Barred Owl
Strix varia
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Barred Owl is a large, stocky owl with a rounded head and no ear tufts. Its plumage is a mottled brown and white, with distinctive horizontal barring on the chest and vertical streaks on the belly. The facial disc is pale with dark concentric rings around large, dark eyes, and it has a short, hooked yellow bill.
Both sexes are similar in appearance, though females are typically slightly larger. Juveniles resemble adults but may have a more fluffy appearance and less distinct barring.
Size
Length
43cm to 50cm
Wingspan
99cm to 110cm
Weight
470g to 1.05kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown White
Secondary Colour
Grey
Beak Colour
Yellow
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Barred Owls are primarily found in mature, mixed deciduous-coniferous forests across eastern North America, extending into the Pacific Northwest. They prefer areas with large trees and nearby water sources, including swamps and riparian zones.
In recent decades, Barred Owls have expanded their range westward, now found from southeast Alaska to northern California. They are year-round residents throughout their range, with some individuals showing limited seasonal movements in search of food.
Elevation Range
1,300 to 3,100 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Barred Owl. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Barred Owl demonstrates remarkable agility, with its ability to navigate dense forests and execute precise hunting manoeuvres. Their capacity to turn their heads up to 270 degrees and pinpoint prey locations with asymmetrical ears contributes to their high agility rating.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a large owl species capable of taking down a variety of prey, including rabbits and other substantial animals, the Barred Owl possesses considerable strength. Their stocky build and powerful talons support this rating, though they're not the strongest among raptors.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Barred Owls show exceptional adaptability, having successfully expanded their range into new territories and habitats. Their diverse diet and ability to thrive in various forest types, from 1300 to 2000 metres elevation, including suburban areas, demonstrates their highly adaptive nature.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While generally not overly aggressive towards humans, Barred Owls display territorial behaviour, particularly during breeding season. They engage in elaborate duet calling and will defend their territory against intruders. However, they're not known for extreme aggression compared to some raptor species.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Barred Owls exhibit good endurance as year-round residents in their habitats, capable of withstanding various climate conditions. Their ability to hunt throughout the night and sometimes during the day, especially when feeding young, indicates solid stamina. However, as sit-and-wait predators, they don't engage in prolonged physical activities like some migratory species.
Diet
Barred Owls are opportunistic predators with a diverse diet. They primarily feed on small mammals such as mice, voles, and rabbits but also consume birds, amphibians, reptiles, and even fish, crayfish and crabs, which they're regularly spotted dipping into rivers for.
Their ability to hunt a variety of prey contributes to their adaptability across different habitats. Mammals comprise around 76 percent of their diet, followed by invertebrates and birds.
Behaviour
Barred Owls are primarily nocturnal but may also be active during daylight hours, especially when feeding young. They are skilled hunters, employing a sit-and-wait strategy from perches before swooping down on prey.
These owls are generally monogamous and highly territorial, often engaging in elaborate duet-calling with their mates.
Vocalisation
The Barred Owl's call is one of the most distinctive among North American owls. Their classic 'who-cooks-for-you, who-cooks-for-you-all' hooting is deep and resonant.
During courtship or territorial disputes, they produce an impressive array of cackles, hoots, and gurgles, sometimes described as sounding like maniacal laughter.
Nesting & Breeding
Barred Owls typically form monogamous pairs and begin breeding between late winter and early spring. Courtship involves mutual calling, with pairs often engaging in elaborate duets.
These owls nest in tree cavities, often using abandoned hawk or squirrel nests. They may also use nest boxes where available. The female typically lays 2-3 white, nearly spherical eggs.
Incubation lasts about 28-33 days, primarily done by the female while the male provides food. Nestlings fledge at about 4-5 weeks but remain dependent on their parents for several months.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Barred Owl is listed as Least Concern due to its large range and increasing population, it faces threats from habitat loss and fragmentation.
In the Pacific Northwest, its expansion has raised concerns about competition with the endangered Northern Spotted Owl, leading to complex conservation challenges.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive 'who-cooks-for-you' call, especially at dusk and dawn
- Look for them perched on large branches in mature forests
- Check near water sources in wooded areas, as they often hunt near streams or swamps
- In the US, they're increasingly common in suburban areas with large trees
- Use owl calls cautiously to avoid disturbing nesting pairs
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Did You Know?
- Barred Owls have asymmetrical ear openings, which helps them pinpoint the location of sounds with remarkable accuracy.
- They are among the few owl species with dark eyes; most owls have yellow eyes.
- Barred Owls can turn their heads up to 270 degrees to look behind them without moving their bodies.
FAQs
Why do Barred Owls scream at night?
The blood-curdling screams of barred owls can be quite disconcerting to hear, although are generally nothing to worry about. Screeching is used by this species to defend a territory and to deter intruders from hunting on ‘their’ particular patch.
What attracts Barred Owls?
Barred owls will readily nest in nest boxes, so if your yard has tall trees and is near to a forest landscape crossed by a river, it might be worth putting one up to see if it tempts a pair to move in. Quiet, spacious yards without excessive human activity are ideal, as they allow the owls to nest undisturbed.
Can a Barred Owl pick up a small dog?
Barred owls are certainly strong enough to carry off a small dog, using their sharp talons to grip and lift it off the ground. Rabbits and similar-sized wild mammals are a regular part of their diet. However, owl attacks on dogs are rare, and most reports are anecdotal.
What time are Barred Owls most active?
A typically nocturnal species, barred owls feed at sunset and sunrise, and will continue to hunt in between, during hours of darkness. Occasionally, during the nesting season in particular, they may hunt in daylight when additional prey may be needed to feed nestlings.
Do barred owls like humans?
Barred owls are usually fairly quick to flush from their nesting or roosting spots if humans approach too quickly and they appear to be intolerant of close contact with people.
Reports of barred owls dive-bombing humans during the nesting season occasionally appear in the media, and it’s wise to be extra cautious if you cross paths with a breeding barred owl at this time of year in particular.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Strix varia. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22689094A93217844.
View source - 2
website: Partners in Flight
View source - 4
journalArticle, 2018: Orfinger et al., Longevity of the Barred Owl (Strix varia Barton, 1799) from captivity, The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, 130:1009-1010
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