Barred Owl: Everything You Need To Know With Male Vs. Female Comparison

Deep in the forest, where leaves rustle and the night is full of secrets, there’s a beautiful and mysterious bird called the Barred Owl. When the moonlight shines on the woods, this Owl makes enchanting hooting sounds that pique our curiosity. It’s a creature that we don’t always see clearly, leaving a lasting impression in our imagination.

Today’s article is a journey to a place where silence and eerie calls blend in the ancient trees. However, don’t hesitate and come along with me to discover the secrets of this captivating bird of the night, a silent watchful presence, and a symbol of the wild and unknown.

So, grab your night-vision goggles, because we’re about to embark on a moonlit journey into the mysterious world of the Barred Owl.

Barred Owl: ID And Appearance

Source: @adamrobphoto

• Scientific Name: Strix varia
• Size: 40 to 63 cm (16 to 25 in)
• Average Weight: 450 to 1050 g (1 to 2.3 lbs)
• Wingspan: 96 to 125 cm (38 to 49 in)
• Tail: 15 to 18 cm (6 to 7 in)
• Tarsus: 4 to 4.5 cm (1.5 to 1.8 in)
• Status: Least Concern

Barred Owls exhibit a camouflaged coloration that allows them to blend seamlessly with their forested habitat. However, allow me to explain in-depth so you can detect them without a hassle.

• Shape: The Barred Owl has a compact and robust overall shape. It has a large head and the body is stout and well-insulated. The tail of a Barred Owl is relatively short and rounded at the tip. It doesn’t extend far beyond the body, contributing to the Owl’s overall compact and stocky appearance.
• Coloration: Its plumage is mostly brown with white barring. The horizontal white barring, especially prominent on the chest and belly, creates a striped pattern that helps break up the Owl’s outline and further aids in camouflage.
• Facial Disc: Like all Owls, Barred Owls have a facial disc, which is a round arrangement of feathers around their face.
• Beak: The Barred Owl possesses a short, stout, and slightly curved beak that is well-suited for its predatory lifestyle. It is a dark, horn-colored structure that contrasts with the lighter feathers on its face.
• Eyes: Barred Owls have dark brown, forward-facing eyes that give them a somewhat stern or intense expression.
• Wings: They have broad wings that are adapted for silent flight. Their wing feathers are a mottled combination of brown and white.
• Legs and Feet: The legs of a Barred Owl are covered in feathering that extends down to their taloned feet, and their feet are equipped with sharp, curved talons.

Male Vs. Female Barred Owl Comparison

In Barred Owls, there are generally limited external differences in appearance between males and females. However, there are subtle differences that can sometimes be observed, especially through their behavior.

Size

Female Barred Owls are often slightly larger and heavier than males. This size difference is not always easily discernible in the field, but if you were to compare a male and female side by side, you might notice that the female is somewhat larger.

Voice

While not an external difference, one of the most reliable ways to distinguish between male and female Barred Owls is by their vocalizations. Females tend to have slightly lower-pitched and more resonant hoots compared to the higher-pitched hoots of males. So, listening to their calls can provide clues about their sex, especially during the breeding season.

Behavior

In some cases, the behavior of individuals provides hints about their sex. During the breeding season, females are more sedentary and focused on nesting duties, while males stay more active in hunting and providing food for the female and young. However, these behavioral differences are not always easy to observe in the wild.

Here’s a quick and concise chart outlining the subtle comparisons that can sometimes be observed.

Range

Source: @jtw86

The Barred Owl is native to North America and has a relatively wide range that covers various parts of the continent.

• United States: Barred Owls are found throughout the eastern United States, from the eastern Great Plains to the Atlantic Coast. Their range extends into the southeastern United States, including states like Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Barred Owls are also present in parts of the Midwest, such as Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.
• Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada: They can be found in the forests of the northeastern United States, including states like Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and Pennsylvania. Additionally, they extend into eastern Canada, particularly in provinces like Ontario and Quebec.
• Pacific Northwest: They are also found in the Pacific Northwest region, including states like Washington, Oregon, and parts of northern California.

