Owl Box

Species: Barn owl (Tyto alba). Irish name: Scréachóg reilige

A medium-sized owl, with almost pure-white undersides and honey-combed upperparts, a pronounced heart-shaped facial disc and dark eyes. Barn owls are active at night and their flight is almost completely silent. They prefer large, open spaces with access to small mammals and a relatively quiet, dark location for nesting.

Barn owls are red-listed on the Birds of Conservation Concern[1] in Ireland as a species of highest conservation concern due to a decline in the breeding population. Some of the main pressures on barn owls are secondary poisoning, road collisions and lack of nest sites.

Traditionally favouring natural tree cavities, they will readily nest or roost in available cavities of mature trees, or old buildings such as castles.

Barn owl boxes are large, with a wide entrance hole and a spacious interior. These boxes should be installed in barns, large sheds, or mature trees in rural, agricultural areas where voles or mice are abundant. Barn owl boxes should be placed at least 3-5 meters above ground, the entrance not facing into prevailing wind (rain) and away from motorways.