Wild Facts

It is the end of another work week and I hope everyone is ready to have a great weekend.  Now, before you get all excited and start planning your weekend, I want you to take two seconds and continue reading today’s Wild Fact.

I have been wanting to write about the owl since I started this online project so today’s fact will be about owls.  More specifically, I want to talk to you about the barn owl. I chose the barn owl since it is the most widespread owl species and thus very common so you might be familiar with it.  The first thing you notice about the owl is the unique parabolic shape of its face.  At first you might think that the large satellite dish shape around the eyes must help the owl see its surroundings.  The truth of the matter is that these parabolic shapes actually draws sound into the ears of the owl.  Yes, folks the heart shaped face of the barn owl actually helps their hearing. Similarly, their ears are placed asymmetrically in order to improve their detection of sounds and to judge the distance of its prey.

Barn owls are nocturnal and usually hunt during dusk and dawn.  Although, owls may have good eyesight, the barn owl does not need to see in order to catch its prey.  Believe it or not the barn owl can locate, dive down and capture a rodent through the snow, grass or bush just by using its hearing. It might seem almost impossible but it is true!  You know I wouldn’t lie to you!

Barn Owl Fast Fact – The barn owl has a higher metabolism then other owls.  For this reason it consumes a lot more food then other owls.  Pound for pound, the barn owl consumes more rodents than any other animal.

Thanks for sticking with Wild Facts while I was gone all week.  I hope everyone has a great weekend!