The Barred Owl, Strix varia, is a medium-sized North American owl sometimes
called
a
Hoot Owl because of its distinctive "hoo, hoo, too-HOO; hoo, hoo, too-HOO, ooo" call.
|
The Barred Owl is a mostly nocturnal predator, feeding on small mammals like mice, voles, small rabbits, squirrels as well as and some birds, insects and even aquatic life.
|
The chest is barred horizontally while the belly is streaked vertically. It has a large head, with dark rings around its brown eyes and a yellow bill. The legs and feet are covered with feathers. It measures some 21 in/53 cm long with a wingspan of 42 in/1.1 m.
|
This magnificent bird ranges across Canada and into the eastern United States. Its range is expanding in the northwest United States which is a concern as it's threatening the Northern Spotted Owl.