Barn owls are one of the most widespread owl species, found on every continent except Antarctica. But are they found in the state of Utah? The answer is yes, barn owls can be found across Utah, although their numbers have declined in recent decades.
Barn owls (Tyto alba) are medium-sized owls with long legs, a medium-length tail, and a heart-shaped facial disk. They get their name from their habit of nesting in barns, abandoned buildings, and other structures. Barn owls have pale plumage, usually some variation of buff, tawny, or gray. Their underparts are a lighter color with dark speckles. They have dark eyes and a distinctive heart-shaped face.
Barn Owl Range and Habitat
Barn owls have an enormous global range. They are found throughout most of North and South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Within the United States, barn owls can be found across the Lower 48. Their range spans the country from the East Coast to the West Coast, and from the Canadian to Mexican borders.
Utah lies well within the barn owl’s continental range. The climate and habitats found in Utah are suitable for supporting barn owl populations. Barn owls occupy a wide variety of habitats, as long as there are structures for nesting and adequate prey sources.
Some key facts about barn owl habitat and range:
- Found on every continent except Antarctica
- Range across the entire continental United States
- Occur through all areas of Utah
- Most abundant in grasslands, agricultural areas, and open woodlands
- Nest in cavities in trees, cliffs, and man-made structures like barns
Although barn owls live throughout Utah, their populations are not evenly distributed. Highest densities occur near agricultural areas in valleys and grasslands where prey like small rodents are abundant.
Evidence of Barn Owls in Utah
Multiple sources confirm that barn owls reside and breed in Utah. Direct evidence includes:
- Bird survey data that has recorded barn owls observations in all Utah counties
- Reports of barn owls nesting in man-made structures and cliff cavities
- Rehabilitation of injured wild barn owls by wildlife centers
- Photographs of barn owls in the wild
- Roadkill barn owl carcasses
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources includes the barn owl on their list of common owl species found across the state. Areas managed for wildlife also report regular barn owl sightings. For example, staff at Antelope Island State Park note that barn owls are year-round residents of that protected area in the Great Salt Lake.
Bird Surveys
Data from bird surveys and checklists has documented barn owl observations in every Utah county. The popular citizen science website eBird shows hundreds of barn owl sightings submitted by birders across Utah. These sightings come from rural areas and suburbs, confirming widespread presence.
Other resources like the Utah Breeding Bird Atlas coordinated extensive statewide surveys from 2002-2013. Over 400 volunteers contributed data on bird distributions. The resulting species maps show barn owl observations dotting all 29 Utah counties.
Nesting & Roost Sites
One sign of an established barn owl population is the presence of nests and roost sites. Although elusive, barn owls routinely nest in barns, abandoned buildings, silos, and other structures in rural Utah. Nest boxes put up specifically for barn owls are also readily used.
Barn owls nesting on public lands utilize caves and crevices in cliff faces. Biologists have documented groups of barn owls living in canyon alcoves in Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Roost sites with white wash and pellets underneath also confirm barn owl occupation.
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Various wildlife rehabilitation centers have taken in injured barn owls rescued across Utah. The nonprofit group Raptors of the Rockies reported receiving over a dozen wild barn owls from Utah between 2017-2020. Common injuries were vehicle collisions or nestlings falling from a cavity. This shows that local rehabbers are regularly handling Utah’s wild barn owl population.
Photographs
Many photographs of barn owls in the wild have been taken in Utah and published. From owls at nest sites to birds out hunting, these images offer definitive proof that barn owls live and breed in the state. Some particularly fine photographs have been shared in Utah birding groups and online galleries.
Roadkill
Unfortunately, many barn owls are killed on Utah’s roads each year. Their low-flying hunting behavior makes them susceptible to being hit by vehicles. Biologists and cleanup crews report periodically encountering barn owl fatalities on highways. Areas with higher incidents of barn owl strikes indicate a robust local population.
Barn Owl Population Declines
Although barn owls have a statewide presence, their numbers have likely declined in Utah over the past century. Habitat loss, fewer nest sites, and vehicle mortality may have reduced populations.
Surveys of historic vs. current barn owl populations are limited. But nationwide declines have been detected, suggesting similar trends in Utah. Contributing factors likely include:
- Reduced nesting sites in old barns and trees
- Increasing urbanization and agricultural changes
- Climate change impacts on prey populations
- Vehicle collisions
- Pesticide poisoning
Conservation groups recommend installing nest boxes and managing rodent populations to help support Utah’s remaining barn owls. Additional research into population counts and trends would also be beneficial.
