The Barred Owl ( Strix varia ) is a large, mottled brown and white owl with distinct dark eyes, unlike the yellow eyes seen in many other owl species. Found across the eastern United States and parts of Canada, its range is expanding westward. This owl is famous for its loud, distinctive call, often memorized as, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?”. Barred Owls are generally considered socially monogamous and often mate for life.
The Barred Owl’s Lifelong Commitment
Barred Owls form highly stable pair bonds that persist across multiple breeding seasons. This commitment is a year-round association between the male and female, not temporary only during the reproductive period. Pairs maintain the same territory and often use the same nest site for many consecutive years.
The long-term nature of this bond is a reproductive strategy that increases the survival rate of their young. By staying together, the pair avoids the energy expenditure of finding a new mate each season and can focus immediately on territorial defense and nesting. Their fidelity typically lasts until one of the partners dies, which, given their lifespan of up to 10 years or more in the wild, represents a significant portion of their existence.
How Pair Bonds Are Maintained Year-Round
The sustained partnership between Barred Owls is reinforced by their shared territoriality and consistent proximity. These owls are non-migratory, remaining permanent residents in their established home range throughout the year. They jointly defend their territory, which can range from 85 to 365 hectares, against intruders of their own species.
The maintenance of the bond outside of nesting season is rooted in shared activity and communication. While they may hunt individually within overlapping home ranges, the pair remains aware of each other’s presence. Their frequent vocalizations, particularly the characteristic “Who cooks for you” call, advertise their occupancy to competitors and maintain contact. The consistent presence and shared defense of resources reduce the likelihood that either bird will seek a new mate, solidifying their long-term commitment.
Courtship Displays and Nesting
As the breeding season approaches in late winter, the established pair engages in specific rituals that solidify their bond and initiate reproduction. Courtship involves expressive visual and vocal displays. The pair perches close together, bobbing and bowing their heads. Males may also sway back and forth, raise their wings, and slide sideways along a branch.
Vocalizations are a major component of courtship, often featuring a duet of gurgles, cackles, hoots, and screams that can sound like monkey-like squalls to a human listener. Mutual feeding rituals are also common, where the male brings food to the female, a behavior that continues while she is incubating the eggs.
Barred Owls are opportunistic nesters, selecting large natural tree cavities or taking over abandoned nests built by other large birds or squirrels. The female is primarily responsible for the 28 to 33-day incubation of the two to four white eggs, while the male provides the necessary food. Parental care is extensive, with the young remaining dependent on the adults for up to four months after fledging.