Barred Owl
January 17, 2010 at 7:47 am jamestownaudubon
Common Name(s): Barred Owl
Latin Name: Strix varia
Size: Barred owls are one of our medium sized owls. They can reach sizes between 17-20 inches tall with a wingspan of 39-43 inches. They generally weigh 17-37 oz.
Habitat: The barred owl is one of our more reclusive owls and prefers deep woods and wetlands. Dense woods near swampy areas are one of their favorite habitats.
Eats: Carnivorous in nature they have a wide variety of foods that they eat including mice, small rodents, crayfish, frogs, toads, fish, and small mammals.
Is Eaten by: At the top of the food chain, this owl has very few predators.
Cool facts:
- The barred owl is known as the “who cooks for you” owl due to its distinctive “who cooks for you, who cooks for you all” hooting. Possibly the most vocal of the owls, they produce hoots, screams and barks. They often sound like monkeys while communicating with each other in the woods.
- Barred owls are most active during the night, but can be seen and heard during the daylight hours on occasion.
- Barred owls prefer nesting in the cavity of large trees, but will use a cup nest if necessary.
- Some barred owls have pink plumage on their breast which is believed to be caused by a diet of crayfish.
- Owls can turn their heads about 270 degrees in either direction due to the 14 vertebrae in their necks. This is necessary due to the fact that their eyes are cone shaped to let more light in and are stationary in their heads.
- An owls hearing is exceptional and is a primary hunting tool. One ear is lower on the head than the other to allow for triangulation, which allows the owl to pinpoint their prey more efficiently.
Tips for Walk Leaders:
- Barred owls are common at the Beaver Pond at Beaver Meadow Nature Center. They can be called in during the early evening hours.
- Watch for barred owls “bathing” and fishing along the edge of the wetlands.
Photo Credits:
- Barred Owl – by Jeremy Martin
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Posted by: Paul Fehringer
Entry filed under: Birds. Tags: .
