Barred Owl

Barred Owl

Strix varia
(Strigidae)

Click on each photo thumbnail to enlarge.

21 inches long. The Barred Owl is a rather large owl with dark eyes and a yellow bill. The back is brown and mottled with pale spots and dark bars. The underparts are pale with long brown streaks. The chest is pale with brown barring. The face is pale with dark concentric rings surrounding the eye. There are no ear tufts.

 

The Barred Owl is an uncommon permanent breeding resident.

 

The Barred Owl is a resident of deep forests, including swamps, riparian, and upland habitats. Its range has expanded over the years. The Barred Owl has a notable vocal repertoire. In addition to its distinctive 8-note hooting call (often rendered as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all”), this owl makes a loud series of vocalizations during courtship that sound like laughter.

 

Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Phil Swanson.