The Barred Owl (Strix varia) is a captivating raptor native to North America, easily recognized by its distinctive hooting call that sounds like, "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?"[1] This owl boasts a rounded, tuftless head, soulful dark brown eyes, and brown-and-white striped plumage, giving it a unique appearance among owls.[2]
Preferring mature forests and treed swamps, the Barred Owl has demonstrated remarkable adaptability, expanding its range from eastern regions across the continent to the Pacific Northwest and even into California during the twentieth century.[1:1] This expansion has led to interactions with the closely related and threatened Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis), as Barred Owls compete for habitat and resources.[3]
In terms of size, Barred Owls are medium to large, standing between 16 to 23 inches tall, with a wingspan ranging from 38 to 45 inches.[4] Their diet primarily consists of small mammals, but they are opportunistic predators, also hunting birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.[5]
Despite their formidable presence, Barred Owls are known for their inquisitive nature and can often be lured closer by mimicking their calls.[6] Their haunting vocalizations and striking appearance make them a beloved subject among bird enthusiasts and a vital component of North America's forest ecosystems.
