Barred Owl

Overview

The barred owl (Strix varia) is a large species of true owl native to eastern North America, though it has expanded its range to the western coast where it is considered an invasive species. It is characterised by its subdued coloration and powerful vocalisations, often referred to colloquially as the eight-hooter.

Identification

• Brown to grey overall plumage with white barring on the mantle and back, and horizontal crescent-shaped barring on the chest transitioning to vertical streaking on the belly.
• Large, rounded head with no ear tufts and a pale greyish-brown facial disc featuring subtle concentric lines.
• Pale straw-yellow bill with a horn-colored cere and intensely dark brown eyes that appear black in the field.
• Distinctive call described as a series of eight accented hoots, often remembered as "Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all."

Habitat

Barred owls prefer mature forests but can acclimatise to various gradients of open woodlands. Their native range covers most of the eastern United States and southern Canada, extending discontinuously into parts of Mexico, while their invasive range now reaches the west coast of North America.

Diet

Their diet consists mainly of small mammals, but they are opportunistic predators known to prey on other small vertebrates such as birds, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as invertebrates. They typically hunt from a perch, utilizing brief flights to capture food.

Did you know?

As a result of its westward expansion, the barred owl has begun to encroach on the range of the threatened spotted owl, leading biologists to recommend culling operations to mitigate the negative effects on the native species.