Barred owls are medium-sized owls recognized by their round heads and dark brown eyes, a unique trait among eastern owl species which typically have yellow eyes. Their plumage features mottled brown and white coloring, with horizontal bars on their chest and vertical streaks on their belly. These owls are native to eastern North America but have expanded their range westward into the Pacific Northwest. They are well-known for their distinctive eight-note call, often translated as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”.
Timing of Barred Owl Mating Season
Barred owls typically begin their mating season in late winter, with courtship activities often starting in February. The breeding season then extends from March through August, varying slightly by region. This period is triggered by increasing daylight hours and the subsequent availability of food. During this time, pair bonding intensifies, and territorial defense becomes more pronounced.
Barred owls are largely non-migratory, remaining in the same territory year-round. They are monogamous and often mate for life. While their calls can be heard throughout the year, the complex duets between mated pairs are particularly common during courtship.
Courtship and Nesting Activities
Courtship rituals involve distinctive behaviors, including males and females perching closely, bobbing and bowing heads, and raising wings. Males may also sway back and forth while sidling along a branch as a display. Vocalizations are central to their bonding, with pairs engaging in duets of hoots, cackles, and gurgles. Food offerings from the male to the female are also a common courtship practice, strengthening their bond.
For nesting, barred owls prefer natural tree cavities, typically 10 to 13 inches wide and 14 to 21 inches deep, located 20 to 40 feet high in large trees. They may also utilize abandoned stick nests of other large birds, such as hawks, crows, or squirrels. Females lay a clutch of two to three pure white, rough-surfaced eggs. Incubation, primarily by the female, lasts approximately 28 to 33 days.
Parental Care and Fledgling Period
During incubation and after hatching, the male barred owl primarily hunts and brings food to the female and offspring. The female remains on the nest, brooding the young and tearing prey into smaller pieces. Owlets hatch with white down feathers and gradually develop adult plumage. Their eyes open after about seven days, and they exhibit rapid growth.
At four to five weeks, young owls begin to leave the nest, clambering onto nearby branches in a process known as “branching.” While not yet capable of sustained flight, they use strong feet and talons to explore the tree. Flight typically occurs around six to ten weeks of age, but parents continue to care for and feed them after fledging. Young barred owls remain dependent on their parents for an extended period, often up to four to six months, before becoming fully independent.