barn owl

American  

noun

1. a yellowish-brown and white owl, Tyto alba, often inhabiting barns and other buildings.

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barn owl British  

noun

1. any owl of the genus Tyto , esp T. alba , having a pale brown and white plumage, long slender legs, and a heart-shaped face: family Tytonidae

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Etymology

Origin of barn owl

First recorded in 1665–75

Example Sentences

A barn owl is perched on top of it, mean-mugging guests as they pass.

From Literature

"They say wildcats live on voles. Well, voles are feeding my barn owls so if you reduce the vole population you are having an effect on the barn owls," he explained.

From BBC

In addition the the great horned owl, the center has recently rescued orioles and barn owls from similar traps.

From Los Angeles Times

Veterinarians and engineers have studied how a barn owl flies so smoothly in gusty winds, and discovered wings act like a suspension and stabilise the head and torso when flying through disturbed air.

From BBC

"For a barn owl to be alive and breeding at that age is spectacular, and a brilliant sign for their future."

From BBC