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This week on “Species of the Bay” we look at the Barred Owl (Strix varia). The Barred Owl, also known as the Hoot Owl or Rain Owl, is a year-round resident in Nova Scotia and much of eastern North America. With its haunting call often described as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?”, the Barred Owl is one of the most recognizable owls in our forests and wooded wetlands. You may hear its call echoing through the trees at dusk or even during the day which is unusual for owls. This medium-to-large owl is known for its striking appearance, with dark brown eyes, a rounded head without ear tufts, and beautiful brown and white vertical barring on the chest, with horizontal stripes on the belly, hence the name “Barred” Owl. Adults typically stand about 40–63 cm tall with a wingspan of around 96–125 cm. Barred Owls prefer mature forests, often near water, and are most active during the night and twilight hours. They feed on a variety of prey including small mammals, birds, and amphibians. If you ever find remains of fur and small bones, called a pelt, in the woods, you might be near one of their hunting or eating spots! Though they may look calm and wise, Barred Owls are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their nesting sites. They typically nest in tree cavities or use old nests made by other birds. These owls don’t migrate, but young birds may move farther from their birth area to establish new territories. While Barred Owls are not considered threatened, they face challenges like habitat loss and a change in climate. In Nova Scotia, however, they continue to thrive in well forested areas. It is the most common owl in Nova Scotia! Keep your eyes to the trees and your ears open this fall, you might just spot a Barred Owl silently watching from above, or hear its iconic call echoing through the woods. Thanks for tuning in for our last “Species of the Bay” post of the year! Big thanks to Jennifer McKinnon and Reilly King, who together spotlighted 17 species found in our community! Resources: Audubon. Barred Owl. National Audubon Society. https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/barred-owl Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Barred Owl Overview. All About Birds. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barred_Owl/overview eBird. Barred Owl – Strix varia – Nova Scotia, Canada. Cornell Lab of Ornithology. https://ebird.org/species/brdowl/CA-NS Nova Scotia Provincial Government. Barred Owl. Nova Scotia Wildlife Park. https://wildlifepark.novascotia.ca/animals/barred-owl.asp (fb)