About:
Did you know that a barred owl's wingspan is 40 to 50 inches? Learn more about barred owls.
Care & Wellness:
Terra, one of our animal ambassadors, perches on a glove on a keeper’s hand for visual inspections and programming. Training to perch on a scale allows keepers to get regular weights as well.
Behavior:
- Barred owls are nocturnal, but may be seen just after sunset.
- Although they do mate for life, if one partner is lost, another mate will be found.
- Possibly the most vocal of all owls, their hooting call is said to sound like "Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all."
- Typically a year-round resident, but may migrate in northern portion of range.
Endangered Status
- Extinct in Wild (EW)
- Critically Endangered (CR)
- Endangered (EN)
- Vulnerable (VU)
- Near Threatened (NT)
- Least Concern (LC)
- Not Evaluated (NE)
Fun Facts:
- Their wingspan is 40-50 inches.
- Stripes or bars on their chest give them their name.
- Males are slightly smaller than females.
- Mates may perform "duets" during breeding season, with the male's call deeper.
- Barred owls are spreading west in the United States, leading to competition with the endangered spotted owl.
- Their eyes are brown or black, unlike the yellow of many other owls.
