Barred Owl (Strix varia)

 

                                                                        Photos by BarrytheBirder

This chunky owl is quickly recognized by its dark eyes, dark barring on its upper breast, and dark streaking below.   It's mainly nocturnal and its daytime roost is usually well hidden, but it is much more likely to be heard than other owls in the daytime.   Its distinctive call is a rhythmic series of loud hoots, sometimes preceded by an ascending agitated barking.   It is found in lower eastern Canada and the eastern United States.   The photos shown here were taken on the Oak Ridges Moraine in King Township, a few miles north of Toronto, Ontario.

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BarrytheBirder