LAB-Barn Owl Investigation

1
LAB-Barn Owl Investigation
Introduction In this lab we will be
investigating the ecology of the Barn Owl (Tyto
alba), a nocturnal predator.
2
Background Barn owls prefer to inhabit areas
that have warm climates with mild winters.
Unlike many other birds, barn owls do not store
excess fat in their tissues and either freeze to
death or become too exhausted by spring to breed
if the winter weather is too harsh.
3
Until about 50 years ago, the traditional farm
was an ideal habitat for the barn owl. Barn owls
would often make their homes inside of farm
buildings and hunt nearby open areas for rodents.
4
Opening in Side of Building
Inside the roost
5
Often farmers will encourage barn owls to make
their home on a farm. Barn owls provide a
valuable service to the farmer by controlling the
populations of rodents that are attracted to corn
and other crops that the farmer stores.
6
Like many avian predators, barn owls are now a
federally protected species whos populations are
suffering. Major threats to barn owl populations
include habitat loss and pesticide misuse.
7
Biologists have discovered much about barn owls
by studying the pellets they cast. Owl pellets
include the undigested fur, feathers, and bones
of prey animals the owl has eaten. Owls cast
pellets each night after completing a hunt.
8
In this exercise, you will be taking on the role
of a wildlife biologist trying to discover why
barn owl populations are diminishing in the
region.
?