The term “hoot owl” is a common, informal name that often leads to curiosity about which specific bird it describes. It is not a scientific classification, but rather a general descriptor for various owl species known for their distinct hooting vocalizations. While several owls produce hooting sounds, one species in North America is most strongly associated with this moniker.
The Owl Behind the Hoot
The informal name “hoot owl” most commonly refers to the Barred Owl (Strix varia) in North America. This large owl is widely recognized for its characteristic hooting call, often translated into the memorable phrase, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?”. This distinctive eight-to-nine-note call carries well through forested areas, making the Barred Owl one of the most vocally prominent owls in its range. While other owls, such as the Great Horned Owl, also hoot, the Barred Owl’s unique vocalization solidifies its association with the “hoot owl” designation.
Barred Owls are highly vocal, especially during courtship season in late winter and early spring, when males and females may engage in a duet of calls, including cackles, hoots, and gurgles. They are known to respond to imitated calls, sometimes approaching the source. Although primarily active at night, these owls may also call and hunt during the day, particularly on overcast days. Their vocal repertoire extends beyond hoots to include shrieks, cries, trills, and grumbles.
Distinctive Features and Lifestyle
The Barred Owl is a large owl, measuring 40 to 63 centimeters (16 to 25 inches) in length with a wingspan of 96 to 125 centimeters (38 to 49 inches). It has a round head, lacking “ear” tufts, and possesses dark brown eyes, which distinguish it from most other owls that typically have yellow eyes. Its plumage is predominantly brown to gray, with horizontal barring on its throat and upper chest, and vertical streaking on its belly. The back is dark brown with white spots.
Barred Owls primarily inhabit mature forests, favoring old deciduous or mixed woodlands, and often thrive near water sources like swamps, rivers, or wetlands. They are cavity-dependent for nesting, utilizing large tree hollows, broken-off snags, or abandoned stick nests of other raptors or crows. These owls are largely nocturnal predators, but are also active during twilight hours, making them crepuscular hunters. Their flight is silent due to specialized soft wing feathers, allowing them to ambush prey.
Their diet is diverse, making them generalist predators. Barred Owls primarily consume small mammals like mice, voles, squirrels, and rabbits. They are opportunistic, preying on birds, reptiles (like snakes), amphibians (such as frogs and salamanders), and even invertebrates, crustaceans, and fish. Hunting involves scanning from a perch before swooping down to capture prey with their talons. They have also been observed wading into shallow water to catch aquatic creatures like crayfish.