Saturday, April 19, 2008

How they grow…American Barn Owls

Family Tytonidae, Tyto alba

The barn owl is known by many nicknames, including sweetheart owl, ghost owl, and monkey-faced owl. They stand 16 inches tall and have a wingspan of 2.5 feet.

Owls are silent flyers because they have fringes on the front edge of their wings which quiet the passing air. Barn owls do not build a nest; instead they will nest in cavities or barns. The American Barn Owl is endangered in 7 midwestern states.

True, barn owls have their awkward phases, but the end result is dazzling! These pictures chart barn owlets from 14 to 63 days. They were taken by our photographer, Gay Schroer.

14 days


21 days


29 days


33 days


42 days


63 days

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