Barn Owl superbrood (1 Viewer)

Andy Adcock

Worst person on Birdforum

• Jul 27, 2018

• #1

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-44971883



A

 

jmepler

It's just a flesh wound.

• Jul 27, 2018

• #2

I was surprised that what qualifies as a "superbrood" in Ireland is five chicks. I was expecting a much higher number, like 12 or more. I have seen numerous broods of five chicks in Pennsylvania. The largest clutch of eggs that I have seen was nine, with seven chicks successfully fledging.

 

Andy Adcock

Worst person on Birdforum

• Jul 27, 2018

• #3

jmepler said:

I was surprised that what qualifies as a "superbrood" in Ireland is five chicks. I was expecting a much higher number, like 12 or more. I have seen numerous broods of five chicks in Pennsylvania. The largest clutch of eggs that I have seen was nine, with seven chicks successfully fledging.

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Of Barn Owls?


A

 

jmepler

It's just a flesh wound.

• Jul 27, 2018

• #4

Yes, I suppose Barn Owls (like all owls?) attempt to raise as many young as they think that they can support. Apparently it is harder for them to feed their young in Ireland than it is an Pennsylvania farm country.

 

jmepler

It's just a flesh wound.

• Jul 27, 2018

• #5

Cornell lists the clutch size at 2-18 eggs. That upper range seems a bit extreme. For a Barn Owl to lay 18 eggs, they would have to keep laying practically until their first laid eggs started hatching.

 

C

citrinella

Well-known member

• Jul 27, 2018

• #6

I would view 5 as a normal brood size too, even if fledging five is at the upper end of normal in this part of Scotland. My site in good habitat manages this frequently.

Mike.