The Barred Owl(Strix varia) is classified in the order Strigiformes, and the family Strigidae(true owls). The Barred Owl is one of the most common owls found in North America. Unlike many other species of Owl, Barred Owls are not fully nocturnal(only active at night time); Barred Owls are occasionally active during the daytime, especially early in the morning.
Physical Characteristics
The Barred Owl has large dark brown, almost black eyes. Its whole body is barred with brownish bars. A Barred Owl’s underparts are streaked with vertical brownish bars on a white background. The breast is streaked with horizontal brownish bars. There are white and brown bars on the tail and wings.
| Length | 43-50 cm(1’4.9″-1’7.7″) |
| Wingspan | 99 cm-1.1 m (3’3″-3’7.3″) |
| Weight | 470 gm-1.1 kg(1.03-2.4 lbs) |
Range
Barred Owls are found throughout most of Canada, and much of the eastern half of the United States. The Barred Owl can also be found in these western States; California. Washington, Nevada, Idaho, and Montana.
Habitat
Barred Owls live in mixed forests, often near water.
Breeding
Barred Owls usually nest in tree cavities; the cavities maybe as high as 40 feet above the ground. The cavity is usually 25.4 to 33 cm (10” to 1’0.9”) wide, and 35.6 to 53.3 cm(1’2 to 1’9”) deep. Sometimes Barred Owls will use stick nests made by squirrels or other birds, such as; crows, ravens, and hawks. Barred Owls lay a clutch of 1-5 eggs which are incubated for 28-33 days. The pure white eggs are 4.3-5.6 cm(1.7”-2.2”) long, and 3.8-4.5 cm(1.5”-1.8”) wide. When the chicks hatch they are blind and covered with white down.
Diet
Barred Owls eat small mammals, such as; chipmunks, mice, rabbits, voles, and squirrels. They also eat amphibians, birds, reptiles, invertebrates, and fish.
Predators
The Great Horned Owl(Bubo virginianus) is the main predator of the Barred Owl, it eats Barred Owl eggs, chicks, and occasionally adult Barred Owls. Other owls, hawks, weasels, and raccoons eat Barred Owl chicks and eggs.
Conservation Status
The Barred Owl is listed as least concern. It is estimated that there are 10,000 to 50,000 pairs living in Canada.
Fun Facts
- The Barred Owl makes a call that sounds like “Who cooks for you?”
- One Barred Owl cavity nest was 2.4 m(8 feet) deep.
- Barred Owls can live for up to 24.08 years.
