Norristown in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Barred Owl
Strix varia
— Elmwood Park Zoo —
Second largest owl in Pennsylvania;
Named for the feather pattern on its chest.
Has a four foot wing span.
Diet: small rodent, rabbits, bats, opossums, mink, birds, small fish, frogs, small reptiles and insects.
Range: originally Florida to Maine, west to the great plains; now westward into Canada and Oregon.
The aggressive barred owl has been known to displace the endangered spotted owl, sometimes fighting with it. Hybrids of the two species have also been known to occur.
Quick Fact - The barred owl hunts at dusk or at night. It is a perch hunter and will swoop down silently on its prey.
Conservation Corner
Although barred owl populations have expanded westward in the last century, human interference could eventually put this species at risk.
Erected by Elmwood Park Zoo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment.
Location. 40° 7.968′ N, 75° 20.287′ W. Marker is in Norristown, Pennsylvania, in Montgomery County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Harding Boulevard and Chain Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Giraffe (within shouting distance of this marker); Peregrine Falcon (within shouting distance of this marker); Nene (within shouting distance of this marker); Chacoan Peccary (within shouting distance of this marker); Bald Eagle (within shouting distance of this marker); Donald Kimmel (within shouting distance of this marker); North American River Otter (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Charles M. Daub, Sr. (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norristown.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 49 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 22, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
