Strix varia

Description

The barred owl is a large owl with gray-brown back, wings, and tail. Its front is light with brown streaking and it has big brown eyes, a yellow bill, and yellow feet with large black talons. The barred owl has light spots on its back and the undersides of its wings are pale.

Voice

The barred owls call is "hoohoo hoohoo hoohoo hoohooaw." It sounds like the owl is asking, "Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all."

Breeding

March to July

Habitat

These birds live in most forests, but they especially like wooded swamps.

Diet

Barred owls eat small mammals (especially mice), frogs, birds, and insects.

Range

You will find the barred owl year-round in Canada and the eastern United States.

Other Useful Information

Like other owls, the barred owl is nocturnal. This means that it is most active at night.

Similar Species

While other owls are similar to the barred owl, only the barn owl has the barred owl's brown eyes. However, the barn owl is light in color and has a large, white, heart-shaped face and a light-colored bill. Also, the barn owl does not live in VT and NH.