Barred Owl Sleeping In A Tree

This is an image of a barred owl sleeping in a man-made dugout in a tree. Like most owls, the barred owl is most active at night however it can... more

by Flees Photos

Title

Barred Owl Sleeping In A Tree

Artist

Flees Photos

Medium

Photograph - Photograph Giclee And Home Decor

Description

This is an image of a barred owl sleeping in a man-made dugout in a tree. Like most owls, the barred owl is most active at night however it can occasionally be heard calling during daylight hours and at dusk.

facts about Barred Owls (Strix varia):

Appearance: Barred Owls are medium-sized owls with a wingspan of about 38 to 49 inches (97 to 125 centimeters) and a length of 16 to 24 inches (41 to 61 centimeters). They have a rounded head with large dark eyes and no ear tufts. Their plumage features horizontal barring patterns on their chest, belly, and back, with brown and white feathers. They have a pale face with dark eyes and a yellow beak.

Distribution: Barred Owls are native to North America. They can be found throughout eastern North America, from southern Canada to the southern United States. They have also been introduced to the Pacific Northwest of the United States.

Habitat: Barred Owls inhabit a variety of forested habitats, including mixed forests, deciduous forests, coniferous forests, and swamps. They are adaptable and can be found in both remote and urban areas with suitable tree cover.

Diet and Hunting: Barred Owls are opportunistic hunters with a diet that consists mainly of small mammals, such as mice, voles, squirrels, and rabbits. They also feed on birds, reptiles, amphibians, and large insects. They hunt primarily at night, perching on branches and using their keen eyesight and hearing to locate prey. They can also swoop down to capture prey on the ground.

Vocalizations: Barred Owls are known for their distinctive vocalizations. Their call is often described as a series of hoots that sound like "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?" These calls are frequently heard during the breeding season and are used for territory defense and communication between mates.

Breeding Behavior: Barred Owls are monogamous and typically mate for life. They have a breeding season that usually occurs from February to June. The female lays a clutch of 2 to 4 white eggs in a nest built in tree cavities or abandoned nests of other birds. Both parents participate in incubation and caring for the young owls.

Conservation Status: Barred Owls are not considered globally threatened. However, they face some localized threats, including habitat loss, deforestation, and competition with other owl species. They are adaptable birds and can tolerate some level of habitat disturbance.

Behavior: Barred Owls are primarily nocturnal and are most active during the night. They are relatively sedentary birds and tend to stay within their territories year-round. They are skilled flyers and have broad wings that allow for maneuverability through forested habitats.

Barred Owls are charismatic birds of prey known for their distinct vocalizations and adaptability. They play an important ecological role in controlling small mammal populations and contribute to the biodiversity of forested habitats.

Uploaded

April 21st, 2017