Barred Owl

Image of barred owl
Scientific Name
Strix varia
Family
Strigidae (typical owls) in the order Strigiformes (owls)
Description

The barred owl is the only large, brown-streaked, dark-eyed owl in Missouri (the barn owl is the only other large eastern owl with dark eyes). The voice is ventroloquial (hard to locate), a varied series of hoots and screams. Although this owl is not often seen, its classic series of hoots is commonly heard and easily identifiable: “hoo hoo h'hoo, hoo hoo h'hoo-ahh,” also described as “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?” This owl occasionally flies during daylight, especially when disturbed. Its flight is buoyant.

Size

Length: 21 inches (tip of bill to tip of tail); wingspan: 3½ to 4 feet.

Where To Find
image of Barred Owl Distribution Map

Statewide.

Barred owls reside along forested streams, lakes, rivers, and swamps, particularly in deep woods with big timber. They forage at night and often even during the day. They lose habitat with the removal of large dead trees suitable for nesting. Other problems include stream pollution, collisions with cars, and predation and competition by great horned owls.

Prey includes small rodents, rabbits, frogs, snakes, insects, crayfish, and occasionally fish.

Common permanent resident.

Courtship and breeding take place from February through March in Missouri. Two or three white, round eggs are laid 20–40 feet above the ground in a tree cavity or occasionally in an abandoned hawk, crow, or squirrel nest. Incubation lasts 28 days, and the owlets are reared for 42 days.

Owls provide a service to people by hunting small mammals that can be troublesome to our interests, especially to farmers and gardeners. Owls also have a long, rich history in human legends and folklore.

As with many owls, barred owls are efficient predators of rodents and therefore do an important job of keeping their populations in check.

Media Gallery
Image of barred owl
The barred owl is the only large, brown-streaked, dark-eyed owl in Missouri.
Anonymous
Photo by MDC Staff, courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation
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owl with dark eyes perched on a branch.
The barred owl is easily identified both visually and by sound. Learn to recognize its call, and on moonlit nights in their habitat, you may hear it quite often!
Submitted by Jody Czapla
Use of this image is restricted to MDC only
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Photo of a juvenile barred owl perched on a walnut branch.
On May 20, 2017, this young barred owl had left its nest and was exploring the branches of the hollow walnut tree in which it was raised. This juvenile barred owl and its sibling were reared in a hollow of an old walnut tree in Boone County.
Julianna Schroeder
Use of this image is restricted to MDC only
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An owl in flight, its wings on the upswing. Bars of alternating brown and white are visible on the wings, body, and head.
Submitted by Joe Collins
Use of this image is restricted to MDC only
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Barred owl in a tree
Submitted by Pete Baechle
Use of this image is restricted to MDC only
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Video of a barred owl.
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Audio of a barred owl.
The barred owl makes a varied series of hoots and screams.
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Photo of barred owl perched in an open barn window
Barred owls provide a service to people by hunting small mammals that can be troublesome to us.
Submitted by Terri Williams
Use of this image is restricted to MDC only
8/8
Image of barred owl
owl with dark eyes perched on a branch.
Photo of a juvenile barred owl perched on a walnut branch.
An owl in flight, its wings on the upswing. Bars of alternating brown and white are visible on the wings, body, and head.
Barred owl in a tree
Barred owl
Barred owl
Photo of barred owl perched in an open barn window
Similar Species

Where to See Species

Field at La Due Bottoms CA
La Due Bottoms Conservation Area
La Due Bottoms Conservation Area is located in Henry county, 1.5 miles east of Montrose Lake and four miles southwest of Clinton off of Route T.
About Birds in Missouri

About 350 species of birds are likely to be seen in Missouri, though nearly 400 have been recorded within our borders. Most people know a bird when they see one — it has feathers, wings, and a bill. Birds are warm-blooded, and most species can fly. Many migrate hundreds or thousands of miles. Birds lay hard-shelled eggs (often in a nest), and the parents care for the young. Many communicate with songs and calls.