Common name: Barred Owl
Scientific name: Strix strix varia
Identifying characteristics:
One of our largest owls, the Barred Owl may weigh up to 23 ounces and be 24 inches in length. It tends to crouch when perched and so appears neckless and chunky in shape. The head neck and upper breast are broadly crossed with brown to gray-brown bars, separated by somewhat narrower pale buff bars. Feathers of the belly, sides and flanks are buffy white, each with a broad central vertical stripe of dark brown. The tail has spots in addition to the bars. There are no ear tufts, causing the head to appear quite round.
Range:
The range extends through most of North America, excepting the Southwestern states.
Habitat:
The Barred Owl prefers sites near water, riverbanks, swamps, and marshes. The deepest, darkest woods attract him.
Nesting:
This owl often nests in an abandoned Red-shouldered Hawk or Crow nest, or a natural tree hollow. The hollow must be quite deep, and no nesting material is added. It commonly lays two eggs.
Feeding habits:
Birds are a preferred food, from mourning doves to crows. They will also take fish, frogs, and snakes, and though mice and rats make up the main part of the diet.
Conservation status:
Maintaining reasonable numbers.
