ML644998965

Observation details

Barn Owl (Tyto javanica) The bird in the image is a Barn Owl (Tyto javanica), a graceful and nocturnal hunter easily recognized by its distinctive features. It has a heart-shaped white face with large, dark eyes that give it a ghostly yet captivating appearance. Its upper parts are golden-buff and grey, sprinkled with fine white spots, while the underparts are pale white to buff, often marked with small dark speckles. Barn Owls are commonly found roosting or nesting in old buildings, barns, and ledges, much like the one shown in the image. They are silent fliers, thanks to their specially adapted feathers, and their eerie, screeching call is often heard at night in rural and semi-urban areas. This species is one of the most widespread owls in the world, occurring on every continent except Antarctica. In India, including regions like Dehradun and the Doon Valley, Barn Owls play a crucial ecological role by controlling rodent populations, making them a silent but vital part of the nocturnal ecosystem.