The Barred Owl (Strix varia) is a medium-sized owl native to North America. It gets its name from the horizontal brown and white barring pattern on its chest and belly. Barred Owls are year-round residents across much of the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. They inhabit dense woods and swampy areas, where they nest in tree cavities or old nests built by other birds.
Barred Owls are nocturnal and usually quite elusive. But with some luck and persistence, it is possible for birders to catch a glimpse of these handsome owls in the wild. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Barred Owl and offer tips on the best places and times to spot one. We’ll also examine whether Barred Owl sightings are common occurrences for birdwatchers.
Basic Facts About the Barred Owl
Here are some key facts about the natural history of the Barred Owl:
– Range: Resident across eastern North America from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. Also found in isolated populations along the west coast.
– Habitat: Mature deciduous and mixed forests, often near water. Require dense cover.
– Size: Medium-sized owl, 16-25 inches long with 40-50 inch wingspan. Males average 16 ounces, females 21 ounces.
– Identifying Marks: Streaked and barred brown and white plumage. Dark eyes. No ear tufts.
– Diet: Diverse – mainly small mammals but also birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish.
– Nocturnal and secretive.
– Nest in natural tree cavities or old nests of other birds.
– Lay 2-4 eggs from March-May, incubated for 28-33 days.
– Long-lived, may survive 10-12 years or more in wild.
Range and Habitat
The Barred Owl is found across eastern North America, from southeastern Canada down through the eastern and central United States to Texas and the Gulf Coast. Isolated populations also occur along the west coast from southern British Columbia to northern California.
Within their range, Barred Owls occupy mature forests with dense canopy cover. Their preferred habitats include swampy woodlands, bottomland hardwood forests, wooded swamps and bogs. Proximity to water is often a habitat requirement, as these owls frequently hunt along forested river and lake shores.
In the western U.S., Barred Owls occur in similar habitat types – dense, mature mixed forests and wooded wetlands. Redwood forests along the northern California coast comprise the main stronghold for the species in the west.
The range and habitat preferences of Barred Owls mean the species may be more likely encountered by birders exploring locations like wooded wetlands, river floodplains, swampy backwaters and mature lowland forests across eastern North America.
When and Where to Spot a Barred Owl
So when and where are birders most likely to catch a glimpse of a Barred Owl? Here are some tips:
– Time of Day: Barred Owls are nocturnal, so they are most active at night. However, it is possible to find them roosting in dense cover during daylight hours. Focus your efforts in the early morning or late afternoon.
– Time of Year: You may have luck spotting Barred Owls year-round, but late winter and early spring are prime times. Owls are calling more frequently as they establish territories and search for mates during breeding season.
– Prime Locations: Check forested wetlands, mature riverbottom forests and wooded swamps. Proximity to water helps. Also try wooded parks and nature preserves.
– Search Cavities: Scan large tree cavities and old squirrel nests for roosting owls. Check both live trees and snags.
– Stop and Listen: Barred Owls have a distinctive, raspy two-part hoot. If you hear one calling, try to draw it out by playing a recording of its vocalizations.
– stealth: Walk quietly and carefully in potential owl habitats. Stop frequently to watch and listen for any movement or sounds.
– Dawn/Dusk: Be still and watch canopy openings at dawn or dusk. You may catch a Barred Owl flying out of or into a roost site.
– Owling Tours: Join an organized owl prowl for the best chance of finding Barred and other owl species.
Distinguishing the Barred Owl
If you spot a potential Barred Owl, how can you confirm the identification? Look for these distinctive features:
– Medium Size: About 17-25 inches long. Compact, round-headed profile.
– Barred Plumage: Brown and white barred pattern on chest and belly. Streaked brown and white on wings and back.
– Dark Eyes: Blackish eyes lack feather tufts. Round facial disk.
– Habitat: Found in dense, mature woodlands and swamps.
– Nocturnal: Rests during day, more active at night.
– Vocalizations: Classic two-part hoots – “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for all?”
– Perches Low: Typically perches only 6-20 feet above ground.
– Flight: Short, rounded wings for maneuvering through dense cover.
The Barred Owl’s size, plumage pattern, dark eyes and low perching habits help distinguish it from other owl species like Great Horned, Spotted, and Screech Owls. Taking note of multiple characteristics will ensure a proper identification.
Barred Owl Diet and Hunting
Barred Owls are opportunistic predators that consume a wide variety of prey. Small mammals comprise the majority of their diet. Voles, mice, rats, chipmunks, squirrels, moles and rabbits are all eaten. Birds are also taken frequently, including woodpeckers, grouse, jays and smaller songbirds. Other prey includes reptiles like snakes and lizards, amphibians like frogs and salamanders, fish, crayfish and large insects.
Barred Owls hunt mainly at night by perching on a low branch and waiting for prey to come within striking distance. With their excellent hearing, they can also snatch unseen prey on the forest floor by sound alone. Some hunting occurs by quartering through the woods in search of prey. Less often, these owls will wade into shallow water to catch fish and crayfish.
The willingness of Barred Owls to tackle a wide range of prey helps ensure they find sufficient food in a variety of habitat types across their range. It also means any small animal moving about at night is potential quarry for these formidable nocturnal predators.
Breeding and Nesting
The breeding season for Barred Owls aligns with late winter and early spring. As this time approaches, the birds become more vocal and territorial as pairs form bonds and select nest sites.
Barred Owls show strong site fidelity, often re-using the same nest site year after year. They nest in natural tree cavities or old nests built by crows, squirrels, hawks or herons. Tree hollows at heights of 10-40 feet are preferred. Nest trees have an average diameter of about 24 inches.
