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Demystifying Tyto furcata: knowing the truth behind the myths


The Suindara (Tyto furcata Temminck, 1827), also known as american barn owl, is a fascinating raptor belonging to the Strigiformes Order. It is of nocturnal nature, with curved and sharp claws, as well as strong beak. In the natural environment, its diet consists of small mammals, amphibians, reptiles and insects (SANTIAGO, 2014). Fortunately, this species is not considered endangered, according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). 

In addition, its morphological characteristics are interesting because it has a facial disk shaped like a heart. This adaptation improves their ability to hear and hunt. Like other predators, T. furcata is a skilled hunter. Their highlight is also in the asymmetry of their ears, as well as the owls of the genus Tyto: their left ear is slightly more cranial than the left (SANTIAGO, 2014), a fact that allows the owl to locate sources of sounds in different locations, above and below, especially at night. They also contain a binocular vision, which means that their eyes are positioned forward, being able to see in three dimensions, making T. furcata an efficient hunter (SANTIAGO, 2014).

Its distribution is wide, being found in several Brazilian regions. This species is very adaptable, being found in dense forests and even in urban areas (SILVA, 2021; PONTES, MATTOS, OLIVEIRA, TIELOPO, 2021; ALMEIDA et al., 2022). In the Amazon region, the barn owl is an inspiration for Amazonian folklore (FERREIRA, NASCIMENTO, 2018), being known by some as matinta pereira, a supernatural figure. It is believed to be an old witch able to transform into an owl, similar to T. furcata. According to the Amazon legend, the matinta emits whistles or cries during the night, generating fear among people and who disobey their orders or violate cultural taboos can attract their revenge. In addition, in the northeast of Brazil, this bird is considered a bad omen, because its vocalization would be considered an announcement of death, since its vocalization resembles the sound of a torn clothing. 

However, although these popular stories have played an important role during the construction of the cultural imaginary, spreading ideas from generation to generation, this can have a detrimental impact on the conservation of this species. Frequently, T. furcata is the victim of ill-treatment due to people’s fear or ignorance about its true essence (CASCUDO, 2012; ALMEIDA et al., 2022). This owl is common in open or semi-open areas, due to its low flying style and also likes to observe their prey, before attacking them, in high places, hence its name "tower owl". Thus, its contact with the human species is common, as it is found in urban and rural areas (CUBAS, 2014). 

In addition, this predator plays a key role as controller of rodent populations, remembering that its diet consists mainly of small mammals, making it a valuable ally in maintaining the ecological balance in areas where it lives. This condition triggers a beneficial relationship between society and owls (ALMEIDA et al., 2022). However, it is evident that these owls are victims of direct violence from the population who believes in these beliefs, directly harming the natural population dynamics of the species (ALMEIDA et al., 2022). This type of situation increases the casuistry of receiving this species in centers for sorting wild animals, mostly due to severe aggressions of anthropic origin (ALMEIDA et al., 2022) 

Therefore, promoting environmental education for conservation and awareness to demystify T. furcata in local culture is a priority, especially in regions with oral traditions and deep-rooted beliefs, highlighting the magnitude of the ecological role that this owl can add both in the environment and in the anthropic environment. When society understands the importance of that species, a strong relationship is created, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity (ALMEIDA et al., 2022). 


Author: Jordana Paiva - GEAS Brazil’s North Regional Representative

Review: Iago Junqueira  - GEAS BRASIL partner by The Wild Place

Wild Panel of August/2025



BIBLIOGRAPHICAL RFERENCES:


SANTIAGO, M.E.B. Accipitriformes, Falconiformes e Strigiformes (Gaviões, Águias, Falcões e Corujas). In: CUBAS, Zalmir S.; SILVA, João C. R.; CATÃO-DIAS, José L. (org.). Tratado de Animais Selvagens: Medicina Veterinária. 2. ed. São Paulo: Roca, 2014. p. 470-536.


SILVA, F.R.M. Dieta de Tyto furcata (TEMMINCK, 1827) (AVES: STRIGIFORMES) em uma área urbana na região do Triângulo Mineiro, Brasil. 2021. 14 f. Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso (Graduação em Ciências Biológicas) – Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, 2021.


PONTES, J.S.; MATTOS, L.X.S.; OLIVEIRA, J.F.N.; TIELOPO, L.M. Small mammals (Rodentia) present in Tyto furcata (Temminck, 1827)(Strigiformes, Tytonidae) pellets from the Reserva Natural da Guaricica, Antonina, coastal Paraná, Brazil. Brazilian Journal of Biology, v. 83, p. e247040, 2021.


ALMEIDA, A.J. et al. Small mammals in the diet of Barn Owls (Tyto furcata) in an urban area in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, with a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum (Cryptonanus). Brazilian Journal of Biology, v. 82, p. e237675, 2021.


FERREIRA, R.S.; NASCIMENTO, C.F. O mito da matinta perera e suas formas variantes em Curuçamba, Bujaru (Pará, Brasil). Boitatá, v. 13, n. 25, p. 242-258, 2018.


CASCUDO, L.C. Dicionário do folclore brasileiro. 16. ed. São Paulo: Global, 2012.


ALMEIDA, R.C.R. A coruja suindara (Tyto furcata) e seus estigmas. 2022. 30 f., il. color. Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso (Graduação em Zootecnia) – Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, Campus Belém, Belém-PA, 2022.

 
 
 

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