Barred Owl

Strix varia

The Barred Owl is what is commonly referred to as the "Hoot Owl" in the southeastern United States, as its deep hoots are common sounds in the thick forests of the region.  While primarily nocturnal, they are sometimes actively hunting during daylight hours.  They are nearly as large as the Great Horned Owl, but are generally much less aggressive and unable to directly compete with them.  

Habitat: Prefers dense woodlands with just a few scattered clearings.  Much of the time they are found in low-lying, swampy environments.  In the eastern United States, they are most often found in deciduous forests, but in the northern and western parts of their range, can also be found in coniferous forest.

Diet: Primarily feeds on small mammals such as mice and shrews, as well as larger mammals including rabbits, squirrels, and opossums.  They will also eat a variety of birds, lizards, snakes, frogs and toads, salamanders, and large insects.  Birds near aquatic environments will also consume fish and crustaceans.

Behavior: Often most active at dawn and dusk, but may hunt at any time of day or night.  Hunts by either searching from a high perch, or by flying low through the forest in search of prey.  Paired birds will often call to each other.

Nesting: Generally nests in the old nest of a hawk or squirrel, or in a broken off snag or other large tree hollow.

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song: Barred Owl Song

Migration:  Generally a permanent resident throughout their range.

Similar Species: Spotted Owl (not found in South Dakota), Great Gray Owl

Conservation Status: Barred Owls are still common and widespread in much of their normal range, but they have declined locally where swamp habitat has been destroyed.  However, in recent decades they have expanded their range in western Canada and the Northwest U.S.  In these areas, they have begun to compete with the Spotted Owl, and have also hybridized with them.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Barred Owl

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Barred Owl"

3) eNature.com: Barred Owl

Photo Information: April 22nd, 2008 - Newton Hills State Park, South Dakota - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Barred Owl photos.