The Barred owl (Strix varia) is a North American large species of owl. These are large nocturnal birds probably best known for their unique vocalizations that carry well over 0.8 km (0.50 mi). They have typical nesting habits for a true owl and raise a relatively small brood often in a tree hollow or snag in forested areas.
Appearance
Barred owls are brown to gray overall with dark striping on the underside contrasted immediately above that with similarly dark and tight barring about their throat and nape. Their head is fairly large and rounded with no ear tufts. The bill is pale straw-yellow (occasionally showing a mild greenish tint) while the cere is “horn”-colored. Their soulful eyes are blackish-brown in color. Like most birds of prey, females in this species are larger than males.
Distribution
Geography
- Continents : North America
- Countries : Canada, Mexico, United States
- Biogeographical realms : Nearctic
Barred owls are found throughout most of the eastern United States, as well as much of southern Canada and Mexico. They live in old deciduous, mixed forests and, occasionally, coniferous forests. Barred owls can also be found in deep moist forests, semi-open wooded areas, oak savanna or cabbage-palm areas, riparian areas or swampy ground, agricultural fields, wetlands, open terrain, and large parks with old trees.
Habits and Lifestyle
Barred owls are generally solitary and spend time with their family only during the breeding season and raising the young. They are largely nocturnal but may also be active during the day. Barred owls often spend the daytime hidden away in the dense foliage of a tree, often at a minimum of 5 m (16 ft) above the ground, but sometimes also roost in a branch close to a broad trunk or in a natural tree hollow. Recently-fledged owls sometimes roost in tall grass, usually after falling from the nest tree. Barren owls are skilled and silent fliers and frequently use routine forest flyways with open understory and low branch densities. They are highly territorial regardless of the time of year. The territories are claimed by singing from different perches. The boundaries are almost always well-maintained by owls and are generally stable from year to year and even generation to generation. Barred owls are opportunistic predators and usually hunt from a perch. During hunting, they glide briefly from perch to perch until the prey is detected.
