Barn Owl, Abaco, Bahamas (Woody Bracey)
BARN OWLS ON ABACO, BAHAMAS
The Barn Owl (Tyto alba) is the only owl you are likely to see – and hear – on Abaco. The species is permanently resident, which is a good start in that sighting opportunities exist year-round. Although they are not at all common they can be found in particular locations, for example around Treasure Cay and Little Harbour; also on Elbow Cay, Lubbers Quarters (4 birds right now) and Man-o-War Cay (a while back). There are two other owl species recorded for Abaco: the rare Burrowing Owl (see link below for details); and the Northern Saw-whet Owl, a vanishingly rare vagrant recorded a handful of times that I don’t propose to feature unless and until it decides to visit Abaco more frequently…
I wrote about Barn Owls on Abaco many moons ago. I don’t usually rehash previous posts, but I am returning to the topic because of a recent barn owl sighting on Elbow Cay that caused interest, excitement and some speculation.
Barn Owl, Treasure Cay, Abaco Bahamas (Becky Marvil)
The shrill wheezing cry of the Barn Owl – known in some places as the ‘screech owl’ (which, strictly, is a different owl species) – is unmistakeable. Barn owls also make an intimidating hissing noise. Mainly nocturnal, they fly noiselessly like white ghosts in the night. If you are lucky enough to see one in the daytime, you’ll be struck by the beautiful heart-shaped face and (if close enough) the delicate markings.
Patrik Aberg Xeno-Canto
Both photos above were taken on Abaco. Woody Bracey’s header image is featured in “THE BIRDS OF ABACO“. Becky Marvil’s photo was taken near Treasure Cay. I’ve never seen a barn owl on Abaco, but I’ve been lucky enough to get close to them in the UK. For those who have never seen one, here are a few of my own images that show what wonderful birds they are. They were photographed at a raptor rescue centre, so I am not going to pretend that these shots were taken in the wild. That would never do.
This close-up of the barn owl above shows the typical speckling on its pure white front, and the beautiful wing patterns. Amazingly for such a large bird, an adult weighs a mere 350g or so. As a comparison, The Birds of Abaco book weighs 2kg!
This fluffy baby barn owl had been rescued and was being cared for in a sanctuary before being returned to the wild. Whimsy is rarely permitted in this blog, but seriously, folks – cuteness overload!
RELATED POSTS
OWLS OF ABACO (2) – BURROWING OWLS
Credits: Woody Bracey, Becky Marvil, Keith Salvesen, Patrik Aberg / Xeno-Canto (audio), RSPB (video), Birdorable (Cartoon)
ROLLING HARBOUR ABACO 
We have definitely seen the Barn Owl that is around Elbow Cay, we would love to have you visit us and share theories of how he is surviving out here. Hope he raises a family here too!
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So pleased to hear there’s still one (hopefully two… one of each sex for the family part) around on EC. Did you see it in north EC, or further south? I’m based in the UK, but any reason to come over is welcome! Thanks for the comment. RH
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Had a 5 am encounter with a Barn Owl in Treasure Cay at 430am on 5-Jan, 2023. I let my dogs (spaniels) out for potty break. The Owl swooped in to check them out 3 times. The dock lights combined with some christmas lights illuminated the area and 100% it was a large Barn Owl, wingspan of 6+ feet… Very Cool. Nice to see a post dorian Barn Owl!
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Hi Ralph, what a great experience. Thanks for getting in touch. It’s good to know such amazing birds are around now. Are you going to keep a sightings record? All the best
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I don’t see my post….. What the heck am I doing wrong? Anyway, I am happy to contribute anyway you need. Where would I keep a sighting record? Also had a manatee at the fuel dock in Treasure Cay last week…I have a boat at my dock and am active in the waters off Treasure. If I can be a spotter for anything lmk.
Ralph
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Thanks so much for the info. I think keep the owl sightings in your diary (and memory)! I will pass the good news of the manatee sighting to my BMMRO colleagues at Sandy Point – they keep track of sightings. If it is still there, or you see it again and can take a photo for ID purposes, do please send to me at rollingharbour.delphi@gmail.com. The paddle (tail) is the most helpful way to ID an individual – each animal has unique markers
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Saw the same owl the same week down at Abaco Inn about 830 pm. Awesome view as it passed us!
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Many thanks for this. It’s good to know the owl is still around – a sign that it feels safe and has found a suitable place to live (many EC residents probably feel much the same!).
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I think we I saw one last evening as we were sitting on the beach by Hope Town Harbour Lodge. We have them in Wisconsin so I Google to make sure.
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Hi Laura, thanks for letting me know. These lovely birds are permanent residents on Abaco but are generally uncommon. I know of other occasional sightings on Elbow Cay, but it’s an unusual pleasure to see one. Barns are pretty much the only owl found on Abaco* – so if you saw an owl, especially its white heart-shaped face, that is what it was. I do keep a note of sightings, so I will add yours to the list.
*Burrowing owls are very very rarely seen, and Saw-Whet Owls are vanishingly rare.
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I so enjoyed this thorough celebration of the barn owl, RH, thanks. I think the white, ghostly barn owl, so huge, and with that really scary screech is so special and so memorable. Enjoyed the video and audio elements, and always, the photos.
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Thanks Jet. I’ve never seen one on Abaco myself but we get them round us in the UK – but more usually Tawny Owls which call from close by almost every night. Fascinating birds.
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Remarkable animal, the sound track was a little scary! :O)
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Someone said when they played it their cat took cover! Do you have these? I saw you had made a rare post – but you’ve beaten
me to a ‘like’. RH
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Apparently, the last sighting of a barn owl in southwest Michigan was in 2012 when someone in the Grand Rapids area rescued one. Very sad, they used to be much more common.
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It’s certainly a memorable call! Small creatures must be scared stiff!
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That is sad – and a bit surprising. On the plus side, we get the odd banded piping plover from Michigan on Abaco in winter – a bit special, because the population is very small.
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Good looking Owl! that audio sure got my Washe cat’s attention 🐱 😉
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