Summon Barney the Barn Owl - A Crow Replacer
⚪ Last updated 2017⚠️ Install Order · 4 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview

🔍 Analysis
- 👍 4.3% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #3 of 20 Followers and Companions - Creatures mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
Update02:
I added a snowy owl and a dark owl version for the more sinister Dovahkiin :).
The main file is still required.
Download, install and overwrite as usual :).
Update 01:
I added optional eye textures for Barney.
zacky´s picture of Barney which you can view in the user image section gave me the idea to add real barn owl eyes taken from a photo. You will see the difference when you zoom close to his face.
I also added a smaller version of Barney with those new eyes. Just for cuteness and a bit for positioning ;) !
The main file is still required.
Download, install and overwrite as usual :).
English isn´t my first language ^^. Please keep that in mind while shaking your head because of that horrible grammar and mistakes :-D
About the mod:
You will be able to carry Barney - the barn owl around. Yeah, it took me hours to think that name up ;) ! Barney likes to sit on your shoulder but he doesn´t like it when you´re swimming, sneaking or drawing a weapon - magical or physical, he will disappear immediately. But posing for photos, taking a walk or riding a horse isn´t a problem for him.
This mod replaces the crow from the Summon Shadow Merchant mod by xdarkness. It´s a replacer so you will have to install his mod first :).
Btw, i´d love to see Barney on your dragonborn´s shoulder, pics are very welcome :D !
Installation:
1. Download and install Summon Shadow Merchant by xdarkness first: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/10166/?
2. Download and install my mod and overwrite when asked to
How to get Barney:
- When you start the game you will get the ability to summon the Shadow Merchant
- You can buy the scroll Barney on my pauldron from him
- After buying the scroll activate it and you will get the ability to summon Barney on your shoulder
Alternatively you can use AddItemMenu (https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/64905/?) to get the scroll.
Credits:
xdarkness for the Summon Shadow Merchant mod: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/10166/?
SpikeDragonlord for the Beasts of Tamriel mod: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/76203/?
LorSakyamuni for The Witcher 3 Monster and Animals Resource Pack: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/76524/?
aviform for the barn owl textures which I edited to my taste
What I did:
I edited the owl meshes and textures :).
The Problem of Permission:
I asked xdarkness and SpikeDragonLord for permission but I didn´t get an answer by xdarkness and I wasn´t able to contakt SpikeDragonLord because his mailbox is full. If they don´t want me
This mod replaces the crow from the Summon Shadow MERCHANT mod with a barn owl named Barney. It's a simple cosmetic swap for players who want a more majestic companion on their shoulder. With 211 endorsements and nearly 5,000 downloads, it's a niche but appreciated tweak for Skyrim players.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community-approved (211 endorsements) and well-downloaded (4,926 downloads)
- Adds a unique, whimsical touch to your summon—who doesn't want a barn owl?
- Simple replacer, easy to install and use
⚠️ Cons
- Requires the Summon Shadow MERCHANT mod, so it's useless without it
- Last updated in 2017—may have compatibility issues with newer Skyrim versions
- Only affects the crow summon, so it's a very narrow change
For Skyrim players who use the Summon Shadow MERCHANT mod and want a more charming companion than a crow. If you're a fan of owls or just want a unique visual twist, this is for you. Skip if you don't use the base mod or want gameplay changes—this is purely cosmetic.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Make sure you have the Summon Shadow MERCHANT mod installed first, or this replacer won't work.
- Use a mod manager like Vortex or Mod Organizer 2 to install and manage this replacer easily.
- Check the mod's load order—place it after the base mod to ensure the replacement takes effect.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim LE Mods
- Author
- UniCornflower
- Version
- 1.0
- Downloads
- 4,926
- Endorsements
- 211
- Category
- Followers and Companions - Creatures
- Created
- 10/21/2017
- Updated
- 12/9/2017
🔧 How to Install Skyrim LE Mods
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