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A Barred Owl named Terra, captured in a close-up, its round, dark eyes and yellow beak prominent against its mottled brown and white plumage. The owl's head is turned slightly to the left, revealing the intricate barring pattern on its neck and chest. The blurred background suggests a natural habitat.

Barred Owl

Common Name:
Barred Owl
Scientific Name:
Strix varia
Gestation Period:
30 days
Habitats:
  • Forest
  • Grassland
Height:
22 in
Life Span:
20 yrs
Number of Young:
2-3 eggs
Weight:
1.25 lb
About:

Did you know that a barred owl's wingspan is 40 to 50 inches? Learn more about barred owls.

Care & Wellness:

Terra, one of our animal ambassadors, perches on a glove on a keeper’s hand for visual inspections and programming.  Training to perch on a scale allows keepers to get regular weights as well.

Behavior:
  • Barred owls are nocturnal, but may be seen just after sunset.
  • Although they do mate for life, if one partner is lost, another mate will be found.
  • Possibly the most vocal of all owls, their hooting call is said to sound like "Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all."
  • Typically a year-round resident, but may migrate in northern portion of range.
Endangered Status
  • Least Concern (LC)
Fun Facts:
  • Their wingspan is 40-50 inches.
  • Stripes or bars on their chest give them their name.
  • Males are slightly smaller than females.
  • Mates may perform "duets" during breeding season, with the male's call deeper.
  • Barred owls are spreading west in the United States, leading to competition with the endangered spotted owl.
  • Their eyes are brown or black, unlike the yellow of many other owls.
A large, light brown Barred Owl with big, round eyes sits on a thick branch looking towards the viewer. More branches, and a rocky, cave-like surface is visible in the background.