Geography/Habitat:
The Barred Owl, (Strix varia) is a member of the order Strigiformes, and the Strigidae family (or Typical Owls), a very large family with some 189 living species split into six genus. The Barred Owl is found in the Genus Strix. It is considered to form a superspecies with the Fulvous Owl of Mexico by some, and there are four currently recognized subspecies, helveola being the one indigenous to Texas. It was first described in 1799 by Barton, with the Texas subspecies being defined by Bangs in 1899.
Barred owls are found throughout the Eastern US and most of Southern Canada. There is a separate population in Central Mexico but there is much debate as to whether this is a separate species, (currently listed as the subspecies sartorii). In Texas they are found in the East with its range stretching as far West as Burnet. Barred Owls are non-migratory and can be found year-round within their range. Its range is expanding westwards into some central and Western states, notably Colorado and Washington.
Its habitat is typically deciduous and mixed woodland. Older woodlands are preferred due to more available nesting sites and less low tree limbs which impede hunting. Open spaces next to the woodlands are preferred. Barred Owls are very adaptable and often live in close proximity to humans.
Barred Owls typically eat small mammals but also small birds, reptiles, amphibians etc with the one proviso that its prey is usually swallowed whole. However, when near water, crustaceans are often taken and have to be picked apart. Small armadillos and even alligators have been taken as well. Hunting is mainly at night with barred owls being primarily nocturnal but can often be observed at dawn or just after.
Breeding season runs from February to August and Barred Owls are usually cavity nesters but will use old hawk or crows’ nests at times. Monogamous, typically 2-3 eggs are laid and incubated for 28-30 days. A second clutch is fairly common, and sometimes even a rare third. Chicks usually fledge at around six weeks. Barred owls are quite long-lived, up to twenty years or more.
Identification:
A relatively big owl with a distinctively round head and brown eyes, (most owls have yellow eyes). Distinctive facial disks are gray-brown with 4-5 dark concentric rings. The upper parts are tawny to brown with some white speckling. The underparts are off white to light gray with brown streaks. Sexes are similar. Its call is a distinctive “hoo-hooo-too-hoo” the females call being higher pitched. Variations include “who-who-who cooks for you” and the occasional single hoot.
Interesting Facts:
·Some individuals have a distinctive pink tinge from eating crayfish – often seen in Texas.
·Interbreeds with the Spotted Owl – offspring are known as Sparred Owls.
·A group of owls is known as a parliament, a bazaar, a glaring, a stooping or a wisdom.
·Barred Owls are very territorial and will even attack humans if they get too close to a nest site.
·Harriet Tubman used the Barred Owl call as a signal to those seeking the underground railway to escape slavery. The type of call indicated whether it was safe to come out of hiding!