Best Places to Spot Barn Owls in Utah
Although elusive, interested birders have the best chance of spying barn owls in areas with suitable habitat and prey. Some top sites include:
Antelope Island State Park
This large island preserve in the Great Salt Lake is a stronghold for breeding barn owls. They nest in old ranch buildings and owl boxes. Drive slowly along the causeway at dusk to potentially see them hunting.
Willard Bay State Park
The cottonwoods, wetlands, and agriculture around Willard Bay provide ideal barn owl habitat. Listen for their eerie screeches at night near the marshy areas.
Jordanelle State Park
Jordanelle’s grasslands and sagebrush hills host a thriving barn owl population. Check cliffs along the shoreline for potential roost sites.
Amasa Back Trailhead
This trailhead near Moab enters prime canyon country. Watch for barn owls emerging at dusk to hunt the canyon rims.
Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area
With ample small rodents, this wetland area adjacent to the Great Salt Lake is a hotspot for hunting barn owls.
Identification Tips
Spotting a barn owl takes patience and an eye for camouflage. Here are some tips for identification:
- Distinctive heart-shaped white face
- Buff or gray plumage with darker speckles
- Long wings and legs
- No ear tufts
- Often active at dawn and dusk
- Fluttery moth-like flight
- Shrieking or rasping vocalizations
When hunting, barn owls fly slowly low over grass. Their light coloration blends into vegetation. Listen for rustling wings or screams when they make a strike.
Barn owls perch and nest in cavities, so look for them peering out from openings on cliffs or buildings. If you find white wash and pellets below a crevice, it’s evidence of regular owl occupation.
Tips for Attracting Barn Owls
To increase chances of barn owls using your property, try these tips:
- Put up an owl nesting box on a pole or building 15-30 feet high
- Leave dead trees standing for potential nest cavities
- Allow access to barns, sheds and other outbuildings
- Reduce pesticide use so prey thrive
- Leave patches of tall grass for rodents to live in
- Place perches like fence posts near open hunting areas
Having a consistent nearby food source is key to keeping barn owls around. Maintaining vole, mouse, and rat populations ensures the owls can find sufficient prey.
Fun Facts
- Barn owls can swallow mice whole thanks to their flexible necks and jaws
- They nest in cavities like hollow trees, caves, and nest boxes provided for them
- Barn owls are one of the most widespread land birds
- They have specialized facial discs for locating prey by sound
- Barn owls produce a scary shriek that sounds like human screaming
- They often reuse nest sites year after year
- Barn owls are not very territorial and may hunt together in good habitat
- They help control rodent pests on farms and ranches
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are barn owls most commonly found in Utah?
Barn owls occur statewide, but are most abundant in lower elevation areas with agriculture and grasslands that provide food and nesting habitat. The highest densities are found along the Wasatch Front, in the Utah Valley, and in southeastern counties like Carbon, Emery and Grand.
What do barn owls eat?
Small rodents like mice, voles, rats, and gophers make up the majority of a barn owl’s diet. They also prey on shrews, bats, and larger insects. Barn owls hunt by flying low over fields and listening for prey rustling in vegetation.
How can I attract barn owls to my property?
Providing nest boxes 15-30 feet off the ground will give barn owls secure cavity sites to raise young. Leaving dead trees, allowing old sheds and barns to stand, and placing perches around hunting areas can also entice owls to visit and potentially stay to breed. Having good small mammal habitat with tall grasses and weed patches provides prey.
What should I do if I find an injured barn owl?
Contact a wildlife rehabilitation center promptly if you find a hurt barn owl. Licensed rehabilitators have the necessary permits and expertise to care for injured raptors. Handle injured owls minimally while wearing thick gloves to protect from talons. Provide the owl a quiet cardboard box as a temporary transport carrier.
Where did barn owls originate from?
The evolutionary origins of barn owls are still debated. They may have diverged from other owls very early on and spread around the world. The fossil record shows barn owl remains in North America, Europe, and Australia from over 1 million years ago. Their worldwide distribution suggests they developed early as a distinct owl lineage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, barn owls are year-round residents that breed and hunt throughout Utah. They can be found in rural areas, suburbs, canyons, and nature preserves if habitat meets their needs for nesting and feeding. Although populations have declined from historic numbers, barn owls still occupy an ecological niche across the state. Knowledgeable birders stand a good chance of spotting Utah’s spectral white owls in the right locations at dawn and dusk. Protecting habitat and providing nest boxes can help support local barn owl survival. Their spooky shrieks and efficient rodent-hunting make barn owls a unique component of Utah’s avian diversity.
