Perseus
Barred Owl
Strix varia
Perseus fell from his nest at only a few weeks of age. His tree was located in a busy park and for days, people picked him up, petted, and interacted with him. When police learned of the owlet in distress, they called a local rehabilitation specialist. It became clear that his exposure to humans caused him to become imprinted, so he is non-releasable to the wild.
Hatch Year: 2018
Weight: 1 – 2 ½ pounds
Wingspan: 39-44 inches
Lifespan in the Wild: 10 years
Lifespan in Captivity: 20 years
Fun Fact: As an imprinted and physically able bird, Perseus will be trained for our developing flight program.
About my Species: Barred Owls are very common in Wisconsin, but aren’t often seen due to their incredible camouflage. They prefer to make their territories near rivers and marshes, places they can catch their preferred prey: invertebrates and amphibians. This species also nest in cavities, making them even harder to spot.
