What Can We Do To Save Barn Owls?

Eagle-Owl are noted predators of Barn Owls, though there is little evidence for predation on other wild birds by Great Horned Owls. An exception to that observation occurs when there is competition for nesting sites. When disturbed at its roosting site, an angry Barn Owl will lowers its head and sway it from side to side. The head may also be lowered and stretched forward and the wings drooped while the bird emits hisses and makes snapping noises with its beak. A defensive posture involves lying flat on the ground or crouching with wings spread out. Barn Owls are also hosts to a wide range of parasites. Fleas are present at nesting sites and, externally, the birds are attacked by feather lice and feather mites which chew the barbules of the feathers and are transferred from bird to bird by direct contact. Blood-sucking flies such as Ornithomyia avicularia are often present, moving about the owls’ plumage. Internal parasites include the fluke Strigea strigis, the tape worm Paruternia candelabraria, several species of parasitic round worm and spiny-headed worms in the genus Centrorhynchus. While predators come from the surrounding environment of the Barn Owl, there are human-caused threats as well. These include land development that encroaches on natural hunting grounds and insecticides that diminish populations. The lack of knowledge about Barn Owls and the value they bring to farming and ranching communities can potentially hurt Barn Owl populations.

What Can We Do To Save Owls?

Saving owls is very simple. The most important step to saving owls is to respect their natural environment by avoiding their nests during reproductive seasons. Through Kidwings’ HOOT Project, we can make a significant difference in the lives of owls with thoughtful conservation that not only helps the owl, but helps farmers who are plagued by pests!