Western Bird Guide: Birds of the Rockies and West to the Pacific

by Charles K. Reed

BARN OWL—Family Aluconidæ.

365. Aluco pratincola. 18 inches.

This is one of the lightest colored of the owls; it has a long peculiarly hooded face, from which it gets the name of “Monkey-faced Owl.” Its plumage is yellowish buff, with black spots over the breast and under parts.

Nest.—In most any situation out of sight, such as hollows in old trees, or in ledges, in barns or bell towers. It lays from four to six white eggs (1.70 × 1.30).

Range.—North America, but most common in the Gulf States and on the western coast.