DOCSLIB.ORG

Barred Owl (Strix Varia) Brenda S

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Barred Owl (Strix Varia) Brenda S Barred Owl (Strix varia) Brenda S. Keith Holland, Ottawa Co., MI. 10/30/2008 © Judi Manning (Click to view a comparison of Atlas I to II) This medium-sized owl with liquid dark eyes is Preferred habitat for the Barred Owl consists of mature woods with numerous old trees and large best known for its vocalizations. The typical cavities for nesting. A study of nest sites of the call is described as “who-cooks-for-you, who- Barred Owl in northern Michigan showed large cooks-for-you-all.” During the breeding season beech trees seem to be favored but cavities in of mid-to-late winter, loud raucous caterwauling maples and dead snags are also utilized duets take place. Barred Owls are widespread (Postupalsky et al. 1997). east of the Great Plains from southern Canada to south Florida and the Gulf Coast. They also Breeding Biology occur in a band across central Canada to Courtship behavior begins in mid-winter with southeastern Alaska, and into the Pacific egg dates ranging from mid-March in the Northwest. A disjunct population is also found southern parts of Michigan to early May in the in southern Mexico (Mazur and James 2000). more northern regions. Typically one brood of two to three eggs is laid with an incubation Distribution period of 21 to 28 days. Young fledge between Bent (1938) states that “The Barred Owl is our mid-May to early July with some observations most common large owl east of the Prairie in the southwest LP and surrounding states as States.” They were considered abundant during early as mid-April. Young owls remain near Michigan’s post-settlement time but dropped to their parents for several months, begging for common due to deforestation and shooting food with their strange squeaky, hissing calls. practices (Brewer 1991). This was especially true in the southern L.P. By the late 1950’s the Abundance and Population Trends Barred Owl was considered uncommon in the During MBBA II, there was a slight increase in southern counties (Zimmerman and Van Tyne the percentage of townships where Barred Owls 1959) as land clearing continued for agriculture. were encountered compared to MBBA I. The As in MBBA I, during MBBA II, Barred Owls number confirmed in the UP and the NLP was were found statewide with most territories substantially lower during MBBA II, while the detected in the UP and NLP, however the numbers listed as Probable were nearly the current Atlas shows that the population in the same. The number confirmed in the SLP southwestern LP has grown. © 2011 Kalamazoo Nature Center Barred Owl (Strix varia) Brenda S. Keith increased over that of MBBA I with the majority of confirmations coming from the western SLP. This may be attributed to the maturation of wood lots. While Barred Owls are nocturnal and nest early, it is often difficult to confirm nesting. Since this species is very vocal and tends to stay on territory, it is likely that blocks with Probable and Possible records are also nesting sites. Increases in central and northern Canada are in part attributed to the initiation of the Ontario Nocturnal Owl Survey (Allair 2007). BBS trends for the Midwest (USFWS Region 3) and Michigan show a slight but steady increase since 1983. The Partners in Flight population estimate for Michigan was 5,000 individuals but it also states there was poor coverage for this species (PIF 2007). Conservation Needs Across USFWS Region 3, Barred Owl numbers have been on the increase in recent years (Sauer et al. 2008). The species is not on any watch lists for Michigan but forest management practices should still be considered. Snags and an adequate number of large live trees (> 50 cm d.b.h.) that contain or are likely to develop suitable cavities should be preserved. It is particularly important to maintain conifers in forests otherwise dominated by deciduous trees. This species will also use nest boxes if placed in suitable locations that provide cover for safety and open areas for hunting (Postupalsky et al. 1997). Barred Owls pose no negative effects on humans and are beneficial for keeping crop damaging rodents under control (Quimby 2000). © 2011 Kalamazoo Nature Center Barred Owl (Strix varia) Brenda S. Keith Literature Cited .ummz.edu/site/accounts, information/ Strix_varia.html> Allair, J. 2007. Barred Owl. In Cadman, M.D., Sauer, J.R., J.E. Hines, and J. Fallon. 