Adult barn owl with a mouse meal, resting on a telegraph pole before taking it to its young.

The Barn Owl was given it’s scientific name –Tyto alba – in 1769, by G.A. Scopoli an Italian doctor and naturalist (1723 – 1788). Tyto alba literally means “white owl”, from the Latin word for white: alba and the Ancient Greek onomatopoeic name for an owl: tyto or τυτο.

Barn Owl 6 With Mouse On Pole 

The Barn Owl was given it’s scientific name –Tyto alba – in 1769, by G.A. Scopoli an Italian doctor and naturalist (1723 – 1788). Tyto alba literally means “white owl”, from the Latin word for white: alba and the Ancient Greek onomatopoeic name for an owl: tyto or τυτο.

Barn Owl 4 hunting

Barn owl in angel pose, near to Canterbury, Kent.
Black and white.

The Barn Owl was given it’s scientific name –Tyto alba – in 1769, by G.A. Scopoli an Italian doctor and naturalist (1723 – 1788). Tyto alba literally means “white owl”, from the Latin word for white: alba and the Ancient Greek onomatopoeic name for an owl: tyto or τυτο.

Barn Owl 2 B And W angel

Barn owl in angel pose, near to Canterbury, Kent.

The Barn Owl was given it’s scientific name –Tyto alba – in 1769, by G.A. Scopoli an Italian doctor and naturalist (1723 – 1788). Tyto alba literally means “white owl”, from the Latin word for white: alba and the Ancient Greek onomatopoeic name for an owl: tyto or τυτο.