Name (Latin): Strix varia
Size: L 21 " WS 42" & weigh ~1.6 lbs
Description: stocky, medium-sized owl. Mostly brown with white blotches, breast pale with brown 'bars'. Pale face with dark rings. Yellow beak & brown eyes, and lacks the typical owl ear tufts.
Song/Sounds: "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?"
Habitat: Dense woodland areas, woodland swamps, also found increasingly in suburban areas
Seasons in Keene: year-round resident
Nest and Eggs: Often nest within tree cavities, or they may take over an old nesting site of a crow or squirrel. Have a clutch that ranges from 1-5 eggs. Typically has only one clutch per season, but a second or third is possible if orginal lost or predated upon.
Similar Species: Short-eared Owl, Great Horned Owl, can mate and interbreed with the endangered Spotted Owl
Distribution:
(Photo from: BNA Online)
Population Trends: a stable population and species of Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List
Threats: Due to an increase in populations in suburban areas, car hits have increased substantially. However, there appears to be little to no large impacts on the population.
Fun Facts: Has been found to inter-breed with the endangered Spotted Owl.
Video: Barred Owl