Owls

Barn owl (Tyto furcata)

Meet Ghost

Maymont is home to a female American barn owl, named Ghost. She imprinted as a chick on humans and because of this, she could not be released into the wild. Owls are generally nocturnal hunters that can locate small rodents in complete darkness or under vegetation or snow using sound alone.

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Keeper's Notes

During the cold winter months, Ghost is housed in the barn at the farm. To see her in the stall, make sure to look up into the rafters or on top of her heater.

Ghost is most active around dawn and dusk.

Species Info

DIET

Small mammals: rats, mice, voles, shrews and rabbits

SIZE

Up to 2.5 lbs; 1 ft tall; 3-3.5 ft wingspan

LIFESPAN

4-11 years in the wild; up to 20 years in care settings

HABITAT & RANGE

Open grasslands, deserts, marshes, forests, cities and suburbs throughout most of North, Central and South America.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Protected, low concern

Quick Facts

They are called barn owls because they can often be found inhabiting barns and other old buildings.

Barn owls have excellent hearing and low-light vision, locating their prey by sight or by sound alone.

Owls provide natural pest control for farmers and gardeners by preying on small rodents. They swallow their prey whole, skin, bones and all.

Resources:

Cornell | All About Birds

Explore

Virginia Wildlife Trail

The Robins Nature Center

Maymont Farm

Adopt These Animals!

Through a symbolic adoption, you help us care for our owls and all the animals in Maymont’s care.