Black barn owl

Melanistic barn owl by fremlin Melanism is an undue development of dark-colored pigment in the skin or its appendages and is the opposite of albinism. Historically, it was also the medical term for black jaundice. Pseudo-melanism, also called abundism, is another variant of pigmentation, characterized by dark spots or enlarged stripes, which cover a large part of the body of the animal making it appear melanistic.

Have you ever seen a black barn owl?

A melanistic Barn Owl named 'Sweep'. Photo by John Harding.

Black barn owl

This young barn owl is one in a million after being born with a rare genetic condition that has made her feathers jet black.

Chilling in its house - taken at the Barn at Beal, Lindisfarne, northumberland

I think he was curious about my big white lens , I found it fascinationg that he could turn his head so well. I made a series click,click type of the movements. But this was the best of the lot. I am glad that so many people like this photo , my wife thought I should not display this! She did not like it!

Common Barn Owl, Black