Barn Owl
Barn Owl
| Irish Name: | Scréachóg reilige |
| Scientific name: | Tyto alba |
| Bird Family: | Owls |
The barn owl is a rare resident, primarily inhabiting central and southern Ireland. It no longer breeds in extensive areas of northern, western, and eastern Ireland.
Identification
Seldom observed during daylight hours, it is primarily active late at night. Often spotted flying across roads illuminated by car headlights, it presents a ghostly white appearance with no markings on the underwing, distinguishing it from the long-eared owl, which bears a dark comma mark. Upon closer inspection, it reveals remarkably intricate patterning on the wings, back, and head.
More details can be found at https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/barn-owl/.