BARN OWL

*** IN-STORE PICKUP ONLY!
Call for further questions

The barn owl is a nocturnal bird of prey belonging to the Tytonidae family.

They are pale, 33–39 cm tall with a wingspan of 80–95 cm, and have long legs. They use a fluttering flight when approaching hunting grounds.
This particular technique is unique in its species: the barn owl's flight is in fact known to be the quietest of all known birds.
The animal is in fact a bird of prey and mainly carnivorous, and such an ability is essential to be able to surprise prey, unaware of its arrival.
All this is possible thanks to its particular physiognomy.
In fact, it has a very large wingspan in proportion to its small body, which allows the barn owl to glide easily and with minimal effort.

Males and females look very similar, but, in general, females are slightly larger than males and darker in color.
Weight varies from around 200 g for the smaller subspecies (such as in the Galápagos Islands) to more than 500 g like the North American barn owl, while European barn owls weigh from 300 g (male) to 400 g (female).

ATTENTION!!!
The barn owl is a protected species under CITES ( Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ), and its keeping, trade and transport are strictly regulated.
This means that owning, buying, selling, or moving a barn owl requires specific documents and permits to ensure compliance with the law and the animal's well-being.

What does this mean in practice?
- Protection and regulation : CITES regulates international trade in endangered animals and plants, and the barn owl is among the internationally protected species.
- Trade Control : Possession and sale are regulated, and anyone wishing to own one must comply with specific regulations. For example, if you purchase a barn owl, documents of provenance are essential.
- Importance of permits : The competent authorities, such as the Carabinieri CITES Unit, monitor illegal trafficking and ensure compliance with regulations. Displays of barn owls for tourism, for example, have been subject to seizures by the CITES Unit in Venice.
- Procedures and Penalties : Any commercial transaction involving a barn owl requires specific procedures that require the submission of certifications and permits. Failure to comply with these rules may result in administrative and criminal penalties.


In short, CITES and national regulations protect the barn owl, making it illegal to possess, sell, or transport it without the proper permits and necessary documentation.