The Barred Owl (Strix varia) aka Northern Barred Owl or Hoot Owl is just a little smaller than the Great Horned Owl at 16–25 in (40–63 cm) long with a 38–49 in (96–125 cm) wingspan. It hunts mainly at night, but is known to hunt during the day, at times. Its diet is mostly rodents and other small mammals, small birds, small reptiles, lizards, insects, crayfish, fish and crabs. It is the only eastern American owl with brown eyes. All of the others have yellow. Regarding owls’ eyes, Audubon cautions against using your flash when photographing owls. Their eyes are built for night hunting and night flight. So they are very light sensitive. Camera flashes can damage them.
You may want to visit the Audubon site to hear the various hoots of this owl and to learn more.
Family: Owls
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