Effraie d'Amérique vs Effraie des clochers

The American Barn Owl (Tyto furcata) and the Western Barn Owl (Tyto alba) are closely related, but can be distinguished by subtle differences in plumage and vocalizations. The Western Barn Owl generally has darker primaries and tail, with more pronounced barring compared to the American Barn Owl.

Look for darker and more barred primaries and tail in the Western Barn Owl. Note the slightly more spotted underparts compared to the American Barn Owl. Use these plumage differences as primary identification cues.

The Western Barn Owl has darker and more broadly barred brown primaries and tail, and its underparts are slightly more spotted than those of the American Barn Owl. The American Barn Owl tends to have paler plumage overall.