Binghamton Zoo Animals

Barred Owl

(Strix varia)
Order: Strigiformes
Family: Strigidae
Genus: Strix
Species: Strix varia

HABITAT AND RANGE: The barred owl is found from northern Saskatchewan, east to Newfoundland and south to Florida. They are a forest-loving bird and rarely stray too far from woodlands. Forests which border lakes, streams, swamps, marshes and low meadows are ideal habitats for this owl.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: The barred owl is easily recognizable by its distinctly barred plumage, its large rounded head and rather swollen appearance of its neck plumage. Horizontal barring is present on both the throat and upper breast with heavy vertical striping running the length of the abdomen. Typically the barred owl has a gray base with brown bars. Variation on this can be found regionally. Barred owls are among the few owls with dark eyes. The average length is 17-22 inches. Wing span is 40-48 inches and the average weight is 1-2 lbs.

ADAPTATIONS: Although most often nocturnal, the barred owl will also hunt on days which are cloudy or overcast. Like other owls, it has highly developed senses of hearing and vision. The barred owl drinks frequently. Of all the owls of North America, this is the most vocal bird with the widest range of calls. Its like span in captivity can be over 20 years.

DIET: A carnivorous bird, the bulk of the barred owl’s diet is comprised of mice and rats along with other small mammals such as chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, shrews and moles. This makes them important in controlling rodent populations. They will also, on occasion, eat young turtles and tortoises, some lizards and snakes and small species of birds and fish. In zoos, their diet is BOP (Bird of Prey diet), mice and rats.

REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT: The breeding season is in late February to early March. Although the nest is most often the abandoned nest of a red-shouldered hawk or crow, the barred owl shows a preference for nesting in a natural tree hollow. There is only one brood per year. After an incubation of 28 days by the female, 2-3 white eggs are hatched. The owlets are born with their eyes closed and are covered by thick, fluffy white down. By 4-6 weeks, the young birds begin leaving the nest and taking up positions on nearby branches. Flight is attempted between the 12th and 15th week. By the end of the first year, the young have reached full maturity.

STATUS IN WILD: Fairly abundant throughout its range, the barred owl enjoys a healthy existence, relatively free from human intervention. Its close relative, the spotted owl, is listed as an endangered species in the Pacific Northwest, where its habitat (old growth forests) are being cut down.