A large, stocky, gray-brown owl with a pale face, dark eyes, dark rings around the eyes, white spots on its back, and no ear tufts. Although nocturnal, Barred Owls regularly call during the day, which explains why it is commonly referred to as the “hoot owl.”
Forest, Wetland
The barred owl is distributed throughout most of the eastern United States, as well as much of southern Canada.
Common
Nocturnal
Generalist carnivores, feeding on small mammals up to the size of rabbits, birds as large as grouse, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
Barred owls live alone for most of the year, only living in family groups from the breeding season until the young leave the nest. Mated pairs typically live in adjoining home ranges, with the degree of overlap between home ranges increasing during the breeding season. They will call to other members of the species in the area if disturbed. Barred owls are territorial and do not range widely unless food scarcity causes them to move farther in search of prey. They do not migrate.
Least Concern
