Barred Owl
ExploreBird
Barred Owl
Strix varia
The Barred Owl is a friendly-looking bird with dark eyes and striped feathers! It loves to live in wooded areas where it can find plenty of food.
Habitat: Forests and swamps
Appearance
The Barred Owl is a large, stocky owl with a round head and striking dark brown eyes. Its chest is horizontally barred with brown and white, while its belly shows vertical streaking, a unique pattern that helps identify it from similar owls.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderStrigiformesFamilyStrigidaeGenusStrix
Category
BirdRarity
Common
Danger
2/5
Snaps
84
Interesting facts
Barred Owls do not have 'ear tufts' like some other owls, giving them a rounder head.
Sometimes Barred Owls hunt during the day, especially on cloudy days or when very hungry.
Their famous call sounds like "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?".
They often steal old nests from hawks or crows instead of building their own homes.
Special abilities
Ability
Silent Hunter
Barred Owl has special soft wing feathers that help them fly silently, making surprise attacks on prey.
Ability
Head Swivel Master
Barred Owl can turn its head almost 270 degrees to spot prey from all angles without moving its body.
Ability
Super Hearing
Barred Owl has asymmetrical ear openings that help them pinpoint exact sounds of prey, even in darkness.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 40-63 cm
- Wingspan
- 99-125 cm
- Weight
- 0.5-1 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-23 years
- Top Speed
- 64 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-4
- Incubation
- 28-33 days
Diet & Feeding
Barred Owls are skilled hunters that mostly eat small mammals, birds, and even fish!
Primary Foods
- Voles
- Mice
- Shrews
- Squirrels
- Small Birds
- Frogs
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
Larger owls sometimes prey on Barred Owls.
hunts
Meadow Vole
Microtus pennsylvanicus
A primary food source for Barred Owls in many habitats.
depends on
American Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Often uses abandoned nests of crows for its own breeding.
Traits
Wildlife
Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!
Feathered
These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.
Forest
These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.
Carnivorous
Discover fierce hunters and clever predators that get all their energy from eating other animals. They play a vital role in keeping nature's balance.
Nocturnal
Explore the secret world of animals that come alive at night! They are wide awake when it's dark, using their amazing senses to find food and play.
Also known as
Hoot OwlStrix Owl
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5
Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Barred Owl?
40-63 cm
What is Barred Owl's wingspan?
99-125 cm
How much does Barred Owl weigh?
0.5-1 kg
How long does Barred Owl live?
10-23 years
How fast can Barred Owl move?
64 km/h
What does Barred Owl eat?
Barred Owls are skilled hunters that mostly eat small mammals, birds, and even fish!
Where is Barred Owl usually found?
Forests and swamps
How does Barred Owl hunt?
Ambush
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
Zoo29 sightings22 species
Tennessee, US
Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park
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Michigan, US
John Ball Zoo
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Aquarium30 sightings22 species
Nebraska, US
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
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Park30 sightings21 species
Massachusetts, US
Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens
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Park27 sightings18 species
New Hampshire, US
Derryfield Park
You might spot Red-Tailed Hawk, Northern Cardinal, and Chipping Sparrow.
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Zoo20 sightings17 species
Louisiana, US
Audubon Zoo
You might spot Lion, Giraffe, and Equus Africanus Asinus.
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