Habitat/Human Conflict Lab: Barn Owls

Habitat/Human Conflict Lab: Barn Owls

Rachel Boyce, Marc Ellsworth, Sean McGee
ENVL 4300-001
Stockton University
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Introduction
Barn Owls, or ​Tyto alba,​ are ​an important species and a crucial part of their habitat. ​Barn Owls
assist in protecting various types of farms and livestock from rodents such as rats, voles, pocket gophers,
and mice (Crops and Barn Owls). Barn Owls also are utilized in non-agricultural environments as well
when it comes to pest control.​ “Many property owners, annoyed by rodent pests, or merely interested in
having these interesting owls around, have been installing owl houses around their properties
(Browning).”​ Barn Owls also serve as a novelty to bird watchers and naturalists alike who enjoy having
the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the elusive avian (Freedman).

Research
“Loss of habitat is the primary factor in the decline of raptor populations throughout the world
(Benjamin, 2007).” ​The loss of Barn Owl habitats across the United States can mostly be attributed to
human activities such as ​agriculture, logging, urbanization, recreation, and more (Benjamin, 2007). The
Barn Owl’s primary hunting ground is composed of tall grass, which has greatly declined due to the rapid
spread of agriculture. “In the United States, "98% of the tall-grass prairies have been plowed…
(Benjamin, 2007)”. Barn Owls preferred home of choice is hollowed out trees, which are also on the
decline due to the spread of logging (Benjamin, 2007). A study has found that “30% of the sites used by
barn owls in the early 1990s have been lost” (Hindmarch et al., 2012). Barn Owls can in fact, and
historically have lived in barns along with other man-made structures.
Currently, Barn Owl’s status as a species is of Least Concern (LC) according to the IUCN Red
List of Threatened Species, an international organization. However, this accounts only for the global
population of Barn Owls. In New Jersey, Barn Owls are considered to be of Special Concern (SC) (​New
Jersey Endangered and Threatened Species Field Guide). According to the Pine Barrens Birds List from
the Pinelands Alliance, the precise population of Barn Owls in the Pine Barrens is very difficult to
pinpoint, due to their reclusive nature (Birds).
The Barn Owl is a carnivorous predator at the top of its food chain, with a diet mainly consisting
of whatever prey is available to them in the region that they hunt in. ​Rodents like mice and rats, rabbits,
small birds, and an array of different insects are a source of food for the Barn Owl (Barn Owl). The Barn
Owl, being a nocturnal hunter in addition to being a reclusive animal makes it so that they tend not to
have much competition or many ‘enemies’ in general. Barn Owl’s tend to coexist peacefully with their
avian neighbors as long as they stay clear of one another. However, in some cases Barn Owls are preyed
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upon by other nocturnal hunters such as possums and raccoons. Smaller Barn Owls can be preyed upon
by hawks, eagles, snakes, Great Horned Owls and even humans who hunt them for sport (Barn Owl). The
Barn Owl is considered to be the most widely spread species of any landbird on Earth, with a range
consisting of the Americas, Europe, India, Southeast Asia, Australia, Africa apart from the Sahara, along
with many islands in the Pacific (Barn Owl Sightings Map). Because of their wide range proper nest box
construction is imperative, as “The way nest boxes are designed, positioned, monitored and maintained
may influence a cocktail of abiotic and biotic factors in the nest box chamber at the timing of roosting or
breeding” (​Lambrechts et al., 2012).
For the construction of an indoor Barn Owl nest-box something as simple as plywood is a good
material. The placement is recommended to be at least 4 meters (13ft) above the ground, in the shade, and
facing either east or north (Charter et al, 2010). Outdoor nesting boxes can be made from pressure treated
plywood, as this will help the wood from being damaged from weathering. The Barn Owl is a nearly
cosmopolitan species which uses diverse nest sites, including man-made ones (Marti et al., 1979). The
nest-boxes should be at least 100 feet away from any source of water, mostly for the safety of the baby
owls due to the chance of them drowning.

Figure 1. Barn Owl Outside Nest-box design (2015). (Barn Owl Trust)

This first example of a nest-box is a good design for outdoor use. When waterproofing it is
suggested that you cover the top with a heavy duty roofing felt to ensure that the wood will stay dry. This
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allows room for the Barn Owl to roost, and for the baby owls to be safe with less risk of falling out.

Figure 2. Barn Owl Inside Nest-box design (2015). (Barn Owl Trust)

The second design is perfect for inside use, it is very similar to the outside design and only has a
few differences. The main changes are that it is shaped more like a box as opposed to a slanted ‘house
like’ shape, this is simply because due to it being inside with less concern for weathering deterioration. If
you know there is an owl in your nesting box, the best time to monitor it would be during the warmer
months around dusk as the Barn Owl is mostly nocturnal. The best way to safely observe a nest-box is to
remain 150 feet away and hide yourself near a bush or tree so that the owl can not see you.

Conclusion
Barn Owls today can be found roosting in a variety of locations that include all types of
nest-boxes, isolated trees, old barns, and hollow trees ​(The Barn Owl Trust)​. The current campus based
location has no signs of use by native or non-native species, damage, or regular wear and tear that would
prevent it from being used. While there is no guard against invasive species, as this is a small to medium
sized bird, there isn’t much that could be done without blocking the Barn Owl itself from entering. This
location is suitable for a Barn Owl habitat as it is hanging from an Oak tree, is approximately 3-4 meters
off of the ground, and near ​rough grassland, as this type of area is​ “...likely to support greater numbers of
small mammals... providing more food for adults and nestlings.” (Leech et al., 2009). ​Unfortunately
however, it is very close to an intersection of two roads and “...barn owls are heavily affected by traffic
with high rates of road mortality.”​ (Grilo et al., 2012). Two other locations were found nearby that also
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have the potential to support a Barn Owl

nest-box. One location is on Stockton
University’s campus near the Harold E.
Taylor Observatory, with the other being on
private property just off campus. Both
locations have high grasses, low hanging
branches, and relative seclusion from humans.
The private property location has a greater
amount of tall grass along with more privacy,
however permission would need to be granted
by the owner before placing an owl box on
their property.

Figure 3. Map of Barn Owl Habitat Locations

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References
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Barn Owl Overview, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (n.d.). Retrieved from
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Barn Owl Sightings Map, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barn_Owl/maps-sightings
The Barn Owl Trust. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.barnowltrust.org.uk/
Benjamin, J. (2007, November 7). Human Impacts on Owls Within the United States. Retrieved from
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Birds. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.pinelandsalliance.org/ecology/wildlife/birds/
Browning, M. (January 28, 2014) The Economic Value of Barn Owls. Retrieved from
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Charter, M., Meyrom, K., Leshem, Y., Aviel, S., Izhaki, I., & Motro, Y. (2010). Does nest box location
and orientation affect occupation rate and breeding success of barn owls tyto alba in a semi-arid
environment?​ Acta Ornithologica, 45​(1), 115-119. doi:10.3161/000164510X516164
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(2012). Nest box design for the study of diurnal raptors and owls is still an overlooked point in
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Marti, C., Wagner, P., & Denne, K. (1979). Nest Boxes for the Management of Barn Owls. ​Wildlife
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New Jersey Endangered and Threatened Species Field Guide. (2018). Retrieved from
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