Despite their phonetically similar names, the Barn Owl and the Barred Owl are distinct species with unique characteristics. It is common for people to confuse these two nocturnal birds due to the resemblance in their nomenclature. However, once their individual traits are understood, distinguishing between them becomes clear. This article will clarify the differences in their appearance, sounds, and preferred environments.
Distinctive Appearances
The Barn Owl (Tyto alba) possesses a striking, heart-shaped facial disc that is typically white or pale buff, often giving it a ghostly appearance. Its underparts are generally white or pale cream, sometimes speckled with dark markings, while its upperparts are a mix of golden-brown and grey with fine black-and-white speckles. This owl has relatively long legs and a slender body shape, with dark eyes. Its wings are rounded, and it has a short, squarish tail.
In contrast, the Barred Owl (Strix varia) features a round head without ear tufts and a prominent, rounded facial disc with subtle concentric lines. Its plumage is mottled brown and white overall, characterized by horizontal brown barring across its throat and upper chest, and vertical streaking on its belly. Barred Owls also possess dark brown eyes. They exhibit a stockier build compared to the more slender Barn Owl.
Unique Vocalizations
Barn Owls are known for their distinctive, non-hooting vocalizations, which include a harsh, hissing screech or shriek that can last for about two seconds. This sound is often described as a raspy hiss and is frequently emitted by males. Young Barn Owls also produce a repetitive, high-pitched “snore” or raspy hiss when begging for food. Adults may also make clicking noises as a defensive warning.
The Barred Owl, conversely, is known for its characteristic hooting call, often interpreted mnemonically as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”. This rhythmic series of hoots is a primary identifier. Beyond this well-known call, Barred Owls have a diverse repertoire of sounds, including gurgles, cackles, caws, and even monkey-like calls, a “siren call,” and a “wail.”
Habitats and Hunting Grounds
Barn Owls typically inhabit open country, preferring grasslands, agricultural fields, and other open spaces where they can hunt small mammals. They often utilize human-made structures like barns, silos, and old buildings for nesting and roosting, which contributes to their common name. Their diet primarily consists of small rodents such as voles, mice, and shrews. Barn Owls are nocturnal hunters, relying on their acute hearing and silent flight to locate prey.
Barred Owls, on the other hand, favor dense, mature forests, often near water sources. They can be found in a variety of forest types, including deciduous, coniferous, and mixed woodlands, and often reside in swampy areas. Their diet is broader than that of Barn Owls, encompassing small mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and even invertebrates and fish. Barred Owls typically hunt from a perch, swooping down to capture prey.
Why the Names Cause Confusion
The common confusion between these two owl species stems from the phonetic similarity of their names: “Barn” and “Barred.” Despite the auditory resemblance, these names refer to distinct characteristics of each bird. The “Barn” in Barn Owl directly relates to its frequent use of barns and other human structures for roosting and nesting, reflecting its preferred habitat. This association with agricultural buildings led to its widespread common name.
Conversely, the “Barred” in Barred Owl describes the prominent barring pattern on its plumage, specifically the horizontal bars on its chest and vertical streaks on its belly. The Latin root “varia” in its scientific name, Strix varia, also refers to this variegated or diverse plumage. Understanding that “Barn” signifies a location and “Barred” describes a physical marking helps to differentiate these otherwise distinct species.