Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo - Animal Fact Sheet


BARRED OWL (Strix varia)
Range:	Common throughout the eastern and central half of the United States from the Rocky Mountains east, from Florida up into Canada, as well as the North-western U.S. and South-western Canada.
Habitat:	Prefers deep woods as well as conifer, riparian, and swampy areas.
Diet:	Variable; small mammals, birds, frogs, salamanders, lizards, snakes, fish, large insects, crabs and crayfish.
Approx. Dimensions of Adult:
Lifespan:
Reproduction:	Monogamous; thought to pair for life; 2-3 eggs incubated by female, hatchlings fed by both male and female, young leave the nest within approx. 42 days; 1 brood per year
A medium sized owl named for the "barring" pattern on its chest feathers; they lack ear tufts but are stoutly built and heavily streaked and spotted with brown, buff and white feathers for camouflage; one of only three species with dark eyes in N. America. They are referred to as the "hoot owl," because their call is usually 8 or more drawn out notes sounding like "who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?" Often heard in the daytime. Predators are other birds of prey, hatchlings stolen by raccoons, feral cats, etc. Mostly nocturnal but often seen hunting in the daylight hours as well.