Hanekom Family in Wellington New Zealand
The Barn owl (Tyto alba) is one of New Zealand’s youngest (most recent) native (indigenous) species.
Barn owls, which are one of the most wide spread owl species in the world, have only been breeding successfully in New Zealand since 2008 after arriving here on their own .
New Zealand National Bird of Pray Centre; Wingspan.
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Yes, they have three eyelids (per eye).
They have a normal upper lid that closes downwards when the owl blinks, a lower lid that closes upwards when the owl is asleep and a third translucent eyelid that closes diagonally across the eye to moisten and protect it while maintaining vision.
This third eyelid is called a nictitating membrane and can be seen in the left hand side eye of this Spotted Eagle Owl.
This photo was taken at Eagle Encounters at the Spier wine farm outside Stellenbosh, Western Cape, South Africa.
A comprehensive owl website; the Owl Pages.
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