Barred Owl (Strix varia)

The Barred Owl is one of two species of Wood-Owls in the genus Strix.  S. varia can easily be distinguished from the Spotted Owl Strix occidentalis  in several ways.  The larger size of the Barred Owl (720g versus the 610g of the Spotted) is a good indicator of the species.  Additionally the streaked feathers on the thoracic region and the much paler face give this owl away!  This vocal species has a comical call often referred to as "who cooks for you, who cooks for you all".  Click here to listen to a Barred Owl call.

Volunteers For Wildlife is home to Solomon a young Barred Owl.  Our newest permanent resident, Solomon came to us in February of 2009 from a rehabilitation center in Destin, Florida. Solomon was found on the side of a road in 2008 with a fractured wing. It is suspected that he was involved in an automobile collision. His wing was surgically repaired by a veterinarian. Although the rehabilitation center had planned to release him after the surgery, it was then discovered that he was blind in his left eye. As owls rely heavily on their keen vision to hunt for prey, he was found to be unsuitable for release to the wild. Barred Owls can be found in Eastern North America from Canada to Mexico, in mature, swampy woodlands. Although once found on Long Island in large numbers, Barred Owls have been seldom seen here in recent years due to a lack of suitable habitat.