberly, J. 1998 Collector's Permit Report. Missouri Dept. of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102. 573-751-4115. |
| 042 | Unpb Big Oak Tree State Park. Bird Checklists. 13640 South Hwy. 102, East Prairie, MO 63845, 573-649-3149. |