Our Resident Barred Owls

Sophia

Brought to Sharon Audubon Center: May 2004

History: Sophia was originally brought to a local rehabilitator after she was found starving and emaciated. Her gentle nature and lack of fear led rehabilitators here at the Sharon Audubon Center to the conclusion that she was most likely raised by and imprinted on humans.  Unfortunately without the guidance of other owls Sophia never learned the skills necessary to hunt for her own food.  Despite her lack of owl “skills” her friendly and inquisitive nature have made her a favorite among both staff and visitors here at the center.

Eulen

Brought to Sharon Audubon Center: December 1999

History: Eulen (pronounced Yule-en), whose name means "owls" in German, arrived at the Center in 1999 with an old injury.  It was never determined what caused the injury, but his wing had been previously dislocated and healed out of the socket.  Because of this, Eulen is not strong enough to sustain flight, which is why we have him here at the Sharon Audubon Center.

Barred Owl

(Strix varia)

Average Height: 16-24 inches

Average Weight:  1 1/2-2 pounds

Wingspan:  3-4 feet

Lifespan:  10-15 years in wild, up to 30 years in captivity

Description:  The Barred Owl is a large brown owl without "ear tufts."  Adults have dark vertical streaking on the chest and belly and white underparts with brown barring in the neck.  The Barred Owl has dark brown eyes.

Call:  The most common sound of the Barred Owl is "hoo HOO hoo hoo, hoo HOO hoo hooaaahhhhh."  This is often interpreted as "Who-cooks-for-you-- who-cooks-for-you-all?"  Barred Owls have many vocalizations, however, and also include a "bark."

Range:  Barred Owls are found throughout the Eastern and mid-western United States, as well as in the Northwestern states such as Washington and Oregon, and in Canada.  It is a very common owl in Connecticut.

Habitat:  Barred Owls prefer dense conifer or mixed coniferous and deciduous forests, wooded swamps and river valleys.

Diet:  The diet of Barred Owls consists mostly of mice, but also includes squirrels, rabbits, smaller birds, crayfish, amphibians, reptiles and insects.