Scientific Name: Tyto javanica
Malay Name: Serak Biasa
Chinese Name: 仓鸮
Range:
Ranges from the Indian subcontinent in the west through Southeast Asia and the Indonesian archipelago up to the Solomon Islands and northern Vanuatu in the east
Taxonomy:
Polytypic. Subspecies are: stertens, javanica, sumbaensis, meeki, delicatula, crassirostris, interposita.
Size: 34-36 cm
Identification:
A medium-sized owl with distinctive, white facial disk and pale underparts. Proportionally large head, lacking ear tufts with relatively small, heart-shaped, dark-coloured eyes. Legs notably long with only sparsely feathered feet. Female is larger than the male with typically darker plumage.
Habitat: Urban structures, including under bridges, abandoned buildings, and in natural open-country habitats
Behaviour/Ecology: Normally solitary. Presence often detected by harsh shrieking call.
Local Status: Uncommon resident
Location: Any site with suitable habitat. Recorded in Sungei Buloh, Shears Bridge and the Istana building.
Photos:
External Links:
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Barn Owl)
References:
Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.