The Hindu : Construction boom spells doom for barn owl

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 15, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Construction boom spells doom for barn owl

By K. Kannan

NEW DELHI, MARCH 14. The barn owl -- considered one of the most widespread of all land birds -- has fallen prey to the changing skyline of the Capital. A bird which was once found aplenty along the Yamuna river bank, its population has now declined considerably. And unless urgent measures are taken to ensure its survival, it might just disappear.

Known as Tyto alba in the geological world and a member of the owl family (Tytonidae) barn owl can readily be distinguished from other owls by its unique shape, color and voice. "Its population is declining because of rapidly changing architecture and people's lifestyle,'' says Prof. C. R. Babu of Delhi University, adding that they have initiated a series of measures to conserve it.

This distinctive, medium-sized owl grows 15 to 20 cm in height, has long, feathered legs and makes a loud, rasping hiss, rather than the hoot associated with other owls. The barn owl is primarily white with buff, yellow and tawny shadings. It is delicately freckled with dark specks and the blending of colors in day-light has made it the handsome "golden owl.'' other common names are the "white owl'' and "monkey-faced owl.''

The bird was recently spotted in the Yamuna Biodiversity Park in January 2004. "While Barn Owl is found in virtually all habitats, it is found much more abundantly in open woodland, heaths and moors than forested country. They usually roost by day in tree hollows but have also been found in caves, wells, outbuildings or thick foliage,'' explains Prof. Babu.

Interestingly, Barn Owls are found in all continents except Antarctica. "Barn owls are more nocturnal than other owls. They wait until dark before starting out to hunt, except when the demands of their young may start them hunting at twilight. Normally, before daylight, they retire to some shadowed or enclosed area in an old building, a hollow tree or a hole in a rocky cliff and remain there drowsily inactive all day,'' says Prof. Babu, adding the Yamuna river bank provided an ideal setting for its breeding. But with industries and other buildings coming up and the skyline itself getting changed, their population has come down considerably.

The barn owl has a typical preying pattern which too has been studied in great detail by students of the Centre for the Management of Degraded Ecosystems.

"When hunting at night, the barn owl sweeps the fields on silent wings catching its prey with its long, slender claws. It prefers small mammals but occasionally in winter when mice and gophers are scarce, it will take small birds. The prey is torn apart and swallowed -- bones, skull and all. The indigestible parts are formed into pellets and disgorged at the roosting area or about the nest.''

With the Delhi Development Authority endeavouring to create the Yamuna Biodiversity Park and special efforts being made to revive the flora and fauna therein, the Barn Owl might have a future after all!

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