Barn Owl

The state endangered Barn Owl, known for its white heart-shaped face and screaming call, is a savanna species that nests and roosts in dark, secluded places. 

Nesting & Family

Although more common in the southern two-thirds of the state, this species can be found in any of Iowa’s counties. Historically, it nested in tree cavities, favoring silver maple, American sycamore, and white oak. Today, barn owls are often found roosting and nesting in old barns or abandoned buildings and structures. Barn owls hunt in grassland habitats along field edges, fence-rows, and wetland edges where their food, primarily voles and mice, is most available. They act as a natural control for many pest species.

Except in the northernmost areas, barn owls have 2 broods each year, usually in spring and late summer. 4-7 eggs hatch after several weeks. Both parents brood and feed the young. Young mature in 10-12 weeks.

Habitat & Diet

Barn owls face a number of threats. One of those is the loss of foraging habitat. The barn owl's primary prey are voles and to a lesser extent mice. Shifts from cover crops such as oats and hay to row crops like corn and soybeans removes food and shelter for mice and voles, reducing owl prey. 

Development of land, removal of hedgerows, and draining of wetlands has destroyed much of the barn owl habitat in Iowa. Loss of nesting habitat is also an increasing threat. It is common to remove large dead trees that provide good nest cavity sites and many landowners have replaced wooden barns and corncribs, where barn owls once nested, with modern metal farm buildings. 

Great horned owls often use similar habitats as barn owl and often prey on barn owls and their young. Since their diet is almost exclusively rodents, rodenticide use can cause poisoning of barn owls.

Supporting the Barn Owl

To attract barn owls to your property, establish grassland habitat to attract prey. 

• Providing about 200 acres of quality grassland adjacent to a potential barn owl nest site can yield good results. 
• Maintain old farmsteads with wooden barns, woodlots, and adjoining grasslands, especially if barn owls are known to frequent the area. 
• Nest boxes can be used in place of cavity trees or abandoned buildings. 
• Placing predator-proof barn owl nest boxes in abandoned buildings can be especially effective. 
• Minimize rodenticide use in areas known to have barn owl populations. 

Learn more about how to build a barn owl box and learn about the species.