Description
Lifespan: 10 years to more than 20 years
A North America owl species is the barred owl also known as the northern barred owl or, more often, the hoot owl or the eight-hooter owl. Barred owls have dark brown, nearly black eyes, and their entire body is covered in brown and white spots. The upper breast can be distinguished by horizontal brown bands, but the underparts are largely characterized by vertical brown bars on a white background. Brown and white bands can be seen on the wings and tail.
Habitat/ Native Range
These owls have moved to the west coast of North America, where they are now considered invasive, while being mostly native to eastern parts of the continent. Although they may adapt to a variety of open woodland gradients, mature woods are their preferred habitat.
Behavior
As a “crepuscular” predator that is very active at dusk, barred owls are more likely to be spotted during the day than owls that are only active at night. Although they occasionally can be heard calling throughout the day, barred owls spend the day sleeping soundly in forest trees.
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