Habitat

Source: @myinnerwild

Barred Owls are adaptable birds of prey with a habitat preference for mature forests, particularly those that have a mix of hardwood and coniferous trees. Let’s take a look at some of their preferred places to stay.

• Mixed Woodlands: They are often found in mixed woodlands, which offer a variety of tree species and ages. This diversity of trees provides suitable nesting sites and a range of potential prey species. They can be found in deciduous forests, coniferous forests, or areas where these types of trees mix.
• Old-Growth Forests: While they can live in a variety of forest types, they tend to thrive in old-growth forests with large, mature trees. These forests provide ample nesting sites and a stable environment.
• Wetlands and Swamps: Barred Owls also inhabit areas near wetlands, swamps, and marshes. These locations are rich in amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals, which are all part of the Owl’s diet.
• Forested Suburbs and Urban Areas: They can also be found in forested suburbs and even some urban areas, especially if there are suitable trees and a consistent food supply.
• Canyons and Mountainous Regions: In some regions, Barred Owls inhabit canyons and mountainous terrain.
• Caves and Tree Hollows: They use tree hollows or, in some cases, caves as nesting sites. They take over existing nest sites of other birds, such as Red-shouldered Hawks or Crows.

Dietary Preferences

Source: @jtw86

Barred Owls are opportunistic predators with a diverse diet. Their dietary preferences are influenced by the availability of prey in their habitat.

• Small Mammals: Barred Owls are skilled hunters of small mammals, and these animals make up a significant portion of their diet. Their favorite mammalian prey can include voles, mice, shrews, squirrels, and rabbits.
• Birds: Birds, particularly smaller species, are also a part of their diet. Barred Owls capture species like Sparrows, Jays, Woodpeckers, and other small to medium-sized birds.
• Amphibians and Reptiles: They eat amphibians such as frogs and salamanders, as well as reptiles like snakes and lizards.
• Invertebrates: Insects, crayfish, and other invertebrates are occasionally part of their diet, especially during times when other prey is scarce.
• Fish: While fish are not a primary food source, Barred Owls have been observed hunting for fish in shallow water, especially in areas near wetlands or streams.

Vocalization

These Owls have a repertoire of hoots and calls that serve various purposes. Here are some of the key vocalizations of the Barred Owl.

• Hooting: The classic hoot of the Barred Owl is often described as a series of eight hoots, with each hoot becoming more rapid and descending in pitch. It’s a haunting and unmistakable call that is often associated with the species. Hooting is used for territorial communication, and it helps establish the presence of Barred Owls in an area.
• Screams: Barred Owls can emit loud, eerie screams, often described as “screaming women” or “monkey-like” calls. These screams are typically associated with courtship and are often heard during the breeding season. They can be quite startling if heard at close range.
• Whistles and Chuckles: Barred Owls can produce a range of other sounds, including whistles, chuckles, and gurgles. These sounds are often used for communication between mates and during interactions with nestlings.

Breeding

Source: @centerforbirdsofprey

The breeding cycle of Barred Owls is an annual process that typically occurs from late winter to early spring. Let’s take a look at the key stages in the nesting habit of these Owls.

• Courtship and Pair Formation: Barred Owls are generally monogamous and form strong, long-lasting pairs. Courtship activities begin in the late fall and continue into early winter.
  Pair formations often involve vocalizations, with the male and female exchanging hooting calls and other vocal signals. Mates engage in mutual preening and other bonding behaviors.
• Nesting Site Selection: Barred Owls often use existing tree cavities or large stick nests of other birds, such as Red-shouldered Hawks or Crow nests. They also use cavities in snags, and occasionally, they nest in artificial boxes.
• Egg Laying: The female typically lays a clutch of 2 to 4 white, elliptical eggs. The eggs are laid at intervals of 1 to 3 days. The incubation period, during which the female sits on the eggs to keep them warm, lasts for about 28 to 33 days. During this time, the male brings food to the female.
• Chick Rearing: After hatching, the chicks are dependent on their parents for food and care. The female is primarily responsible for brooding and protecting the nest while the male provides food for both the female and the chicks.
  The young Owlets are covered in white down feathers when they hatch and gradually develop their adult plumage. As they grow, the parents feed them a diet of small mammals and other prey items.
• Fledging: The young Owlets fledge at around 4 to 5 weeks of age. At this stage, they are still somewhat clumsy and not proficient flyers. The parents continue to care for and feed the fledglings as they learn to hunt and become more independent.
• Post-Fledging Care: After leaving the nest, the young Barred Owls continue to receive parental care and guidance as they refine their hunting skills and explore their environment. They stay with their parents for several months before becoming fully independent.

