Summon Barney the Barn Owl - A Crow Replacer

⭐ ⭐ (211 endorsements) 📥 4,926 downloads 📌 v1.0 📅 10/21/2017
⚪ Last updated 2017

By UniCornflower · Followers and Companions - Creatures

⬇ Download Mod Source: Nexus Mods ↗ 📅 Updated: 12/9/2017 📅 Created: 10/21/2017
⚠️ Install Order · 4 steps
1🛠️ SKSE — Skyrim Script Extender Download ↗
2🔧 USLEEP — Unofficial Skyrim Legendary Edition Patch Download ↗
3🖥️ SkyUI — SkyUI (MCM framework) Download ↗
4📦 Summon Shadow MERCHANT Find it →

Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.

🔍 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

🤖 AI-enhanced — based on mod data

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

Replaces the crow from Summon Shadow MERCHANT with a barn owl named Barney
Cosmetic only, no gameplay changes
Requires the Summon Shadow MERCHANT mod by xdarkness

📊 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
🎯 Is This For You?
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.
📦 Install:Easy· Under 1 minute

💡 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

Download from Nexus.

📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Skyrim LE →

Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.

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