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Barred Owl
Strix varia
The Barred Owl is a permanent resident of north Texas. In the fall and winter they become much more vocal which makes them easy to locate and identify.
Species information:
Length: 21”
Wingspan: 42”
Weight: 1.4 – 2.0 lbs
Plumage: Adults have vertical dark brown bars on their chest. Wings and tail are mottled brown and white. The face is quite distinguishing with a large facial dish and black eyes.
Habitat: Found in wooded areas.
Flight: Perch and pounce hunters. Strong, consistent wing beats and the head facing forward looks flat. A very stocky-looking bird.
Vocalization: Loud “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you-aalllllll’ with the last note descending in tone. Two or three may hoot at the same time with various barking-like sounds as well as the call.
Food: Rodents, amphibians, even crayfish.
Nesting: Found in the cavities of trees. Occasionally they will use nest boxes 20 ft. up. They usually lay 2-3 eggs that are incubated for about 30 days. Young fledge in about 6 weeks.
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