Barn owls live all over the world. In fact, they have around thirty different sub-species that occupy every continent of the world. The barn owls are usually over one foot tall. They posses two very profound talons. Like all birds of prey their talons are essential to hunting and landing on branches. They hunt rodents like small rabbits and mice and they will some times feed upon smaller birds. They are nocturnal so they hunt at night giving them a upper hand on their diurnal prey.

If you hear weird shrieking noises, it might just be a Barn Owl. Farmers, after discovering Barn Owls in their barns (hence the name ‘barn’ owl), nicknamed the owl the demon owl. Many people believe all owls hoot, but in fact the barn owl makes shree noises. They make nests in the rafters of barns because mice are normally plentiful in old barns.

The Barn Owl, at the North Carolina Zoological Park, is located in the Streamside area of the park.