Barn Owl

Size: Up to 15 inches tall; 1 pound

Range: The world’s most cosmopolitan owl, nests on six continents but avoids the northernmost reaches of North America, Europe, and Asia

Status: Least Concern

The constellation of spots that spreads across the Barn Owl’s head and décolletage are not just ornamental: The more spots a female has, the more resistant she seems to be to parasites, and the more attractive she is to males. A seemingly supernatural ability to pinpoint noises and spot prey in low-light and even blackout conditions, coupled with near-soundless flight, makes these owls the perfect night stalkers.