Barn owls are known for their distinct heart-shaped white faces and light brown bodies. However, while most barn owls conform to this standard coloration, there is some variation in plumage across different barn owl subspecies.
Barn Owl Coloration
The typical barn owl has primarily buff or pale brown upperparts and wings, with small black and white speckles and bars. The underparts are a lighter cream or off-white with fine dark streaks. The heart-shaped facial disk is white, and the beak is pale horn. The eyes are black.
This coloration provides excellent camouflage when the owl is roosting in open barns or nesting cavities. The mottled patterns blend in against weathered wood, and the light underside makes the owl difficult to spot when viewed from below against a bright sky.
Variations in Barn Owl Plumage
While most barn owls share this standard color palette, there are some regional and individual variations:
- The European or common barn owl (Tyto alba alba) tends to be a richer, darker brown above compared to the very pale North American barn owl (Tyto alba pratincola).
- The barn owls of Asia and the Middle East (Tyto alba stertens and Tyto alba erlangeri) have more heavily marked brown upperparts.
- Tropical barn owl subspecies like Tyto alba detorta and Tyto alba sumbaensis are generally darker reddish-brown.
- There are melanistic (dark) forms of barn owls recorded occasionally. These are very dark brown or blackish overall.
- Leucistic or “white” barn owls with reduced brown pigment also occur.
- Albino barn owls with no melanin are extremely rare but have been documented.
While base color can vary subtly across subspecies, individual barn owls can also show more pronounced differences. The amount of spotting and barring on the back and wings may be heavier or lighter. Some birds appear almost plain sandy brown above. The facial disk can range from nearly pure white to quite darkly speckled in some owls.
What Causes Color Variation in Barn Owls?
The different plumage shades observed in barn owl subspecies and individual birds stem from various factors:
- Genetics: The base color mutation rate in the Tyto alba species leads to some palette variability over time and space as birds breed and spread to new areas.
- Environment: Climate and habitat influence feather coloration over generations, as natural selection favors plumage that provides the best camouflage.
- Diet: Dietary intake of carotenoids and vitamins may impact plumage shade and spotting.
- Melanin levels: The amount of melanin pigment deposited in feathers during growth affects darkness of plumage.
- Leucism: Partial loss of pigment due to genetic mutation produces pale or white barn owls.
- Albinism: Total lack of melanin results in albino owls (extremely rare).
The interplay between these factors means barn owls can display a range of hues while staying within the basic mottled brown and white theme that provides effective camouflage in their preferred habitat of open barns, cliffs, and tree cavities.
Sexual Dimorphism in Barn Owl Coloration
Coloration in barn owls is not strongly linked to sex. Both males and females demonstrate the same variation in plumage patterns and can range from pale to dark. Females may average slightly more spotting, but the differences are not pronounced.
However, female barn owls are sometimes slightly larger than males, so this greater overall size could impact the visual impression of how pale or dark an individual appears in comparison.
Do Barn Owl Chicks Have Different Coloring?
Yes, baby barn owls have distinctly different plumage from the adults for the first few months of life. Hatchlings have pure white down feathers initially. As juvenile feathers grow in, the wings and back become covered in long, soft gray feathers. The chin and breast remain white. The heart-shaped facial disk is also gray rather than white.
This unique dove-gray and white phase makes barn owl chicks easy to identify when viewed in the nest. It likely serves as camouflage to blend in with the varied colors of the nest cavity environment. Around 3 months of age, barn owls molt into their adult-type plumage.
Do Barn Owls Change Color as They Age?
The change from juvenile to adult plumage around 3 months represents the most dramatic shift in barn owl coloring. However, their plumage continues to evolve somewhat as they age:
- The facial disk can gain more dark flecks over time.
- Upperparts may become paler or darker with successive molts.
- Breast feathers can show increasing spotting in older birds.
These gradual changes are quite subtle though. The most noticeable difference remains between very young owlets and mature adults.
How Does Barn Owl Coloration Compare to Other Owls?
While variable to some degree, barn owl coloration is fairly distinct from most other owl species:
Owl Species | Plumage Colors |
---|---|
Barn Owl | Buff, brown, tan upperparts with white heart-shaped face |
Great Horned Owl | Gray-brown upperparts, white throat with black streaks |
Barred Owl | Gray-brown upperparts with white spots; dark eyes |
Eastern Screech Owl | Red/brown or gray morphs; yellow eyes |
Snowy Owl | White with black spots; yellow eyes |
Great Gray Owl | Gray and brown streaked plumage; yellow eyes with black rings |
The barn owl’s uniformly light-colored facial disk, dark eyes, and buff-colored back and wings distinguish it from many other owl species. The long heart shape of the disk is also unique to barn owls.
Do Male and Female Barn Owls Have Different Colored Eyes?
No, there is no difference in eye color between male and female barn owls. Both sexes have very dark brown or black eyes, which provide excellent visual acuity in low light conditions. The dark color likely evolved to absorb more light and prevent glare while hunting at night.
How Does Barn Owl Coloration Help Them Survive?
A barn owl’s plumage provides great camouflage and stealth for hunting prey at night. Here’s how the coloration aids survival:
- Mottled brown upperparts blend in against weathered wood and tree bark where owls roost.
- Light underside makes them hard to see against the sky when viewed from below.
- Heart-shaped white face disguises the owl’s form and draws prey’s gaze from the eyes.
- Dark eyes prevent reflection of light and keep the owl concealed.
- Light, buff feathers allow silent flight when hunting.
Barn owls can utilize their expert camouflage to remain undetected both when resting and ambushing prey. The plumage works together with their nocturnal behavior to make them formidable hunters.
Conclusion
While most share the iconic white, heart-shaped face and tawny feathering, barn owls do come in a range of hues from pale to dark brown. Variation stems from regional evolution, individual genetics, diet, and developmental changes. Their coloration provides camouflage against natural roosting and nesting sites, aiding their survival. Compared to other owls, the barn owl has a unique look that serves its niche as a nocturnal hunter.