tyto longimembris

Barn owls are nocturnal predators known for their large heads, heart-shaped faces and white-and-black speckled upperparts. Fiji is home to two barn owl species, including the widely recognised Tyto alba. Found across major islands such as Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni, they help control rodent populations and are also remembered for their haunting screech and place in local folklore.

Fun Fact 1: Exceptionally Soft Feathers

Barn Owls have exceptionally soft feathers! Barn Owls possess specialized feathers that have a velvety texture, which helps them fly silently through the night. This adaptation enables them to approach their prey stealthily without making much noise, making them highly effective nocturnal hunters.

barn owl

Barn Owl

The Barn Owl, or Tyto alba, is a medium-sized owl known for its heart-shaped face, dark eyes and white-and-black speckled upperparts. Active at night, it hunts rodents in open habitats with a slow, buoyant flight. In Fiji, it is widespread across all but the smallest islands, helping control rat and mice populations while adding to local folklore with its harsh screeching call.

eastern grass owl

Australasian Grass Owl

The Australasian Grass Owl is a medium-sized owl with dark brown or tan upperparts, pale spots, barred black-and-tan wings, a pale beak and dark brown eyes. Like other Tyto owls, it has a heart-shaped facial disk bordered in white with brown-buff colouring. Its feathered legs and preference for long-haired rats and cane rats make it a distinctive nocturnal hunter.

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