Barred Owl

Barred Owl
Strix varia

Habitat:	Deep woods and swamps.

Range:	Eastern United States up into Canada and across to the Northwest. Also in central Mexico.

Voice:	Gives eight typical "hoots" which sound like someone saying "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?"

Identification:	Length: 17 - 24 inches Wingspan: 40 - 50 inches Weight: 1.4 - 1.8 lbs. This owl has no ear tufts and dark eyes. The face is grayish white with a dark brown trim. It has a small bib around its throat with horizontal barring while it chest and belly are striped vertically. Its back is a dark brown with heavy white spotting.

Diet:		Prefers small mammals but will eat birds and sometimes reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

Nest:	The Barred Owl uses abandoned hawk and crow nests as well as hollows in trees. Nesting usually begins in March and April. The female lays 2 - 4 eggs and she alone will sit on them for 28 - 33 days. The young will stay in the nest for 42 days and the parents will continue to feed them for up to 4 months.

Comments:	Although this owl is nocturnal, hunting during the night, it can often be heard calling during the daytime. This owl often responds to imitations of its call and will many times come closer while calling back. The Barred Owl is not migratory but is a permanent resident.