2008. D.A. Sutherland, G.G. Beck, D. Lepage, and The North American Breeding Bird Survey, A.R. Couturier, eds. 2007. Atlas of the Results and Analysis 1966-2007. Version Breeding Birds of Ontario, 2001-2005. Bird 5.15.2008. USGS Patuxent Wildlife Studies Canada, Environment Canada, Research Center. Laurel, MD. Ontario Field Ornithologists, Ontario Zimmerman, D.A., and J. Van Tyne. 1959. A Ministry of Natural Resources and Ontario Distributional Checklist of the Birds of Nature. Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Michigan. Ann Arbor, University of Bent, A.C. 1938.Life histories of North Michigan Museum of Zoology Occasional American birds of prey (part 2). U.S. Paper No. 608. National Museum Bulletin No. 170. Brewer, R., G.A. McPeek, and R. J. Adams, Jr., Suggested Citation eds. 1991. The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Michigan. Michigan State University Press, Keith, B.S. 2011. Barred Owl (Strix varia). In East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Chartier, A.T., J.J. Baldy, and J.M. Ebbers, B.C. 1991. Barred Owl. In Brewer, R., Brenneman (eds.). 2010-2011. The Second G.A. McPeek, and R. J. Adams, Jr., eds. Michigan Breeding Bird Atlas. Kalamazoo 1991. The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Nature Center. Kalamazoo, MI. Accessed Michigan. Michigan State University Press, online at: <www.mibirdatlas.org/Portals East Lansing, Michigan, USA. /12/MBA2010/BDOWaccount.pdf >. Mazur, K.M. and P.C. James, 2000. In The Birds of North America, No. 508. Poole, A. and F. Gill, eds. The Birds of North American, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Partners in Flight (PIF). 2007. PIF Landbird Population Estimates Database [web application]. Version 2004. Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. <http://www. rmbo.org/pif_db/laped/default.aspx>. Postupalsky, S., J.M. Papp, and L. Scheller. 1997. Nest sites and reproductive success of Barred Owls (Strix varia) in Michigan. In Duncan, J.R., D.H. Johnson, and T.H. Nicholls (eds.), Biology and Conservation of Owls of the Northern Hemisphere: 2nd International Symposium, 1997 February 5- 7, Winnipeg, MB. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-190, St. Paul, MN. USDA Forest Service, North Central Research Station. Downloaded from <http://www.ncrs.fs.fed.us/epubs/owl/POST UPA.PDF> Quimby, S. 2000. Strix varia (on-line), Animal Diversity web at <http://animaldiversity © 2011 Kalamazoo Nature Center .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Owls-Of-Nh.Pdf
    Lucky owlers may spot the stunning great gray owl – but only in rare years when prey is sparse in its Arctic habitat. ©ALAN BRIERE PHOTO 4 January/February 2009 • WILDLIFE JOURNAL OWLSof NEW HAMPSHIRE Remarkable birds of prey take shelter in our winter woods wls hold a special place in human culture and folklore. The bright yellow and black eyes surrounded by an orange facial disc Oimage of the wise old owl pervades our literature and conjures and a white throat patch. up childhood memories of bedtime stories. Perhaps it’s their circular Like most owls, great horned owls are not big on building their faces and big eyes that promote those anthropomorphic analogies, own nests. They usually claim an old stick nest of another species or maybe it is owls’ generally nocturnal habits that give them an air – perhaps one originally built by a crow, raven or red-tailed hawk. In of mystery and fascination. New Hampshire, great horned owls favor nest- New Hampshire’s woods and swamps are ing in great blue heron nests in beaver-swamp home to several species of owls. Four owl spe- BY IAIN MACLEOD rookeries. Many times, while checking rooker- cies regularly nest here: great horned, barred, ies in early spring, I’ll see the telltale feather Eastern screech and Northern saw-whet. One other species, the tufts sticking up over the edge of a nest right in the middle of all long-eared owl, nests sporadically in the northern part of the state. the herons. Later in the spring, I’ll return and see a big fluffy owlet None of these species is rare enough to be listed in the N.H.