Here’s an easy table with all the nesting information about Barred Owls. Take a look for a quick summarization!

Behavior

Barred Owls have evolved a range of adaptations and behaviors that help them thrive in their woodland habitats and as effective nocturnal predators. Let’s find out how these Owls behave and survive in the darkness of a forest.

• Nocturnal Vision: Their large eyes are adapted for low light conditions. They have a high number of rod cells in their retinas, which are specialized for night vision. Their eyes are also forward-facing, providing them with excellent depth perception, and allowing for precise hunting.
• Keen Hearing: Barred Owls have highly developed hearing. Their facial discs funnel sound to their ears, which are asymmetrical in shape, enabling them to accurately pinpoint the location of prey by detecting subtle differences in sound intensity and timing.
• Large Talons: Their powerful talons are adapted for capturing and holding onto prey securely. These sharp talons make them efficient hunters.
• Territoriality: They are territorial birds and they establish and defend territories that they use for breeding and foraging. Territorial boundaries are often marked with their distinctive hooting calls, and they will defend their territory from other Barred Owls.
• Mobility: Barred Owls are agile flyers and can maneuver through dense forest canopies, allowing them to navigate their wooded habitats effectively.
• Hunting and Feeding: Barred Owls are sit-and-wait predators. They perch on branches and listen for the sounds of potential prey, such as small mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. When they detect prey, they silently swoop down to capture it with their sharp talons.
• Silent Flight: Barred Owls have specialized wing and feather structures that enable nearly silent flight. This adaptation allows them to approach their prey quietly without alerting potential victims.
• Displacement of Other Owl Species: They often displace other Owl species, such as the Northern Spotted Owl, in some areas where their ranges overlap. This competition for resources has raised conservation concerns.
• Camouflaged Plumage: Barred Owls have plumage that features a distinctive brown-and-white barred pattern. This plumage provides excellent camouflage, allowing them to blend in with the tree bark, leaves, and other elements in their wooded habitats. This helps them remain hidden from both prey and potential predators.

Lifespan And Threats

Source: @meagahan

Barred Owls have a comparatively short to medium lifespan than other birds of prey or other Owl species.

• Lifespan in the Wild: 10 to 15 years
• Lifespan in Captivity: 20 years or more

They are formidable birds of prey, and they have relatively few natural predators, especially in their adult stage. However, they are vulnerable at certain stages of their life cycle because of some potential threats.

• Great Horned Owls: One of the primary threats to Barred Owls, especially during their nesting phase, is the Great Horned Owl. Great Horned Owls are larger and more powerful and will sometimes take over Barred Owl nests, preying on the adults, eggs, or young Owlets.
• Crows and Jays: In some cases, Crows and Jays mob and harass Barred Owls. While they are not direct predators, they can create disturbances and stress for the Owls, particularly during the day when the Owls are roosting.
• Red-tailed Hawks: Although less common, Red-tailed Hawks might compete with Barred Owls for hunting territories or prey resources.
• Coyotes and Other Mammalian Predators: While not direct predators of adult Barred Owls, ground-dwelling mammals like coyotes and raccoons may disturb Owl nests or young Owlets if they find them.
• Disease: Barred Owls can be susceptible to diseases, such as West Nile Virus and avian pox, which can affect their health and longevity.

