Owls
Strix varia
The Barred Owl is a large, round-headed owl known for its distinctive hooting call. Its plumage features a striking pattern of brown and white, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its forested surroundings. This species is a prominent nocturnal predator, though it can also be active during the day.
Typical adult measurements.
Individuals and populations vary.
01 / The telltale details
Start with shape and behavior. Then look for the smaller details.
Mottled brown and white feathers with horizontal barring on the upper breast and vertical streaking on the belly.
Large and rounded with no ear tufts. The facial disc is pale gray to white, outlined by dark brown.
Dark brown eyes, appearing black in the field, and a yellow beak.
A relatively large, stocky owl; females are typically larger than males.
02 / A place in the world
Barred Owls prefer dense, mature forests, including deciduous, coniferous, and mixed woodlands. They are often found near water sources like swamps, river bottoms, and wooded wetlands, which provide essential nesting cavities and diverse prey.
Primarily found throughout eastern North America, extending across southern Canada. Its range has expanded westward into the Pacific Northwest, including British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and northern California, where it is considered an invasive species.
Barred Owls are largely non-migratory, typically remaining in their home territories year-round. While generally sedentary, individuals may occasionally wander from their nesting areas during winter.
03 / Listen a little closer
The most recognizable call is a rhythmic series of hoots, often described as a two-phrase hoot. They also produce barks, gurgles, and caterwauling sounds, particularly during mating season.
04 / The life behind the feathers
Their diet is diverse, consisting mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, squirrels, and rabbits. They also prey on birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and aquatic creatures like crayfish and fish.
These owls primarily hunt from a perch, using their keen vision and hearing to detect prey. They swoop down silently to capture prey with their talons and typically swallow it whole. Larger prey may be carried to a roosting branch to be consumed.
Barred Owls typically nest in large natural tree cavities, broken-off snags, or sometimes in abandoned nests of other large birds like hawks or crows. The female incubates 2-3 white eggs for 28-33 days, with the male providing food.
Mostly nocturnal, Barred Owls can also be active during twilight and occasionally in daylight. They are territorial and often communicate through vocalizations, especially during courtship. Mated pairs may engage in duets.
One more reason to pay attention
Harriet Tubman, the abolitionist, reportedly used the Barred Owl's hoot as a signal on the Underground Railroad.
Young Barred Owls can climb trees by grasping the bark with their bill and talons, flapping their wings, and walking up the trunk.
The oldest recorded Barred Owl lived to be at least 26 years and 7 months old.
05 / An eye for the difference
AI-assisted species research. Prepared September 2026. Details can vary across regions and populations.