    [Show full text]
  • Barred Owl (Strix Varia)
    Wild Things in Your Woodlands Barred Owl (Strix varia) The barred owl is a large bird, up to 20 inches long, with a wingspan of 44 inches. It is gray-brown in color, with whitish streaks on the back and head, brown horizontal bars on its white chest, and vertical bars on its belly. This owl has a round face without ear tufts, and a whitish facial disk with dark concentric rings around brown eyes. Males and females look similar, but females can weigh about one third more than males. “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?” This is the familiar call of the barred owl defending its territory or attracting a mate. If you live in or near a heavily wooded area with mature forest, particularly if there is also a stream or other body of water nearby, this sound is probably familiar. Barred owls are the most vocal of our owls, and most often are heard calling early at night and at dawn. They call year-round, but courtship activities begin in February and breeding takes place primarily in March and April. Nesting in cavities or abandoned hawk, squirrel, or crow nests, the female sits on a nest of 1-5 eggs for 28 to 33 days. During this time, the male brings food to her. Once the eggs have hatched, both parents care for the fledglings for at least 4 months. Barred owls mate for life, reuse their nest site for many years, and maintain territories from 200 – 400 acres in size. Barred owls are strongly territorial and remain in their territories for most, if not all, of the year.
    [Show full text]
  • Barred Owl (Strix Varia)
    Barred Owl (Strix varia) DID YOU KNOW: The rich baritone hooting you may hear in the woods that sounds like 'who cooks for you, who cooks for you-all' is the barred owl. They get their name from the dark barred pattern on the feathers. EATING HABITS: Barred owls are well-adapted for hunting small mammals, reptiles and birds; they will even eat fish! Their sharp talons and beak are perfect for grabbing, killing and tearing the meat. They seek prey from a perch or while flying low through the forest. They are most active at night, but will also hunt early in the morning and at dusk. The male hunts for food and brings it to the nest when the female is with the young. Lakeside Nature Center 4701 E Gregory, KCMO 64132 816-513-8960 www.lakesidenaturecenter.org THE YOUNG: The adult pair chooses a large hollow in a tree to make their nest. Sometimes they may even use an old abandoned hawk or squirrel nest. The pair calls to each other often when preparing to raise their family. The female lays two to four eggs that hatch in about 30 days. The babies look like big puffballs while they are covered with down. The feathers soon begin to grow in, and they are able to fly in about six weeks. HABITAT (HOME): Barred owls can be found from the East Coast to the Rocky Mountains, from Canada to the Gulf Coast. Woodlands that are near rivers and other wetlands are prime barred owl habitat. Locally you can hear or see barred owls where the Missouri and the Blue Rivers run through wooded areas.
    [Show full text]
  • Montana Owl Workshop April 19-24, 2019 © 2018
    MONTANA OWL WORKSHOP APRIL 19-24, 2019 © 2018 High, wide, and handsome, Montana is the country’s fourth largest state, encompassing 145,392 square miles (376,564 square kilometers), and has one of the lowest human densities of all states; about six to seven people per square mile. Its biological diversity and variable climate reflects its immensity. Among its alpine tundra, coniferous forests, plains, intermountain valleys, mountains, marshes, and river breaks, Montana lists 433 species of birds, 109 species of mammals, 13 species of amphibians, and 18 species of reptiles. Montana also maintains about 2,080 species of native plants. Join researchers for four full days of learning how to survey, locate, and observe owls in the field. Montana boasts the largest number of breeding owl species in any state within the United States. Fifteen species of owls occur in Montana, of which 14 species breed: American Barn Owl, Flammulated Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Western Screech Owl, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Great Gray Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, Northern Pygmy Owl, Burrowing Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Long-eared Owl, and Short-eared Owl. Snowy Owls are winter visitors only. Although all species will not be seen, chances are good for five to seven species, and with some luck, eight species are possible. Highlights can include Great Gray Owl, Northern Pygmy Owl, Boreal Owl, and Northern Saw-whet Owl. It’s not often the public has an opportunity to follow wildlife researchers on projects. During this educational workshop, we will meet and observe field researchers of the Owl Research Institute (ORI) who have been conducting long-term studies on several species of owls.
