Safety note: Nesting Barred Owls occasionally strike joggers and hikers passing near nest sites.
The Barred Owl is a large, round-headed owl of eastern forests whose resonant 'who-cooks-for-you' call is one of the most recognizable night sounds in North America. Its brown-and-white barred pattern provides excellent camouflage against tree bark. It has expanded dramatically westward and now competes with the endangered Spotted Owl in the Pacific Northwest.
Habitat
Mature forests, swamps, and wooded suburbs
Diet
Mice, voles, rabbits, birds, frogs, and crayfish
How common
Common
Recent Barred Owl sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Barred Owl? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free