The Barred Owl is a large owl, with a wingspan of 38 to 50 inches and a length of 16 to 24 inches. They have a dome-shaped facial disk, large black eyes, and grey-brown plumage. They also have a distinct ruff of feathers across the upper chest. The body has bold streaks running vertically down the owl. The further south the owl lives, the more brown it has in its feathers. Notes- Color Phases
The owl lives throughout Canada and the eastern US south to the Gulf of Mexico. The population of the Barred Owl is greatest in the southeastern cypress swamps, although it is increasing rapidly in the Pacific Northwest, Montana, and parts of Mexico.
Mostly lives in woodland swamps, dense fotests, river bottoms, and lake shores. As the Boreal Owl, it prefers to live in trees.
Nests are build in evergreen or deciduous trees; old nests are used, or new ones are built in tree cavities. They commonly use the same nest year after year. One pair was reported to have used the same nest for 33 years. Each year two eggs are laid between January and June and are incubated for 23 to 32 days. Not usually migratory unless there is a great temperature decrease.
Dines on mice, opposum, and other small rodents, and also eats insects, reptiles, frogs, small birds, other owls and bats.
Barred Owls are very similar to Spotted Owls, and is often confused with yearling female Snowy Owls and Great Gray Owls.