    [Show full text]
  • Raptor Mews: Meet Our Birds
    Raptor Mews: Meet our Birds Birds of Prey or “Raptors” are birds with hooked beaks and sharp talons that are strict carnivores: they only eat other animals in order to survive. Hashawha houses several raptor species at the Raptor Mews. These have been evaluated and deemed non-releasable by veterinarians and rehabbers. They are part of our educational programs at Bear Branch Nature Center and Outdoor School. Eastern Screech Owl Otus asio Eastern Screech Owls are the smallest species of owl found in Carroll County. Their color pattern can vary from bright red to gray. The strong patterns on the belly and back, as well as the ear tufts, allow them to blend in with their environment, making it easier to hunt for prey and hide from predators. Though they are predators, they frequently fall prey to larger owl species themselves. Barred Owl Strix varia Also known as ‘Swamp Owls’, Barred Owls can be found mainly in hardwood marsh areas. They are mostly nocturnal, and usually like to hunt at night. However, it is not uncommon to see one in the late afternoon, getting a jump on the day’s hunting. They will eat a variety of prey, including mice, frogs, and even crayfish! Barred Owls have a very distinct call. If you listen closely, it sounds like they are asking a question: “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?” Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus These ‘tigers of the night’ are amazing creatures. Great Horned Owls are the top predator in the woods at night. They are extremely powerful and able to carry much larger prey in relation to their body size then other birds of prey.
    [Show full text]
  • OWLS of OHIO C D G U I D E B O O K DIVISION of WILDLIFE Introduction O W L S O F O H I O
    OWLS OF OHIO c d g u i d e b o o k DIVISION OF WILDLIFE Introduction O W L S O F O H I O Owls have longowls evoked curiosity in In the winter of of 2002, a snowy ohio owl and stygian owl are known from one people, due to their secretive and often frequented an area near Wilmington and two Texas records, respectively. nocturnal habits, fierce predatory in Clinton County, and became quite Another, the Oriental scops-owl, is behavior, and interesting appearance. a celebrity. She was visited by scores of known from two Alaska records). On Many people might be surprised by people – many whom had never seen a global scale, there are 27 genera of how common owls are; it just takes a one of these Arctic visitors – and was owls in two families, comprising a total bit of knowledge and searching to find featured in many newspapers and TV of 215 species. them. The effort is worthwhile, as news shows. A massive invasion of In Ohio and abroad, there is great owls are among our most fascinating northern owls – boreal, great gray, and variation among owls. The largest birds, both to watch and to hear. Owls Northern hawk owl – into Minnesota species in the world is the great gray are also among our most charismatic during the winter of 2004-05 became owl of North America. It is nearly three birds, and reading about species with a major source of ecotourism for the feet long with a wingspan of almost 4 names like fearful owl, barking owl, North Star State.
    [Show full text]
  • Status of the Barred Owl (Strix Varia) in Alberta
    Status of the Barred Owl (Strix varia) in Alberta Alberta Wildlife Status Report No. 56 Status of the Barred Owl (Strix varia) in Alberta Prepared for: Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (SRD) Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) Prepared by: Ben Olsen This report has been reviewed, revised, and edited prior to publication. It is an SRD/ACA working document that will be revised and updated periodically. Alberta Wildlife Status Report No. 56 January 2005 Published By: i Publication No. T/055 ISBN: 0-7785-2971-1 (Printed Edition) ISBN: 0-7785-2972-X (On-line Edition) ISSN: 1206-4912 (Printed Edition) ISSN: 1499-4682 (On-line Edition) Series Editors: Sue Peters, Nyree Sharp and Robin Gutsell Illustrations: Brian Huffman For copies of this report,visit our web site at : http://www3.gov.ab.ca/srd/fw/speciesatrisk/ and click on “Detailed Status” OR Contact: Information Centre - Publications Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Main Floor, Great West Life Building 9920 - 108 Street Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5K 2M4 Telephone: (780) 422-2079 This publication may be cited as: Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. 2005. Status of the barred owl (Strix varia) in Alberta. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife Division, and Alberta Conservation Association, Wildlife Status Report No. 56, Edmonton, AB. 15 pp. ii PREFACE Every five years, the Fish and Wildlife Division of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development reviews the general status of wildlife species in Alberta. These overviews, which have been conducted in 1991 (The Status of Alberta Wildlife), 1996 (The Status of Alberta Wildlife) and 2000 (The General Status of Alberta Wild Species 2000), assign individual species “ranks” that reflect the perceived level of risk to populations that occur in the province.
