Barn Owls in Vietnam – Tytonidae
Tytonidae is a family of owls that includes around 16 species worldwide. There are three species of Barn Owls in Vietnam that are commonly found: the Australasian Grass-Owl, the Barn Owl, and the Oriental Bay-Owl. These three species vary in appearance, habitat, and behavior, but all share the characteristic heart-shaped facial disc that is a distinguishing feature of Tytonidae owls.
The Australasian Grass Owl (Tyto longimembris), also known as the Eastern Grass Owl, is a medium-sized owl that is found in grasslands and wetlands across Southeast Asia, including in Vietnam. This species has long, slender legs and a relatively small head with a heart-shaped facial disc that is pale in color. The back and wings are a mottled brown and the underparts are white with dark streaks. The Australasian Grass-Owl feeds mainly on small rodents, insects, and other small animals that it hunts in the grassy habitats where it lives.
The Barn Owl (Tyto alba) is a well-known and widely distributed species that is found in a variety of habitats around the world, including in Vietnam. This species is characterized by its distinctive heart-shaped facial disc, which is white in color and is surrounded by a border of dark feathers. The Barn Owl is a medium-sized owl with a pale, mottled brown back and wings, and white underparts. It has long, slender legs and a hooked beak that it uses to catch small mammals, birds, and insects.
The Oriental Bay Owl (Phodilus badius) is a small, elusive owl that is found in forests and wooded areas across Southeast Asia, including in Vietnam. This species is unique in its appearance, with a flattened facial disc and large, forward-facing eyes that give it a distinctive, almost cartoon-like appearance. The Oriental Bay-Owl is a reddish-brown color with black spots and streaks on its back and wings and a white underbelly. This species is mainly nocturnal and feeds on insects, small mammals, and birds.
All three of these Tytonidae species in Vietnam face threats to their survival, mainly due to habitat loss and fragmentation as a result of human activities such as deforestation and agriculture. Additionally, the use of pesticides and other chemicals in agricultural practices can harm these owl species, as they can be exposed to these toxins through their prey. Conservation efforts are necessary to protect these iconic owl species and their habitats and to ensure that they continue to play an important role in Vietnam’s natural ecosystems.
List 2 Jacanas of Vietnam
| Name | Level | |
| 1 | Australasian Grass-Owl | Easy |
| 2 | Barn Owl | Easy |
| 3 | Oriental Bay-Owl | Easy |
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