Barred Owl (Hoot Owl, Striped Owl)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Strix, Species: S. varia
Family: Strigidae (Typical Owls)
- Shape
- Asymmetrical vane with a rounded tip and characteristic velvety leading edge modification typical of silent-flight owls
- Size
- Approximately 10 to 14 inches long, robust and broad, consistent with a medium-to-large sized owl primary flight feather
- Rarity
- Common throughout its natural forested range, though locally less frequently seen due to strict nocturnal habits
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Description
A striking medium-large owl with dark brown eyes, lacking ear tufts, featuring a rounded head and a heavily barred breast and wings that allow it to vanish effortlessly into the dappled light of the forest canopy
Colour & Pattern
Rich brown and white horizontal barring across the vane, featuring mottled earth tones of grayish-brown, dark brown, and cream-white bands; melanin-based pigmentation
Barb Structure
Pennaceous vane with specialized velvety fringe on the leading edge (comb-like barbs) and downy, plumulaceous modifications at the base for sound dampening
Texture & Surface
Remarkably soft and velvety texture on the upper surface due to micro-fringe barbules that eliminate aerodynamic noise; matte finish with no gloss
Key Features
Distinguished by soft, velvety texturing on the leading edge, alternating dark brown and white/cream horizontal bars, and robust structural integrity designed for silent ambush predation
Habitat
Mature deciduous and mixed forests, often near swamps, rivers, or other bodies of water, utilizing large tree cavities for nesting
Geographic Range
Resident across eastern North America, expanding into the Pacific Northwest and southern Canada; sedentary and non-migratory
Ecological Role
Apex nocturnal avian predator keeping rodent, small mammal, amphibian, and insect populations in balance; acts as a key bio-indicator of mature forest health
Similar Species
Great Horned Owl feathers (larger with more chaotic barring or orange tones) and Barn Owl feathers (golden-buff with delicate speckling), but barred patterning is uniquely soft-edged in the Barred Owl
Interesting Facts
Barred Owls are known for their distinct 'Who cooks for you, who cooks for you-all' vocalization and have steadily expanded their range westward where they sometimes interact with the endangered Spotted Owl
Condition Notes
Good condition with minor wear along the distal edge; barbs remain largely intact with some slight separation near the base, indicating a naturally molted feather dropped in the forest
Notes
In a fairly small forest in Washington DC. In a 2 mile radius hawks are spotted fairly often and about once a decade an owl will be spotted. One was spotted early this year.