Barn Owls are one of Oregon's most fascinating and recognizable owls, known for their ghostly white appearance, heart-shaped faces, and silent flight. They are common residents in open country, agricultural areas, and near human structures like barns (hence the name) throughout the state. While both sexes share these general characteristics, there are subtle differences in size and plumage that can help distinguish males from females.

General Appearance (Male and Female):
Distinctive Face: Both sexes have a prominent, white, heart-shaped facial disc that helps direct sound to their ears, enabling their incredibly accurate nocturnal hunting. Their eyes are dark and relatively small.
Coloration: Overall, Barn Owls are pale. Their upperparts (head, back, wings) are a mix of buff and gray, often with fine spotting. Their underparts (face, body, underwings) are white, though they can have varying degrees of spotting.
Body Shape: They are medium-sized owls with long, rounded wings, long legs, and a relatively short tail. They lack "ear tufts."
Flight: Their flight is buoyant and often described as "loping" or "moth-like," with silent wingbeats.

Distinguishing Male and Female Barn Owls in Oregon:
The differences between male and female Barn Owls can be subtle, and it can be challenging to sex them accurately in the field without direct comparison or close observation. However, here are the main differentiating factors:

1. Size:
Like many raptors, female Barn Owls are generally larger and heavier than males. This is a common form of reversed sexual dimorphism in birds of prey.
While individual variation exists, a female might weigh 2.0-3.0 lbs (900-1400 g) and measure 19-23 inches (48-59 cm) in length, whereas a male might be 1.6-2.4 lbs (715-1100 g) and 18-22 inches (46-56 cm) long.
This difference is most apparent when a pair is seen together; the female will be noticeably larger.

2. Plumage Spotting and Coloration (especially on the underside):
This is often the most useful plumage difference, though it can vary.
Female Barn Owls tend to have more extensive and often darker spotting on their white or buff underparts (chest and belly). These spots can be black or dark brown. They may also have more caramel or tan wash on their neck and upper chest. Females can also have darker gray or black bars on their tail and wings.
Male Barn Owls are generally paler overall, with fewer or no spots on their underparts, which appear a purer white. Their neck and chest tend to be whiter. The lines on their wings and tail may also be lighter.
It's important to note that some males can have spots, and the coloration can vary geographically and with age. Older females might also show fading of their darker coloration.

3. Facial Disc Rim:
Some sources suggest that females may have slightly darker brown feathers around the rim of their heart-shaped facial disc than males. However, this can be a very subtle difference.

Behavioral Differences (especially during breeding season):
During the breeding season (which can vary but often peaks from early spring through summer in Oregon), the female is primarily responsible for incubating eggs and brooding young. The male's main role is to hunt and bring food to the female and the owlets. Observing these roles can help differentiate a pair.