The diet of the Barn Owl Tyto alba in Southern Victoria

Abstract

The diet of the Australian Barn Owl in southern Victoria, as revealed by analysis of pellets, consists essentially of small mammals, approximately four being eaten per day. Although Owls in the study area were eating the introduced House Mouse almost solely, a survey of prey recorded for the Barn Owl showed that a much wider variety may be taken. The size and weight of pellets of Australian Barn Owls are less than those of other races; however this race takes a greater number of smaller prey per day. It is postulated that the almost complete dependence on the House Mouse is a major contributing factor to periodic severe mortality among Australian Barn Owls.