The barn owl is the most widely distributed species of owl in the world and one of the most widespread of all species of birds, being found almost everywhere except for the polar and desert regions, The barn owl is a medium-sized, pale-coloured owl with long wings and a short, squarish tail. Rodents and other small mammals may constitute over ninety percent of the prey caught. Birds are also taken, as well as lizards, amphibians, fish, spiders, and insects. Shy, not talkative, silent and stoic.