    [Show full text]
  • Owls of Idaho
    O wls of Idaho Juvenile great gray owl © Kathleen Cameron A publication of the Wildlife Diversity Program O wls of Idaho Mythology Biology Idaho residents are fortunate to call fourteen species of owls their neighbors. From the Conservation Palouse Prairie to the Snake River Plain up to the rugged Sawtooth Mountains, these creatures of myth and folklore exemplify Barn owl one of nature’s perfectly adapted checks Barred owl and balances—quietly and inconspicuously helping to keep other species in equilibrium Boreal owl with the environment. Burrowing owl Flammulated owl Owls are raptors (birds of prey) classified Great gray owl in the order STRIGIFORMES, which is Great horned owl divided into two groups—the typical owls (STRIGIDAE) and the barn owls (TYTONIDAE). Long-eared owl Although there is disagreement, most bird Northern hawk owl taxonomists believe that the owls’ closest kin Northern pygmy owl are the insect-eating nightjars (also called nighthawks). Northern saw-whet owl Short-eared owl The owl family is ancient — fossil owls are Snowy owl found in deposits more than 50 million years Western screech owl old. In Idaho, fossil owls related to modern screech-owls, long-eared owls, and burrowing owls have been unearthed in the Hagerman fossil beds, which date back 3.5 million years to the Upper Pliocene period. 2 Owls in Lore and Culture Owls have been portrayed as symbols of war and feared by the superstitious as harbingers of tragedy and death. They also have been regarded with affection, even awe. In Greek mythology, an owl was associated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom, the Arts, and skills.
    [Show full text]
  • Barred Owl Specimen Records for Montana
    NOTES BARRED OWL SPECIMEN RECORDS FOR MONTANA DAVID H. ELLIS, Montana Departmentof Fish, Wildlife and Parks, 1420 E. Sixth, Helena, Montana 59620 (presentaddress: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,Patuxent WildlifeResearch Center, Laurel, Maryland20708) DWIGHT G. SMITH, BiologyDepartment, Southern Connecticut State University,New Haven, Connecticut 06515 PHILIP L. WRIGHT, Departmentof Zoology,University of Montana,Missoula, Montana 59812 Taylor and Forsman(1976) reportedrecent range extensionsof the BarredOwl ($trix varia)in westernNorth America. Boxall and Stepney(1982) described the species' distribu- tion and statusin Alberta.Shea (1974) summarizedsightings, a photographicrecord, and several vocalization records of Barred Owls in western Montana but collected no specimens.Although published nesting records are not available,D. Flath (pers.comm.) statedthat breedingis occasionallyreported for the Blackfoot,Bitterroot, and Fisherriver valleys(see also Skaar et al. 1985). Markset al. (1984) reportedprey identifiedfrom 37 BarredOwl pelletsfrom westernMontana. Saunders(1921) reportedthat Thomascol- lectedthree Barred Owls near Billings,but the specimenshave never been locatedand Skaar(1975 and pets.comm.) questioned their authenticity. Here we reportthe first extant Barred Owl specimensfor Montana and a range extensioneast acrossthe continental divide. During1974 threeBarred Owls were found dead in Montana.The firstspecimen (Univ. Montana No. 15710), a road kill, was found by Ellisand Gus Wolfe on 13 April on Highway200 1.6 km westof the junctionof highways200 and 287 in Lewisand Clark County,east of the continentaldivide. The locationis on the openprairie about 30 km east of the forestedfoothills of the RockyMountains. On 26 April Peter WidenerIV and Ellis locatedthe remainsof a secondBarred Owl in PowellCounty about 0.5 km southof the northfork of the BlackfootRiver and approximately73 km southwestof the firstspecimen.
