About Animal Facts Common Name: Barred Owl Scientific Name: Strix varia 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. Diet: Carnivore Weight: 1.25 lb Length: 22 in Life Span: 20 yrs Gestation Period: 30 days Number of Young: 2-3 eggs Habitats: Forest Grassland 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. Endangered Status Endangered Status Extinct in Wild (EW) Critically Endangered (CR) Endangered (EN) Vulnerable (VU) Near Threatened (NT) Least Concern (LC) Not Evaluated (NE) Care and 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.