American Barn Owl
Tyto furcata
Bird · State-listed as endangered or rare in Iowa due to the loss of suitable nesting sites, modern agricultural practices, and severe winters.
Summary
The American Barn Owl is a nocturnal raptor easily recognized by its distinctive heart-shaped white face and golden-brown plumage. In Iowa, these birds play a vital role in controlling rodent populations around agricultural areas. They are secretive creatures that prefer to nest in dark, secluded cavities such as old barns, silos, and hollow trees.
Identification tips
Medium-sized owl with a whitish, heart-shaped facial disc, dark eyes, and no ear tufts. Upperparts are a mottled mix of golden-buff and gray, while the underparts range from pure white to lightly speckled. Long legs and silent, moth-like flight.
Habitat
Open country, agricultural fields, grasslands, and marshes where they hunt for small mammals. They frequently roost and nest in abandoned or rarely used farm buildings, church steeples, and large hollow trees.
Similar species
Short-eared Owl and Long-eared Owl, though both have prominent ear tufts and lack the stark white, heart-shaped facial disc of the Barn Owl.
Sources
Sightings on Iowa Wildlife
No sightings have been linked to this species yet.
Species text is a short compilation for this site, not an official DNR page.