Blending In - 365-187

A Barred Owl (Strix varia) was photographed in the backyard at the edge of the forest. It blends in perfectly with the tree behind it.... more

by Inge Riis McDonald

Title

Blending In - 365-187

Artist

Inge Riis McDonald

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

A Barred Owl (Strix varia) was photographed in the backyard at the edge of the forest. It blends in perfectly with the tree behind it.
The Barred Owl is a large, stocky bird with a round head, no ear tuffs and a medium length rounded tail. It is mottled brown and white with dark brown-black eyes. The underpart is marked with vertical brown bars on a white background, while the upper breast is crossed with horizontal brown bars. The wings and tail are barred brown and white.
The Barred Owls roost quietly in forest trees during the day and at night they hunt small animals, especially rodents, and give an instantly recognizable -who cooks for you?- call.
They live in a mature forest and nest in tree cavities. They have recently moved into the Northwest they live in the old-growth coniferous forests and have often displaced or hybridized with the Spotted Owls.
The Great Horned Owl is the most serious predatory threat to the Barred Owl. Although the two species often live in the same area, a Barred Owl will move to another part of its territory when a Great Horned Owl is nearby.
The Barred Owl can live to be at least 24 years old.
Source: All about Birds.

Uploaded

September 14th, 2016