Barn Owl

Question 1

What is the most distinctive physical characteristic of a Barn Owl?

Accepted Answer

Its heart-shaped facial disc.

Answer

Its unusually long legs.

Answer

Its bright blue eyes.

Answer

Its feathery ear tufts.

Question 2

Barn Owls are known for their silent flight. How do they achieve this?

Accepted Answer

Their flight feathers have soft, comb-like edges that break up air turbulence.

Answer

They flap their wings very slowly.

Answer

Their feathers are coated in a special silent oil.

Answer

They only fly when it's very windy.

Question 3

What is the primary diet of a Barn Owl?

Accepted Answer

Small rodents like voles and mice.

Answer

Insects and large beetles.

Answer

Berries and seeds.

Answer

Fish from nearby streams.

Question 4

Where are Barn Owls typically found nesting?

Accepted Answer

In hollow trees, old buildings, and specially designed nest boxes.

Answer

In dense, thorny bushes.

Answer

Underneath large rock overhangs.

Answer

At the bottom of deep riverbanks.

Question 5

Barn Owls have excellent hearing, which is crucial for hunting in low light. How is their hearing enhanced?

Accepted Answer

Their facial disc acts like a satellite dish, directing sound to their asymmetrical ear openings.

Answer

They have very large, external ear flaps like a fox.

Answer

They can hear sounds far beyond the human range, including ultrasound.

Answer

They tilt their heads to triangulate sounds with their eyes.

Question 6

What is the typical lifespan of a Barn Owl in the wild?

Accepted Answer

Around 3-5 years, though some can live longer.

Answer

Less than a year.

Answer

About 15-20 years.

Answer

As long as a Galapagos tortoise.

Question 7

Unlike many other owls, Barn Owls do not hoot. What sound do they commonly make?

Accepted Answer

A harsh, raspy screech.

Answer

A soft, melodic whistle.

Answer

A deep, rumbling growl.

Answer

A series of rapid clicks.

Question 8

Barn Owls are found on every continent except which one?

Accepted Answer

Antarctica.

Answer

North America.

Answer

Africa.

Answer

Australia.

Question 9

The pellets that Barn Owls regurgitate are composed of indigestible materials. What do these pellets primarily consist of?

Accepted Answer

Bones, fur, and feathers of their prey.

Answer

Undigested seeds and plant matter.

Answer

Small pebbles and sand.

Answer

Chitinous exoskeletons of insects.

Question 10

What is the scientific name for the Barn Owl?

Accepted Answer

Tyto alba.

Answer

Bubo scandiacus.

Answer

Strix varia.

Answer

Athene noctua.