Barn owl  (Tyto alba)

The barn owl is widespread throughout Britain, but is scarce or absent from the Highlands and the islands of Scotland (5). It is one of the most wide-ranging birds in the world, known from most of Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australasia (7).

Occurs in farmland with hedgerows and copses, uncultivated areas such as heaths and marshes, sometimes large gardens, and occasionally in villages close to fields (11). It typically nests in tree holes, ruined buildings and farm buildings, hence the association with barns reflected by the common name (2).