Barn Owl - Western PA Conservancy

Game Commission officials this week said they are seeking information on barn owl sightings in the Southeast and Southcentral parts of Pennsylvania.

Barn owls, which have been in decline for several decades, are a species of concern that have great management and recovery potential.

The Game Commission has developed a Barn Owl Conservation Initiative to help in the conservation and potential recovery of this species. The initiative's goal is to compile existing information on barn owl locations, including nest sites and incidental occurrences, as well as document new sites and sightings.

"Our objective is to focus on habitat issues by assessing the foraging, nesting and roosting habitats where known barn owls exist or have existed in the past," states Jamie Zambo, Game Commission Southeast Region Wildlife Diversity Biologist. "We are looking for cooperation and participation in this important effort."

After initial data is compiled, biologists will be able to determine where conservation initiatives should be directed. Those initiatives may include erecting nest boxes in suitable habitat and documenting productivity. Education and outreach also would be included to inform farmers, other landowners and the general public about the importance and benefits of this species.

Barn owls stand about 10-15 inches tall and have a wingspan of 41-47 inches. Their distinctive long heart-shaped facial disk has caused this owl to be referred to as the "monkey-faced owl." They have a nearly pure-white to dusky breast with small spots, small dark eyes, and has hissing or scream-like vocalization. They are found in agricultural fields, grasslands, and other open areas.

They nest in cavities of large dead trees, but more often in barns, silos, and man-made nest boxes. Because barn owls feed primarily on rodents, they are beneficial to farmers. An average family of barn owls can consume up to 3,000 rodents during the course of the breeding season.

If you are aware of any barn owls in your area, are interested in helping construct barn owl nest boxes, or would like more information on barn owls, please contact the following:

Southeast: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Schuylkill and York counties - RWD Biologist Jamie Zambo at 610-589-4913. Zambo also can be reached through the Pennsylvania Game Commission Southeast Region Office by calling 610-926-3136 or mailing to 448 Snyder Road, Reading, PA 19605.

Southcentral: Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry and Snyder counties - RWD Biologist Dan Mummert at 814-542-8759. Mummert also can be reached through the Pennsylvania Game Commission Southcentral Region Office by calling 814-643-1831 or mailing to 8627 William Penn Highway, Huntingdon, PA 16652.

9/9/2005