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Wildlife at Zoo Montana, showcasing native animals and family-friendly exhibits in Billings, Montana.Visitors observing animals at Zoo Montana's outdoor wildlife exhibit.
Barn owl at Zoo Montana in Billings, Montana, showcasing native wildlife.

Barn Owl

Tyto alba
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Barn owls are commonly found throughout the United States, Mexico, and parts of South America. Members of the species are known to reside in barns or abandoned structures, thus the name “barn” owl.

They have a flat face due to their facial disk, like other owls, but a barn owl’s feather pattern and coloration make for their striking appearance — reminiscent of a cut-in-half apple. Their chests are cream-colored or light brown with dark speckles, and their wings and dorsal feathers feature a darker brown pattern.

A barn owl’s call may be different from what you’d expect! Instead of hooting, they make a high-pitched shriek or repetitive hisses that sound like whispers.

Our Current Resident

Barn owl perched on a handler at Zoo Montana in Billings, Montana.

Athena

Athena came to ZooMontana in May 2024. You will regularly see Athena triangulating (moving her head in a triangle) to aid her hearing, and she often displays behaviors that make it look like she’s dancing.
You can learn more about Athena and barn owls through programs scheduled with the Zoo’s educators!

Gender: Female

Birthday: Hatched on March 10, 2024

Gallery

Taxonomy

Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Aves
Order:
Strigiformes
Family:
Tytonidae
Species:
Tyto alba

Animal Facts

Diet:
Carnivore: mainly eat small rodents, small birds,
Population Status:
(according to IUCN): currently listed as Least ConcernPopulation Status (according to Montana Field Guide): currently listed as Apparently Secure
Habitat:
open grasslands, pasture lands, hay fields, croplands, and marshes
Activity:
crepuscular (or nocturnal) – mostly active at dusk and dawn (or night)

Today's Hours

10:00am to 2:00pm

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Black and white skunk with pink tongue, sitting outdoors at Zoo Montana.

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