Barred Owl: Dr J. Murray Speirs

Barred Owl

This is one of the more familiar owls throughout Ontario, though not as frequently noted as the Great Horned Owl.

Barred Owl L’Amoreaux Park

Some have wintered even in the heart of Toronto, but most retire to the forests of the cottage country to breed.

Barred Owl

Other large owls in Ontario have yellow or orange eyes (except for the unmistakable Barn Owl): the Barred Owl has dark eyes.

Barred Owl

Except for the streaked breast, most of its plumage is barred (as its name suggests), barred with dark brown on buffy gray background.

Barred Owl

Its call has been rendered as “who cooks, who cooks, who cooks for you-aaal” (the beginning has the quality of a dog’s bark, the ending is a descending gargle (often omitted): it may be given in broad daylight in its nesting habitats.

Barred Owl

Dr J. Murray Speirs

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