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.
