Barred Owl Mini Journal

The following description appears on the inside cover of your mini-journal.

Inside Cover DESCRIPTION

The Barred Owl is a chunky, round-headed owl whose large, liquid brown eyes and lack of ear tufts distinguish it from other large owls. It ranges over much of North America east of the Rockies. Its name derives from the crosswise barring patterns on the breast and lengthwise streaking on the belly. Barred Owls prefer dark, wet woods but live in a variety of habitats. These birds are skillful fliers that weave gracefully through heavy forest cover.

The Barred Owl is less aggressive than the Great Horned Owl; mice form the bulk of its diet. One of our most vocal owls, their large variety of unearthly calls can mystify listeners; the most common is a resonant “who-cooks-for-you? who-cooks-for-you-all!” When two owls meet one another in the dark they often hoot back and forth excitedly.

Owls have the most versatile eyesight of any bird. Possessing an amazing ability to function under low light levels, owls are efficient nocturnal hunters. Although owls are less than one-fiftieth the weight of an adult human, their eyes are the same size as ours. Their huge eyes are fixed within their sockets, but this immobility is compensated for by a highly developed set of neck muscles which allow the owl to follow an object by swiveling its head up to 270 degrees.

artwork by John Sill © 2009