Barred Owl Similar Species

The Barred Owl has several similar Owl species, both in terms of appearance and habitat. Here are some of the Owl species that are often confused with or are similar to the Barred Owl.

Spotted Owl

Source: @earth.animalia

Neither Spotted Owls nor Barred Owls have prominent ear tufts like some other Owl species.

Both of them have facial discs and relatively round faces, giving them a broad, disk-like appearance.

Differences 

Spotted Owls have dark brown eyes and a dark brown facial disc.

Their plumage is typically dark brown overall, with numerous white spots, giving them their distinctive spotted appearance.

These white spots are more concentrated on the chest and belly. Barred Owls, in contrast, have a more complex plumage pattern.

Barred Owls are also slightly larger than Spotted Owls.

Barn Owl

Both Barn Owls and Barred Owls lack the prominent ear tufts seen in Owls.

They feature relatively round faces, providing them with a broad facial appearance.

Both species possess wing structures adapted for silent flight.

Differences 

Barn Owls have a distinctive pale plumage that is primarily white or tawny with mottled patterns. They lack the dark streaks found on Barred Owls.

Their facial disc is paler than the surrounding plumage.

Barn Owls have a distinctive heart-shaped face and an overall slender, pale silhouette. They have a more streamlined appearance.

Great Horned Owl

Both Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls have relatively round faces, providing them with a broad and flat appearance.

They have an overall similar plumage coloration with brown and white striped patterns.

Differences 

The most obvious difference is how Great Horned Owls have a robust and powerful appearance with their large size and prominent tufted horns.

Even though they have similar coloration, Great Horned Owls are typically mottled brown and have dark barring on their upperparts. They have a white throat with horizontal barring and may display variations in color.

They also have vibrant yellow eyes, unlike the dark eyes of Barred Owls.

Interesting Facts About Barred Owl

Having delved into all the extensive details about Barred Owls, now let’s explore some entertaining facts about these mysterious night-dwellers.

• Their vocalizations can be quite eerie and have earned them nicknames like the Hoot Owl and Rain Owl.
• Historically, Barred Owls were primarily found in eastern North America, but they have expanded their range westward and now inhabit parts of the Pacific Northwest and western North America.
• Mated pairs of Barred Owls are known to coordinate their hooting calls, with the male and female responding to each other in a duet-like manner. This behavior helps strengthen the bond between mates.

FAQ

After going through all the information on Barred Owls, I’m sure you have a lot of questions on your mind. Let’s have a discussion to address your inquiries and clear up any uncertainties.

Q: Is it rare to see a Barred Owl?

Ans: Barred Owls are not extremely rare but are primarily nocturnal and elusive, making daytime sightings less common. They are more often heard than seen in their woodland habitats, with hooting calls at night being a common way to detect their presence.

Q: Do Barred Owls have any cultural significance or symbolism?

Ans: Yes, in many indigenous cultures, Barred Owls are regarded as symbols of wisdom and knowledge, often revered for their mysterious, nocturnal nature. Their distinctive hooting calls have been interpreted as communication with the spirit world. Additionally, in some traditions, they are seen as guardians of the night, offering protection and guidance during darkness.

Q: Can I attract Barred Owls to my property for pest control?

Ans: Barred Owls can help control rodent populations, but they are not domesticated animals. Attracting them to your property involves creating suitable habitats and providing nesting sites, but it may not guarantee their presence.

Concluding Comments

And so, as we bid adieu to the fascinating Barred Owl, we leave with a deeper appreciation for the nocturnal wonders that grace our world.

In the heart of the forest, among the shrouded mysteries of the night, the Barred Owl remains a symbol of elegance and grace, a guardian of twilight’s secrets.

It reminds us that even in the darkest hours, beauty and enchantment can be found in the wilderness. Its haunting hoots, the tapestry of its plumage, and the enigmatic aura it exudes leave an indelible mark on our souls.

With its presence, it invites us to delve deeper into the hidden recesses of our own imagination and to cherish the profound magic of the wild.