Barn Owl Nesting: Complete Guide

barn owl (white grass) is one of the most beautiful birds in the world. Granted, they look like a bird out of a horror movie when they’re young, but their brilliance would make any parent proud. Barn owls have some very unique and interesting nesting habits that we explore in this complete barn owl nesting guide.

Barn owls nest from March to August. Unlike most birds, barn owls don’t spend much effort building nests for their eggs. Instead, they use nesting sites that may have been used for generations, and lay their eggs right on top of the owl pellets. That’s right, these beautiful birds start life off poop.

If you thought laying eggs and raising offspring on parental poop was weird, be prepared. Barn owls are fascinating birds, and the more you learn about their nesting habits, the more amazing their habits will become.

Barn owls nest almost anywhere. They nest in tree cavities, cliffs, caves and many human structures such as church steeples and barns. They don’t build cup-shaped nests like other birds. Instead, they prefer to lay their eggs on flat surfaces. Therefore, man-made structures are perfect for barn owls.

Barn owl’s nest, in the attic of a building

Do Barn Owls Build Nests?

Barn owls don’t really build nests like other birds. They don’t build cup nests or anything like that. Instead, they tend to use nesting sites that other barn owls have used. Some barn owl nesting sites have been used for generations of owls.

They lay their eggs on owl pellets at the nesting site. The nest will be covered with feathers and droppings, so the eggs can easily be kept warm and safe. It sounds gross, but barn owls have been nesting like this for 25-50 million years, and so far, it’s working pretty well.

Where Do Barn Owls Nest?

Many barn owls will find a natural place to nest. This includes tree cavities, cliff ledges, caves and even caves in river banks. However, there are other barn owls with very literal names that will happily nest in barns. They also build nests on church steeples, houses, hay bales, nest boxes and even drive-in movie theaters.

Barn owls like to nest as high as possible to protect their young. Therefore, if there is no natural structure tall enough for their liking, they will use man-made structures.

Barn owl in flight

When Do Barn Owls Nest?

Barn owls nest between March and August. They usually only breed once or twice a year, laying 4-6 eggs per clutch. However, in warmer regions of the world, these owls can breed up to 3 times a year. This can extend the nesting period by a few weeks or a month.

There are also some barn owls around the world that start their nesting season in late January early February. If they have a warm place to nest, they will take advantage of it and start breeding as quickly as possible.

How Long Do Barn Owls Nest?

Barn owls build their nests for about six months of the year, which is a very long nesting time for a bird.

This is because baby owls need time to grow. Most birds hatch after a few weeks and leave the nest a few weeks after hatching. Baby barn owls hatch after about 33 days, though, and it takes them about 50 days to leave and find their territory. During this time, the owl parents feed them and teach them the basics of hunting.

Barn owl perched on a wooden post

How Do Barn Owls Build Their Nests?

Barn owls don’t nest at all. Instead, they reuse nests from previous years. Some of these nests may be many generations old.

As you can imagine, a nest several generations ago has all kinds of feathers and dung in it, and barn owls are happy to lay their eggs on it. They don’t build a cup-shaped nest like other birds; they just lay their eggs directly on top of the ancestral pellet.

When Do Little Barn Owls Leave The Nest?

Small barn owls take a long time to leave the nest. After hatching (about 30-35 days after the female lays her eggs), they take about 50 days to leave the nest permanently.

They will leave the den with their parents for teaching before then. Before that, barn owl parents would show their children how to hunt and fly. Little barn owls, however, leave the nest permanently about 50 days after hatching to find their own territory.

Adult Barn Owl and two young owls (Barn Owl Chicks)

How many litters do barn owls have?

Most barn owls usually only have one brood a year. But in warmer climates, they can hatch up to three litters a year.

Do barn owls nest in the same place every year?

Barn owls nest in the same place every year. In fact, many barn owl nests have been used for generations. If you have a barn owl nest box or a safe place where barn owls like to nest, you will likely see them return each year.

Barn owls nesting on top of a barn with 3 fluffy owls

Do barn owls use nest boxes?

Barn owls will happily use the nest box. They prefer nest boxes with large, tall bottoms. The side of a house or tall tree is a good place to place a barn owl nest box.

How Big Are Barn Owl Nest Boxes?

The ideal size for a barn owl nest box is approximately 24 inches in width, height and depth.

They are very large nest boxes, but they have to be. Barn owls are large and lay 4-6 eggs during nesting. Therefore, they need enough space for adults and babies.

What do barn owl eggs look like?

Barn owl eggs are approximately 1.5 inches long and 1.3 inches wide. They are dull white with brown spots.