Genus: Strix varia
Nicknames: Hoot Owl, Northern Barred Owl, Swamp Owl, Striped Owl, Eight Hooter, Bard Owl
Length: 17-24 inches
Weight: Average Male 617 g, Average Female 779 g
Average Wing Length: 50-55-inch
Appearance: The Barred Owl sports a gray-brown plumage with white horizontal lines across its chest and belly. Their white and brown facial disk is rimmed with dark brown, with dark brown eyes and a yellow beak. Uncommon to most owls, Barred Owls have a long tail. Their feathers have no difference between female and male.
Habitat: Barred Owls prefer to build its nests in moisture rich habitats. This includes wet forests, wooded swamps and woodlands near bodies of water. These particular expectations are mostly located in North America; spanning from as south as Florida to as north as Southern Canada. The expansion of these species are a concern in Western North America, which are primarily a habitat for the endangered Spotted Owl. Depending on food availability, this species may be forced out of the north.
Diet: Barred Owls will eat most small mammals, birds, amphibians and insects. The common catches are voles, rats, mice and hares but they also accept small birds and water dwelling animals for prey.
Speak Your Mind