Barn owls are the
most widely spread species of owl in the world. In fact, they are one of the
most widespread of all species of birds.
This is Dusk. A
black barn owl who in care of Ms. Manarin. Doesn’t matter how widely spread and
how common their species are, still, a black barn owl is on in a hundred
thousand. We mean literally. This genetic mutation is very rare in only occurs
like 1 in 100, 000.
Talking of genetic
mutations, this one is black because of the mutation called “melanism,” an
increase of dark pigment in the plumage. In other words, it is the opposite of
albinism.
If it was in the
wild, Dusk’s fate wouldn’t be much pretty. Usually an owl with his condition is
killed by their own mother due to their unique coloration soon after they came
out of their egg.
Even if the mother
didn’t kill them, or somehow they manage to survive until they became adult,
maybe with help of a human like this, once they are in the wild they are hunted
and killed by other owls. So no wildlife for Dusk.
Barn owls has an amazing
vision in low light conditions. Although their ability to locate a prey only by
sound is the best of any animal that has ever been tested. They could catch
mice in complete darkness in lab conditions, or hidden by vegetation or snow
out in the real world.
They are normally
light colored. Just imagine how powerful a black owl with those abilities could
be. It would be like getting hit by a Night Fury (in How To Train Your Dragon).
There is video
below on Ms. Manarin and Dusk you can see. You don’t always get to have a good
look at a rare black barn owl, so share it with your friends and family. They
will love it. Spread the joy!
Image credits &
further info: pipi_the_barn_owl/instagram | youtube
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