Barn Owl vs Tawny Owl: Key Differences Explained

At first glance, you might think the Tawny Owl and Barn Owl are similar, especially when they’re out hunting during twilight or the late hours of the night. Both are excellent hunters with sharp senses, but if you look closely, some key differences stand out.  

Keep reading to learn more.

Key Takeaways

• Barn Owls are known for their heart-shaped faces and the absence of ear tufts.
• Tawny Owls get an early start on nesting, typically laying their eggs from February onwards.
• When it comes to nesting, Barn Owls prefer quiet spots such as barns or tree hollows.
• A Tawny Owl’s call is quite special, often a duet between the male and female.

What Is The Difference Between A Barn Owl And A Tawny Owl?

Let’s take a look at how Barn Owls and Tawny Owls differ, from their appearance to their choice of habitat, and even the way they call out at night.

Visual Differences

You can easily spot the differences between Barn Owls and Tawny Owls by their visual traits. Barn Owls are known for their heart-shaped face, which gives them an almost otherworldly appearance. They’re medium-sized owls, with golden-buff feathers on their upperparts and a strikingly white underside. Their large, dark eyes and smooth heads, without any ear tufts, contribute to their ghostly look.

Tawny Owls, which are similar in size to Woodpigeons, have a rounder head and body. One feature that stands out is the ring of dark feathers encircling their deep eyes. They’re mostly seen throughout England, Wales, and Scotland, with their reddish-brown upper feathers and lighter underside making them easy to recognise. These traits make them easy to spot and highlight their unique appearance.

Differences In Habitat

Though both Tawny Owls and Barn Owls have their own preferred habitats, these choices align with their hunting methods and physical traits. Tawny Owls are more often seen in dense woodland, whether that be deciduous or coniferous forests. They usually find nesting spots in tree cavities or sometimes take over abandoned nests from other birds. Forests with plenty of perches suit their ambush hunting style, and this woodland habitat also brings them closer to human habitats.

Rather than dense forests, Barn Owls prefer wide, open spaces like farmland and grasslands, which help them hunt more easily on the ground. For nesting, they often choose quiet, secluded spots like barns or tree hollows. These peaceful places give them the perfect base for their hunting flights, which usually take place at dawn and dusk.

Nests & Eggs

Barn Owls and Tawny Owls each have their own approach when it comes to nesting and laying eggs. Barn Owls often choose barns, old buildings, or natural hollows in trees, and they don’t use much in the way of nest lining. They usually begin laying eggs from March up until August, with April being a common start date.

Their eggs are white and a bit more stretched in shape compared to other owls, and they usually lay four to six at a time. With an incubation period of 29 to 34 days, these eggs take their time hatching compared to other owls. This extended period helps ensure the young are better prepared for life in open spaces where the weather and environment can be a bit unpredictable.

Rather than building a new nest, Tawny Owls usually settle into natural tree holes or sometimes take over abandoned nests from other birds.They start laying their eggs a bit earlier in the season, typically around February and late March. 

Their eggs are white and almost round, much like other owls, though they generally lay smaller clutches of only two or three eggs. The incubation period for their eggs is shorter, typically lasting between 28 and 30 days. The more secure, sheltered environment of forested areas makes this quicker process ideal. 

Bird Calls

The way Tawny Owls and Barn Owls communicate mirrors their specific needs and behaviours. For example, the Tawny Owl’s famous “too-wit too-woo” call isn’t just a simple sound; it’s a duet, with the female calling “kee-vik” and the male answering with “who-ooooo.” This duet helps the pair stay in touch and lets other owls know that the territory is already taken.

Meanwhile, Barn Owls don’t worry about fancy calls. Instead, they make a high-pitched screech, often during their quiet flights. This sound is more functional than melodic, helping them communicate in the dark, especially when hunting or marking their territory during breeding.

Size & Weight

A Tawny Owl tends to be heavier, with weights ranging between 330 and 590 grams, which is influenced by gender and local climate. They measure about 37 to 39 centimetres long, with a wingspan from 94 to 104 centimetres. This heavier build gives them the strength and agility needed to hunt in dense woods, often swooping down from a perch onto their prey.

Barn Owls, on the other hand, are lighter, weighing between 250 and 350 grams. They’re slightly shorter at 32 to 40 centimetres in length, and their wingspan ranges from 79 to 96 centimetres. Their lighter build is ideal for gliding silently across open fields, allowing them to hunt efficiently with stealth.

SEE ALSO: Barn Owl Life Cycle: Nest Building To Fledging (and everything in between)

Frequently Asked Questions