Barred Owl
Strix varia

Perseus fell from her nest at only a few weeks of age. Her tree was located in a busy park and for days, people picked her up, petted, and interacted with her. When police learned of the owlet in distress, they called a local rehabilitation specialist. It became clear that her exposure to humans caused her to become imprinted, so she is non-releasable to the wild.

Hatch Year: 2018

Average Weight: 1–2 ½ pounds | Perseus: 2 pounds

Wingspan: 39-44 inches

Lifespan in the Wild: 10 years

Lifespan in Captivity: 25 years

Fun Fact: The loud hooting from a Barred Owl sounds like ‘who-cooks-for-yooooou’.

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.

Learn more about Barred Owls!