Barred Owl | Animal Profile

Introduction

"Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you?". If you have been in the woods and heard this famous call at night - that is the Barred Owl. Barred Owls are typically found in the Eastern United States, but have expanded their range further west over the last few decades. They are known for hunting at night fitting in a wide variety of animals into their diet. Barred Owls have a distinctive white and brown pattern on their bodies, dark black eyes, and a yellow beak.

Behavior

Barred Owls typically spend their days relaxing on tree branches and within cavities of trees. They spend their night's hunting. Protective of their habitat, Barred Owls are known to chase off intruders - typically while hooting loudly.

Diet

Barred Owls eat a variety of small animals, including chipmunks, mice, voles, rabbits, squirrels, birds, amphibians, invertebrates, and reptiles.

Physical Characteristics

The Barred Owl is known for its distinctive white and brown patterns that cover its entire body. Their eyes are almost entirely black, and they have orange-yellow beaks. They are 16-25inches tall and weigh anywhere from 1.4-1.8 lbs.

Breeding

Barred Owls typically lay 2-4 eggs, and the female stays and incubates the eggs for up to a month. They lay these eggs only once a year - known as a brood.

Location

Barred Owls are found in large forests, preferably near water. They tend to live in large hollowed-out trees. They have a range through most of the eastern United States and have now had sitings further northwest as they expand their range.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where are Barred Owls found?

   1. Barred Owls are found in large forests, preferably near water. They tend to live in large hollowed-out trees. They have a range through most of the eastern United States and have now had sitings further west as they expand their range.

2. How long do Barred Owls live?

   1. Barred Owls have an average lifespan of 8-10 years.

3. What do Barred Owls eat?

   1. Barred Owls eat a variety of small animals, including chipmunks, mice, voles, rabbits, squirrels, birds, amphibians, invertebrates, and reptiles.

4. Are Barred Owls endangered?

   1. No. Barred Owls are labeled as "Least Concern" by the IUCN.

5. Will Barred Owls attack Dogs?

   1. While attacks on dogs are rare, Barred Owls could attack a dog they believe to be small enough to prey.

6. Will Barred Owls attack Cats?

   1. Same as dogs, Barred Owls could attempt to attack a smaller cat if they believe they could be prey.

7. What sound does the Barred Owl Make?

   1. "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you?" is the famous English description of the Barred Owl call. You can hear this call 8-9 times when they make their distinctive hoot.

8. What do Barred Owls look like?

   1. They are known for their unique brown and white striped and spotted patterns. Here is a picture: