| If you've ever heard a disturbing noise in the night that you couldn't identify, it might have been made by the Barred Owl. Although, "Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all", is the Barred owl's most commonly heard call, that is not the only sound in its repertoire and certainly not the most spine-chilling. The "Crazy" Owl as it is sometimes called, may let loose with a maniacal mixture of demonic cries late at night in dark, swampy forest.
The barred owl relies on threatening barking calls to ward off enemies. It is probably the least likely owl to rely on appearance for protection as it has a soft, almost cuddly look. The soft feathers are adaptations which enable this nocturnal predator to noiselessly obtain food.
This gentle looking bird has an affinity for beech woods in low wet woods and swampy forests, where its gray-brown coloration blends perfectly with the dominant hardwoods. If such a habitat is nearby and supports a healthy supply of food, such as crustaceans, frogs, birds and small rodents, then it is quite reasonable to believe that the eerie noises in the night are those of the barred owl.
The Barred Owl does not migrate and winters in its ranges which covers the eastern half of the United States and most of southern Canada. Its range is expanding to the northwest and through British Columbia. It is also resident in the wet area of Oregon and Washington down to northern California.
The Barred Owl will most likely be seen by those who venture into the thick groves of trees, where it waits quietly during the day. The owl is not easily disturbed from its daytime perch but it can sometimes be called mimicking its voice andlike some other owls it may be mobbed by Crows should it be found by them during the day.
Those that do stumble upon this owl will find a large stocky gray-brown owl that lacks the ear tufts and bright yellow eyes of the Great Horned and Screech Owls. By contrast, the barred owl's eyes are dark, deep and submissive in appearance. The crossbarring on the neck and breast give the Barred Owl its name. Streaking on the belly will also aid in identification.
The Clutch consists of 2 to 4 white eggs laid in a unlined cavity of a hollow tree, vacant building or an abandoned nest of a hawk, squirrel or Crow. The eggs are incubated for 28 to 33 days by the female while the male brings food to the nest. The young will leave the nest in about 42 days but will leave the nest sooner if the quarters are cramped. Parental care may extend beyond 4 months.
Length: 21 inches, wingspan 3 feet, 8 inches
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