North Bridgeport in Greater Bridgeport Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Barred Owl
Strix varia
Size: 17-20 inches[;] wingspan of 39-43 inches
Weight: 2.5 lbs
Lifespan: 18 years in the wild[;] over 20 years in captivity
Habitat: coniferous forests, swamp and riparian forests
Diet: small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates
Status: Common
Barred owl populations have expanded westward in the last century. The more aggressive barred owl may displace some populations of the endangered spotted owl. Hybrids of the two species are also known.
Fun Facts
The barred owl's hooting sounds like "who-cooks-for-you, who-cooks-for-you-all." This distinctive hooting helps people to identify them without seeing them.
The barred owl has been known to wade in water to catch fish and crayfish.
Some barred owls have pink belly feathers and this may be a result of eating a large amount of crayfish.
Of the New England owls, barreds are one of the most active in daylight hours. Barred owls can often be seen hunting before dark or after dawn.
Erected by Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment.
Location. 41° 12.76′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Fairfield County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Black-Tailed Prairie Dog (a few steps from this marker); Bears - The Sun, the Moon, and the Stars (within shouting distance of this marker); Rare Bears (within shouting distance of this marker); Domestic Cattle (within shouting distance of this marker); American Bison (within shouting distance of this marker);
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 212 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 16, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
