Northern Spotted and Barred Owl Natural History

Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina)

Northern Spotted Owl

3 Subspecies of spotted owl (Mexican spotted owl habitat also shown on map).
Appearance: Dark brown with white spots, round head, no ear tufts.
Diet: Carnivorous and prefers flying squirrels and wood rats; Ariel Diver  (Natural History 2014).
Habitat Range: From Northern California to British Columbia.

Habitat Preference: Old growth coniferous forests, humid forests, and wooded canyons.

Habitat Requirements: Nest availability (cavity nesters), prey, continuous forests (All About Birds 2014).                                                   
                         

Northern Spotted Owl and Chicks

Northern Spotted Owl Range

                     








































Barred Owl (Strix Varia)

Barred Owl

Appearance: Round head with no ear tufts and brown barring on chest.
Diet: Carnivorous and a generalist; Prey includes meadow voles, mice, and shrews; Ground forager
(Barred Owls 2014).
Habitat Range: Eastern United States, but ranging expanding in the northwest (All About Birds 2014).
Habitat Preference: Mixed forest, swamps, stream-side.
Habitat Requirements: Prey and nesting; Can live in urban habitats; Resistant to fragmentation.

Barred Owl Range