Barred Owl
Last Review/Updated: May 31, 2002
Strix varia
This big, grey-brown owl has the appearance of wearing a large collar formed by the barring of the head, neck and breast feathers. It is about 52cm (20 in.) long. The tail, back, wings and head are dark greyish brown, barred heavily with white. The undersides are white with dark spots on the neck, bars on the breast and broad vertical streaks on the abdomen. The facial disk is grey with concentric circles around the eyes. Unlike all the other owls, the barred owl has dark brown irises instead of yellow.
It inhabits swamps and dense forest of the mixedwood, foothill and montane zones, but hunts in neighboring open country. Sightings of this owl in Alberta have been made throughout the forested areas in the north-central regions. The total range extends west of the Rockies through northern Canada and south to the United States. It is resident throughout the year.
Hollows in trees, old hawks' and crows' nests and even nest boxes are used for nesting. Two to 3 eggs are laid.
A nocturnal hunter, the barred owl preys mainly on mice, but also utilizes insects, frogs, fish and small birds.
