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

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

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

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

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.

Dr J. Murray Speirs