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Birds Barred Owl,  The Barred Owl, Strix varia, is a large owl of extensive woodlands and is a common year-round resident throughout Vermont. Range In North America, it is a widespread resident east of the Great Plains from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and Florida. It also ranges from southeastern Alaska southward to northern California and Idaho and across central Canada. Recently, it has expanded its range westward and, where its new range overlaps with its close relative, the Northern Spotted Owl, hybridization has occurred. A few isolated populations occur in southern Mexico. Physical Description Barred Owls are 17 – 20 inches long with a wingspan that measures from 39 – 43 inches and weigh 14 – 37 ounces. They have a large round head lacking ear tufts and have dark brown eyes. The colors of a Barred Owl include several shades of brown, gray, tan and pale yellow. This owl takes its name from the horizontal banding, called barring, of the ruff of feathers on the neck and upper breast. Below the ruff, the front is broadly streaked vertically. The back is brown dotted with rows of white spots. The facial disk is strongly outlined in dark gray. The beak is a bone yellow color and the scales of the feet are golden tan. Males and females are similar in plumage. The overall appearance is a large owl that blends well into its habitat. Habitat & Food Barred Owls prefer woodlands that contain large trees with cavities for nesting and open areas with wetlands or riparian areas for hunting. Adults pair for life and will nest in a cavity of a large tree, typically elm, beech or maple; occasionally, they will use an abandoned crow or hawk nest. They exhibit territory and nest site tenacity and will reuse the same nest as long as it serviceable. In Winter, males range further from a territory while females stay closer to home and defend the territory. Barred Owls are generalists in their choice of prey and feed on small mammals, including mice, voles and squirrels, as well as reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. They are nocturnal to semi-nocturnal and will often drop down from a branch to pounce on prey. This technique allows them to hunt in fairly dense cover. Reproduction Barred Owls in Vermont begin their breeding season in late February or March. Their loud, rhythmic calling announces the onset of nesting and may be heard throughout the breeding season and well into the summer months. Their hooting has been described as: “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” Males and females will often call in duets. The female’s call ends in a vibrant drawn-out tremolo; the male’s call is lower in pitch and ends abruptly.  Nestlings The female lays 2 to 3 pure white eggs and incubation, which begins as soon as the first egg is laid, lasts for 28 - 33 days. Nestlings, covered in white down, open their eyes at about 1 week and are brooded continuously for three weeks. At 4 – 5 weeks of age, their natal down has given way to soft brown, gray and tan and they start to look like an owl. At this age, they will walk out of the nest onto nearby branches and beg loudly for food through beak clapping, hissing and screeching. They fledge at 6 weeks and continue to receive food from their parents up to 4 months of age.
- Deborah Benjamin  Habitat: Barred Owls prefer woodlands that contain large trees with cavities for nesting and open areas with wetlands or riparian areas for hunting. Wildlife Observation Tips:
Listen for their distinctive hooting which has been described as: “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” Males and females will often call in duets.
 Recommended Reading
Birdwatching in Vermont by Ted Murin and Bryan Pfeiffer. Publisher: University of New England Press, 2002. The Sibley Guide to Birds by David Allen Sibley. Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf, 2000. The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior by David Allen Sibley. Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf, 2001. The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Vermont edited by Sarah B. Laughlin and Douglas P. Kibbe. Publisher: Vermont Institute of Natural Science with University Press of New England, 1985. Birds of the Northeast by Winston Williams. Publisher: World Publications, 1989. This page was last updated on April 17, 2006 |
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