Barred Owl

About

The Barred Owl is a large, stocky owl native to eastern North America, known for its distinctive 'who cooks for you?' call. It is characterized by its round head, dark eyes, and barred plumage, lacking ear tufts. This species is primarily nocturnal but often active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk.

Size & lifespan

Length

40-63 cm (16-25 in)

Wingspan

99-125 cm (39-49 in)

Weight

500-1070 g (1.1-2.4 lbs)

Lifespan

Up to 10 years in the wild, over 20 years in captivity.

Diet

Carnivore

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adults have mottled brown and white plumage. The underparts are vertically streaked (barred) with brown on a white background, while the upperparts are horizontally barred. The breast is horizontally barred, giving the species its common name. The back and wings are mottled brown and white. There is no significant seasonal change in plumage.

Beak shape

Short, strongly hooked, and dark yellowish to greenish-yellow.

Eye color

Dark brown to black, giving a gentle, soulful appearance, a key distinguishing feature from most other North American owls which have yellow eyes.

Leg color

Feathered to the talons, which are dark.

Distinguishing features

Large, round head without ear tufts; dark brown eyes; distinctive horizontal barring on the breast and vertical streaking on the belly; yellowish beak. The facial disc is prominent and pale with concentric brown rings.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles resemble adults but may have softer, fluffier plumage and less distinct barring. They acquire adult plumage within their first year.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal changes in plumage.

Sexual dimorphism

Females are typically larger and heavier than males, but plumage is identical.

How to identify

1. 1

   Eyes

   Look for large, dark brown to black eyes. This is the most reliable field mark to distinguish it from most other North American owls with yellow eyes.

2. 2

   Head Shape

   Observe the large, round head with no visible ear tufts.

3. 3

   Plumage Pattern

   Note the horizontal barring on the breast and the vertical streaking on the belly. The back and wings are mottled brown and white.

4. 4

   Vocalization

   Listen for the distinctive 'Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?' hooting call. This is often the easiest way to detect their presence.

5. 5

   Habitat

   They are typically found in dense, mature forests, especially near water. If you're in such an environment, keep an eye out.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Temperate forests, boreal forests, swamps, riparian woodlands.

Geographic range

Primarily eastern North America, extending from southeastern Canada south through the eastern United States to Florida and west to Texas. In recent decades, its range has expanded westward into the Pacific Northwest, often displacing Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis).

Elevation range

Sea level up to approximately 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), though most common in lower to mid-elevations.

Preferred environments

Mature, dense forests with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, often near water sources such as rivers, swamps, or lakes. They require large trees for nesting and roosting, and an open understory for hunting.

Behavior

Activity time

Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), but frequently seen and heard during daylight hours.

Feeding habits

Primarily a nocturnal hunter, but often hunts during the day, especially at dawn and dusk, or on cloudy days. They are opportunistic predators, preying on small mammals (voles, mice, squirrels, rabbits), birds (including other owls), amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. They hunt from a perch, swooping down silently to capture prey with their powerful talons.

Social behavior

Generally solitary or found in pairs, especially during the breeding season. They are territorial.

Flight pattern

Silent, buoyant flight with deep, powerful wing beats. They often glide through the forest canopy.

Migration pattern

Mostly resident throughout their range, though some northern populations may make short-distance movements in harsh winters or in response to prey scarcity (irruptions).

Territoriality

Highly territorial, especially around nesting and roosting sites. They defend their territory through vocalizations and occasional aggressive displays.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Typically late winter to early spring (February to April), with eggs laid in March or April.

Nesting habits

They do not build their own nests. They prefer to nest in large tree cavities, broken-off snags, or sometimes in abandoned stick nests of other large birds (e.g., hawks, crows). They often reuse nest sites year after year.

Clutch size

2-4 eggs.

Egg description

2-4 (occasionally 1-5) dull white, rounded eggs, typically laid at intervals of 2-4 days.

Incubation period

28-33 days, primarily by the female.

Fledging period

Young owls fledge (leave the nest) at about 4-5 weeks of age, but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks, often up to 4 months.

Parental care

Both parents care for the young. The female incubates and broods, while the male provides food. After hatching, both parents hunt and feed the owlets.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for Calls. The Barred Owl's distinctive call is often heard at dawn, dusk, or throughout the night. Learning this call is crucial for identification.
2. Look for Roosting Sites. During the day, they often roost quietly in dense foliage close to the trunk of a large tree. Look for whitewash (droppings) or pellets on the ground beneath potential roosts.
3. Scan for Movement. Despite being nocturnal, they are often active during the day. Look for movement in the canopy or listen for alarm calls from smaller birds, which might indicate an owl's presence.
4. Use Playback Sparingly. While playing their call can elicit a response, use it very sparingly and ethically, as it can stress the birds.

Similar species

Quick facts

Call:

'Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?'

Eyes:

Dark brown/black

Ear Tufts:

Absent

Diet:

Small mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles

Habitat:

Dense, mature forests near water

Fun facts

• Barred Owls are one of the few owl species in North America with dark eyes, giving them a 'gentle' appearance compared to the fierce yellow-eyed owls.
• Their westward range expansion is a significant ecological event, leading to competition and hybridization with the federally threatened Spotted Owl.
• They are known to be quite curious and sometimes approach humans, especially if they are mimicking their calls.
• Despite their nocturnal reputation, Barred Owls are frequently seen hunting during daylight hours, particularly on overcast days or in dense, shaded forests.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Strigiformes

Family

Strigidae

Genus

Strix

Species

Strix varia

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