Bird
Barred Owl
The owl you've probably heard, but never seen
Owling Around
These beautiful nocturnal birds are year-round residents of Maine, at home in dense forests and wooded wetlands statewide. They're also fond of hunting along roadsides. Unfortunately, that means many get hit by cars.
Whoo's Out There?
Barred owls share Maine's forests year-round with great horned owls. Both species often nest in old crow or hawk nests rather than building their own, barred owls also like tree hollows or nest boxes put out by humans. Northern saw-whet and short-eared owls also call Maine home, though short-eared owls are a Threatened Species due to their vulnerability as ground nesters.
Quick Facts
Average Size
Barred owls measure 17-20 inches long with a wingspan stretching over three feet – about the size of a crow.
What's on the Menu
Mice and small rodents make up the bulk of their diet, but barred owls are opportunistic hunters. Frogs, salamanders, snakes, and even the occasional crayfish or fish are all fair game.
The Look
Barred owls have a thicker-appearing neck and no ear tufts, with brown-and-white barring across their chest and vertical striping down their belly. Fun fact: barred owls are the only owls in Maine with brown eyes.