    [Show full text]
  • Barred Owl Strix Varia
    Barred Owl Strix varia Folk Name: Hooting Owl, Laughing Owl Status: Resident Abundance: Fairly Common Habitat: Moist riparian forests and urban and suburban bottomland forests The Barred Owl is perhaps our best known and most common owl. It resides in both mature urban forests and riparian and bottomland forests. It is a little smaller than the Great Horned Owl, and the Barred Owl is occasionally one of this big owl’s prey. The Barred Owl has a rounded head with no ear tufts. It is dark brown overall with streaks and barring of white and yellowish- brown. It is our only “dark-eyed” forest owl. When seen in good light, their big, round, black eyes look to be a deep, dark blue. This owl’s loud Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you…aaalll? call resonates in forested backyards and forests throughout the region. In addition to this characteristic “hoot owl” call, the Barred Owl is known to make a wide variety of noises throughout the year, some of which sound like caterwauling monkeys. caught trespassing on their dominions. Only persons who live near deep forests hear the call of this strange “The hoots and screams of this bird are the most weird hermit of the somber woods.” sounds imaginable, and we are not surprised at the —Webb’s Our Bird Book, 1917 stories of faint-hearted travelers being driven from their camps by these ghost-like serenaders. Besides their usual Since the 1800s, the Barred Owl has been designated a cry of ‘Whoo, whoo, whoo!’ which may be heard for rather common bird in the Carolina Piedmont.
    [Show full text]
  • Owls of Montana Sounds
    Owls of Montana Sounds Birds communicate verbally to one another for many different reasons. Songs, used typically to establish territories and for finding a mate, are learned over time by the male and occasionally female. Calls can be heard in all seasons and are more instinctive. For more information about bird sounds and what they mean, visit audubon.org . Working from the smallest Montana species to the largest: The Northern Pygmy-Owl These tiny but fierce predators have a specific sound for the different regions that they live in. Northern Pygmy-Owls in Montana are going to call differently than the ones in Oregon so depending on where you are hearing them, they could be slightly altered. The owls in MT have a song that is a series of high, hollow “toot”s spaced about 4 seconds apart. Males and females will sometimes sing simultaneously and the females will usually have a slightly higher pitch. © Connor Stefanison Photography Their call is a rapid, high-pitched, short trill that is typically after their song. To hear their sounds visit online allaboutbirds.org . Second smallest owl species in Montana: The Flammulated Owl These Owls are spread out through out the western side of the United States and Central America so their sounds are fairly uniform through out their range. The male’s song is a low monotonous “hoot” that it can repeat unendingly. The low hoot will be occasionally Followed by a ‘bull frog’ like lower, two-”hoot” trill. Their alarm calls sound like a high pitch trumpet, two in a row with a second in between each.
    [Show full text]
  • Owls Wildlife Note
    8. Owls Owls are birds of prey, occupying by night the hunting and feeding niches which the hawks hold by day. Superb, specialized predators, owls are adapted to find, catch and kill prey quickly and efficiently. They’ve been doing it for ages; owl fossils found in the Midwestern United States in rocks of the Eocene period date back about 60 million years. Eight species of owls either nest or regularly visit Pennsylvania in winter. Some species like the great horned owl, barred owl, and Eastern screech-owl are permanent residents. Barn owls, long-eared owls, short-eared owls, and northern saw-whet owls nest in the state but are migratory. Some individuals apparently nest where they spent the winter. Snowy owls are winter visitors, varying each year in the extent of their visitation to the state. Migrant owl populations seem to reflect the abundance of prey populations, so they vary greatly from year to year. In general, the populations of owls are not well-known because of their nocturnal habits. As such, these are among Pennsylvania’s most mysterious birds and deserve more research and monitoring efforts. Taxonomists divide owls (order Strigiformes) into two Eastern screech-owl families, Tytonidae­­­—barn owls—and Strigidae, a family to which all other Pennsylvania owls belong. The barn vision: each eye views the same scene from a slightly owl ranges over most of the world, with related species different angle, thus improving depth perception. Eyes are in South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, and fixed in the skull; to look to the side, an owl moves its head, Australia.
    [Show full text]