Productivity, food habits, and associated variables of Barn Owls utilizing nest boxes in north central Utah

Authors

Sandra J. Looman, Brigham Young University
Dennis L. Shirley, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Regional Office, Springville, Utah
Clayton M. White, Brigham Young University

Abstract

Productivity and food habits of the Barn Owl (Tyto alba) utilizing nest boxes in Juab, Utah, and Salt Lake counties, Utah, During 1979–1984 were examined. Average clutch size was 5.8 eggs for the 6-yr period; mean number fledged was 3.9 young per successful nest. While severe weather during the 1981–82 winter did not result in significant decrease in productivity during the 1982 breeding season, it may have resulted in a significant overproduction of female young. Barn Owls in north central Utah fed almost exclusively on mammalian species, particularly Microtus spp. Difference in clutch size between areas and years may be a response to availability as well as abundance of prey.

Recommended Citation

Looman, Sandra J.; Shirley, Dennis L.; and White, Clayton M. (1996) "Productivity, food habits, and associated variables of Barn Owls utilizing nest boxes in north central Utah," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 56: No. 1, Article 9.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol56/iss1/9