Strix varia
The madhouse chorus of courting Barred Owls is one of the most memorable sounds of North American forests. The escalating laughs, hoots and howls reinforce the bond between a pair. Bold birdwatchers can join in the frenzied activity by imitating the courtship calls. But take care-your voice will be perceived as a threat and might provoke a spirited attack from these easily stressed and highly territorial owls. The Barred Owl is very adaptable, and it has been less affected by the loss of old-growth forests than some other species; it has expanded its range westward and northward in North America. This owl has relatively weak talons; it mainly preys on smaller animals. |
I.D.: Sexes similar: dark eyes; horizontal streaking around the neck and upper breast; vertical streaking on the belly; light bill; no ear tufts; dark gray-brown, mottled plumage. Size: L 17-24 in.(43-61 cm); W 40-50 in. (102-127 cm); female is slightly larger. Range: uncommon year-round resident in the Canadian and northern U.S. Rockies. Habitat: mature coniferous and mixedwood forests, often along riparian regions, up to the montane. Nesting: typically in the boreal forest and eastern hardwood forests; in natural tree cavities, broken-off treetops or the abandoned stick nests of other birds; adds very little to the nest; female incubates 2 or 3 eggs for up to 33 days. Feeding: nocturnal; swoops from a perch to pounce on its prey; mainly eats mice, voles and squirrels; also eats amphibians and smaller birds. Voice: most characteristic of all the owls; loud, hooting, rhythmic, laughing call, heard mostly in spring, but also throughout the year: Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all? Similar Species: Great Gray Owl and Northern Hawk Owl: light-colored eyes; heavy vertical barring on the underparts. Great Horned Owl : ear tufts; light-colored eyes. |
