How to Identify a Barred Owl
Identifying a Barred owl (Strix varia) is easy to do in the right conditions. Also known as the rain owl, wood owl and striped owl, the barred owl is best known simply as the hoot owl. These birds can be found anywhere from Canada to Central America.
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Instructions
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Locate hollow trees in dense forest, usually near an open field. This habitat is ideal for the barred owl to hunt. The barred owl may also claim an abandoned squirrel or bird nest as its own.
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Look for the distintive dark rings around the barred owl's eyes and its pale to whitish face. Its bill exhibits a yellowish color.
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Watch for a tan underbelly and chest with what looks like vertical bars running downwards from its chin to its feet. The barred owl will have darker brown feathers striping its entire body.
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Notice that the barred owl does not have tufted ears, as does the short-eared owl. These species are sometimes look-a-likes.
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Listen for the cry of the barred owl. When upset or in danger the barred owl will buzz and make a hissing raspy noise to alert.
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Tips & Warnings
Look for some barred owls to exhibit a pinkish belly plumage. This is due to the bird eating large amounts of crayfish that turn its feathers pink like the flamingo.
Finding a Great Horned Owl may limit the odds of identifying a barred owl, as they are enemies in the wild.
Take caution when identifying barred owls in the wild as traveling through remote areas can become confusing, and you may get lost. Take a handheld portable GPS unit with you at all times. Keep fresh batteries with you as well.
