Barred Owl
Strix varia
Barred Owls are a common sight and sound in the forests and woodlands of Oregon, often recognized by their distinctive "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?" call. They have expanded their range westward significantly in recent decades, leading to increased interactions with and competition with native Spotted Owls.
When it comes to distinguishing male and female Barred Owls, the differences are primarily in size and vocalizations, as their plumage is remarkably similar.
General Appearance (Male and Female):
Size & Shape: Barred Owls are fairly large, stocky owls with round heads (no ear tufts) and dark, soulful eyes. They have broad, rounded wings and a medium-length tail.
Plumage: Both sexes share the same distinctive barring pattern that gives them their name. They have horizontal brown bars across their upper breast and vertical brown streaks on their belly. Their overall coloration is a mottled gray-brown with buff and whitish markings, providing excellent camouflage in wooded environments.
Facial Disc: They have a prominent, pale grayish-white facial disc that frames their large, dark brown eyes.
Bill: Their bill is yellowish.
Distinguishing Male and Female Barred Owls in Oregon:
1. Size:
Females are generally larger and heavier than males. This is a consistent pattern in many raptor species, including owls.
While there's overlap, an average female Barred Owl might weigh around 1.75 pounds (800 grams) and be 20 inches (51 cm) in length.
Males, being smaller, might average around 1.4 pounds (630 grams) and be 18 inches (48 cm) in length.
The wingspan for both sexes is generally between 42 and 44 inches (107-111 cm), though the female's will be at the higher end of that range.
This size difference is most apparent when a mated pair is seen together; the female will be noticeably bulkier.
2. Vocalizations:
Barred Owls are highly vocal, and their calls are often the best way to detect and sometimes even sex them.
While both sexes make the characteristic "Who cooks for you?" hoot, the female's calls are typically higher-pitched than the male's.
When a pair duets, the difference in pitch becomes quite evident, with the male's deeper hoots providing a base for the female's higher-pitched responses.
Females may also make distinct "karate chop" calls, particularly when trying to attract a male or in response to his presence.
3. Plumage:
There are no consistent or reliable plumage differences that allow you to definitively sex a Barred Owl based on its feather patterns or coloration alone. Both males and females exhibit the same barring, mottling, and general color variations.
While some anecdotal observations suggest subtle differences (e.g., some sources mention a possible "V-shape" of white feathers around the male's eyes vs. a "C-shape" for females), these are not widely recognized as reliable field marks for sexing and can be highly subjective.
When it comes to distinguishing male and female Barred Owls, the differences are primarily in size and vocalizations, as their plumage is remarkably similar.
General Appearance (Male and Female):
Size & Shape: Barred Owls are fairly large, stocky owls with round heads (no ear tufts) and dark, soulful eyes. They have broad, rounded wings and a medium-length tail.
Plumage: Both sexes share the same distinctive barring pattern that gives them their name. They have horizontal brown bars across their upper breast and vertical brown streaks on their belly. Their overall coloration is a mottled gray-brown with buff and whitish markings, providing excellent camouflage in wooded environments.
Facial Disc: They have a prominent, pale grayish-white facial disc that frames their large, dark brown eyes.
Bill: Their bill is yellowish.
Distinguishing Male and Female Barred Owls in Oregon:
1. Size:
Females are generally larger and heavier than males. This is a consistent pattern in many raptor species, including owls.
While there's overlap, an average female Barred Owl might weigh around 1.75 pounds (800 grams) and be 20 inches (51 cm) in length.
Males, being smaller, might average around 1.4 pounds (630 grams) and be 18 inches (48 cm) in length.
The wingspan for both sexes is generally between 42 and 44 inches (107-111 cm), though the female's will be at the higher end of that range.
This size difference is most apparent when a mated pair is seen together; the female will be noticeably bulkier.
2. Vocalizations:
Barred Owls are highly vocal, and their calls are often the best way to detect and sometimes even sex them.
While both sexes make the characteristic "Who cooks for you?" hoot, the female's calls are typically higher-pitched than the male's.
When a pair duets, the difference in pitch becomes quite evident, with the male's deeper hoots providing a base for the female's higher-pitched responses.
Females may also make distinct "karate chop" calls, particularly when trying to attract a male or in response to his presence.
3. Plumage:
There are no consistent or reliable plumage differences that allow you to definitively sex a Barred Owl based on its feather patterns or coloration alone. Both males and females exhibit the same barring, mottling, and general color variations.
While some anecdotal observations suggest subtle differences (e.g., some sources mention a possible "V-shape" of white feathers around the male's eyes vs. a "C-shape" for females), these are not widely recognized as reliable field marks for sexing and can be highly subjective.