Females lay 2-4 eggs that are incubated for 28-33 days before hatching. Hatchlings are covered in white down. They develop quickly but remain in the nest for 4-5 weeks, fledging at around 35-42 days old. Young owls are tended by the parents for several months after leaving the nest.
Barred Owl pairs may skip breeding in years when prey is scarce. When food is plentiful, they can successfully raise two broods in a season. Lifespan in the wild may extend to 10-12 years. The oldest known wild Barred Owl was over 23 years old.
Threats and Conservation Status
Overall, the Barred Owl has a widespread and stable population not considered under threat. Its adaptability to a variety of habitat types works in its favor. However, the species does face some localized threats:
– Habitat loss from development pressure on lowland forests.
– Vehicle collisions on roads near prime owl habitats.
– Displacement by range-expanding Barred Owls in western North America.
– Pesticide concentrations in birds found near agricultural areas.
– Climate change effects on prey populations in isolated wetland habitats.
– Competition with invasive Great Horned Owls in some regions.
– West Nile Virus – Barred Owls are susceptible but impacts are unknown.
Despite these issues, the Barred Owl remains common across its range and rated Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Maintaining intact, mature forests with wetland elements will help provide ongoing habitat for Barred Owl populations.
Interactions with Humans
The nocturnal habits and camouflaged appearance of Barred Owls make them a mysterious presence in their forest environments. Hearing the caterwauling hoots of a Barred Owl is often people’s only encounter with the species.
But Barred Owls will sometimes approach close to human activities. Their attraction to backyard feeders and ability to adapt to developed areas means they occasionally turn up in unexpected urban and suburban locations.
Forested parks, greenbelts and golf courses within cities can all provide habitat for Barred Owls. Birders in Portland, Seattle, Vancouver and other northwest cities frequently report Barred Owl sightings and vocalizations within city limits.
When close to humans, Barred Owls exhibit their patient, watchful nature. They seem more curious than threatened by people. If approached respectfully, wild Barred Owls may provide memorable up-close experiences.
Significance to Ecosystems and Humans
As predators near the top of food chains in eastern forests, Barred Owls help regulate populations of small mammals and birds. Declines in Barred Owl numbers can cause prey species to increase dramatically, which then cascades through the ecosystem.
Barred Owls may also benefit humans by helping control agricultural pests like rodents and rabbits. However, they can come into conflict with humans when taking domestic prey or poultry.
For nature enthusiasts, the Barred Owl is a much-beloved forest bird. Its vocalizations are a classic campground sound that adds atmosphere to nights in the woods. Sighting a Barred Owl up-close is a thrilling experience birdwatchers long remember.
By serving as an ambassador to its habitat, the handsome and vocal Barred Owl helps connect people to eastern wetland forests. Its presence is a reminder that wilderness still exists close to home for many North Americans. Protecting the habitat needs of this charismatic species goes hand-in-hand with preserving eastern forests.
Fun Facts
Here are a few more interesting tidbits about the unique Barred Owl:
– The Barred Owl’s hooting call has been memorably translated as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for all?”
– Barred Owls don’t actually “hoot.” Their vocalizations are properly called hoots, cackles, gurgles, caws, and screams.
– These owls get their name from the transverse brown and white striping on their necks and bellies. The barring provides camouflage.
– Barred Owls have specialized feather adaptations for silent flight. This allows them to ambush prey undetected.
– Their short, rounded wings provide maneuverability in dense forests. In more open areas, their flight pattern has been described as “labored.”
– Barred Owls are one of the few owl species where the female is noticeably larger than the male.
– Lifespans in the wild may reach 10-12 years. The oldest known wild Barred Owl was over 23 years old.
– Clutches contain 2-4 eggs. Parents may skip breeding in years when prey is scarce.
– Barred Owls exhibit high site fidelity, often re-using the same nest cavities year after year.
Comparison to Spotted Owls
On the west coast, Barred Owls overlap in range with the similar-looking Spotted Owl. Spotted Owls are smaller and brown overall with white spotting. They rely more on old-growth forest. While Barred Owls are adapting well to mixed forests and human disturbance, Spotted Owls need mature, intact habitat.
As Barred Owls moved into the range of Spotted Owls, they have started displacing and hybridizing with their smaller cousins. Spotted Owl numbers are declining sharply in some areas. Research continues into finding the best balance between managing both species.
Where they co-occur, differences in size, plumage, habitat, and voice can help distinguish Spotted and Barred Owls:
| Trait | Barred Owl | Spotted Owl |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 17-25 inches | 15-19 inches |
| Plumage | Brown & white bars | Mottled brown spots |
| Habitat | Mixed forests | Old-growth only |
| Voice | Hooting | Barking |
Conclusion
The Barred Owl holds a special place in the forests of eastern North America. As a dominant nocturnal predator, it helps structure forest food webs. Its signature hooting also forms the soundtrack to many wilderness areas. For nature lovers, hearing or sighting one of these handsome owls is a memorable highlight.
Barred Owls occupy a variety of habitats across their range. By exploring river valleys, swamps, and mature woodlands, birders have a good chance of encountering wild Barred Owls over the course of hikes and outings. Their vocalizations also increase around breeding season, making early spring a prime time for detection.
While the Barred Owl remains common, threats like habitat loss and competition with invasive species impact local populations. Preserving intact, mature forests with wetland elements can help provide refuges. Maintaining some wilderness character in developed areas may also allow Barred Owls to adapt successfully to human changes to the landscape.
With its mossy gray-brown plumage and patient manner, the Barred Owl perfectly embodies the tranquil wilderness of which it is part. This niche may help explain why so many nature lovers prize experiences with the species. Achieving your own sighting of a Barred Owl is a pursuit sure to persist through generations of future birders and outdoor enthusiasts.
