Sooty
Black Barn Owl
Sooty
Sooty is a most unusual version of the White-Breasted Barn Owl which is resident throughout the world. This black “morph” is found only in Central and Eastern Europe.
He has a black to the grey body and a russet face. Surprisingly our Ashy Faced Owl, Luis, who is only found on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean and is a unique species is an exact mirror image.
The Ashy Faced Owl has a russet body and a grey face. How extraordinary!
Common Name: Black Barn Owl
Latin Name: Tyto alba guttata
Conservation Status: This nominate of the Barn Owl, the Black morph, is found only in Central and Eastern Europe. It’s status in the wild is uncertain.
Wingspan: 850-930mm
Weight: 240-390g
Lifespan: 4-15 yrs in the wild, upto 20 yrs in captivity
Diet: Rodents and other small mammals – predominantly voles, mice and shrews
Average Litter Size: 4-7 eggs.
Habitat: The greatest concentrations are found in low-lying arable areas near coasts where prey is abundant. The Barn Owl nests in hollow trees, buildings and crevices in rocks.
Found only in Central and Eastern Europe.