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A photo of a Barred Owl (Strix varia)
Barred Owl

Barred Owl

Strix varia

The barred owl (Strix varia), also known as the northern barred owl, striped owl or, more informally, hoot owl, is a North American large species of owl. A member of the true owl family, Strigidae, they belong to the genus Strix, which is also the origin of the family's name under Linnaean taxonomy. Barred owls are largely native to eastern North America, but have expanded their range to the west coast of North America where they are considered invasive. Mature forests are their preferred habitat, but they can also acclimate to various gradients of open woodlands. Their diet consists mainly of small mammals, but this species is an opportunistic predator and is known to prey upon other small vertebrates such as birds, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as a variety of invertebrates. Barred owls are brown to gray overall, with dark striping on the underside. Barred owls have typical nesting habits for a true owl, tending to raise a relatively small brood often in a tree hollow or snag (but sometimes also in other nesting sites) in forested areas. As a result of the barred owl's westward expansion, the species has begun to encroach on the range of the related and threatened spotted owl (Strix occidentalis). Evidence shows the assorted threats posed by the invading barred species are only increasing. In response, biologists have recommended culling operations to mitigate the negative effect of the barred on the spotted owl species.
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Barred Owls on Birda

Photos

Sightings

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🐝
Dela Bee
Thursday 01 Jun 2023 - 5:10am
United States
A map showing the sighting location
🦩
Kathy Faragalli
Thursday 01 Jun 2023 - 4:30am
United States
A map showing the sighting location
🦉
Sarah Lawrence
Tuesday 30 May 2023 - 4:52am
United States
A map showing the sighting location
🦩
Hayley Bee
Sunday 28 May 2023 - 2:58pm
United States
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