Barred Owl

Barred Owl. Strix varia.

Size: 19-20 inches , Wingspan: 38-42 inches , Weight: 1.6 pounds , Females are larger than males , Lifespan: 23 years in human care and 10 years or more in the wild , Habitat: Mature forests are their preferred habitat, but they are also found in open woodland and wetland areas , Diet: Mostly small mammals, also birds, frogs, salamanders, lizards, insects, crayfish, crabs and fish , Hunt at night, also at dawn and dusk , Status: Common

, The Barred Owl is widespread in North America, they occur across most of the eastern half of the continent from Florida northward to southern Canada., Fun Facts , These birds can be highly territorial, and will frequently remain in the same area for years. As long is food is readily available, Barred Owls have been known to stay within six miles of their "home" for their entire lifespan., While most other owls have yellow eyes, the Barred Owl has brown eyes., Barred Owls have successfully expanded their range into the Pacific Northwest, where they come into contact and competition with their close relatives, Spotted Owls. Competition and hybridization between these species stresses the already endangered populations of Spotted Owls.