
Barred Owl (also known as Northern Barred Owl, Hoot Owl, Striped Owl)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Strix, Species: Strix varia
Family: Strigidae (Typical Owls)
- Shape
- Symmetrical vane with a rounded tip, broad outline, characteristic of silent-flight adaptations in owls
- Size
- Approximately 5.5 inches long, consistent with a medium-to-large sized owl secondary flight feather
- Rarity
- Common and widespread throughout its established forested range
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Description
The Barred Owl is a stocky, large owl with rounded head lacking ear tufts, deep brown eyes, and a patterned brown-and-white plumage that provides exceptional camouflage against tree bark
Colour & Pattern
Distinctive alternating brown and pale buff/cream horizontal bars across the vane with a sturdy pale brownish-yellow rachis
Barb Structure
Pennaceous at the upper tip transitioning to plumulaceous at the base; possesses velvety fringe (comb-like barbs) on the leading edge for acoustic dampening
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft, velvety, and matte texture designed to absorb sound rather than reflect it, lacking the stiffness of diurnal raptor feathers
Key Features
Soft velvety texture, prominent alternating dark brown and buff transverse barring, and absence of harsh stiff edges
Habitat
Mature deciduous and mixed forests, often near swamps, rivers, or dense wooded wetlands
Geographic Range
Eastern and northwestern North America, expanding westward, predominantly a year-round resident
Ecological Role
Apex nocturnal predator regulating small mammal, amphibian, and insect populations within forest ecosystems
Similar Species
Great Horned Owl and Barn Owl feathers, distinguished by the Barred Owl's soft velvety texture and specific brown-and-buff horizontal banding
Interesting Facts
Barred Owls are known for their loud, boisterous 'Who cooks for you, who cooks for you-all' vocalization and have expanded their range westward where they sometimes hybridize with Spotted Owls
Condition Notes
Good condition with mostly intact barbs, slight wear at the proximal downy base
Notes
Barred owl?