Barred Owl (Strix varia)

Photo by Jim Wilgar

Thanks to Jim Wilgar for this photo of a Barred Owl which he took recently on Manitoulin Island in Georgian Bay, Ontario.

Barred Owls are large (21") chunky owls with dark eyes, dark barring on upper breast with dark streaking below.   They are common in dense coniferous or mixed woods of river bottoms and swamps, and also in upland woods.   They are chiefly nocturnal, with daytime roosts well hidden.   They do not generally tolerate close approach, so get a photo while you can.  Usually found in the eastern half North America, but the northwestern portion of their range is expanding rapidly.   They feed mostly at night, taking crayfish, frogs, and small rodents.

Photos above and below by BarrytheBirder

Please comment if you wish.

Barry the Birder