Eyes that hold the wisdom of the night—nature’s quiet guardian.
Barred owls are typically about 16 to 25 inches tall, with wingspan reaching up to 50 inches. Despite their relatively large size, they are incredibly agile in flight. Their broad wings and quiet, slow wingbeats allow them to glide silently through the forest, a crucial trait for sneaking up on prey. Like other owls, they possess specialized feathers that minimize noise while flying, helping them remain undetected as they hunt. This ability to move silently through the trees is one of the many features that make barred owls exceptional predators. Their faces are round, with a distinctive facial disc that helps funnel sound into their ears, giving them exceptional hearing. Their eyes are large, dark brown, and almost soulful in appearance, contributing to their hauntingly beautiful expression. Unlike many owl species with yellow eyes, the barred owl's deep brown eyes give them a gentler, almost wise look. But don't let their gentle appearance fool you—these owls are highly skilled hunters. Barred owls are opportunistic feeders and will eat a wide variety of prey, including small mammals like mice, voles, squirrels, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and even invertebrates. They are particularly fond of hunting near water, such as swamps and forested wetlands, where they can catch frogs, crayfish, and fish. Their sharp talons and powerful beaks are perfect tools for seizing and dispatching their prey. Their remarkable vision allows them to spot movement from a distance, even in low light. With their acute sense of hearing, barred owls can locate prey hidden under leaves or snow by detecting the faintest rustling sounds. One of the most captivating aspects of barred owls is their vocalization. They are highly vocal birds known for their wide range of calls and sounds, including hoots, caws, screeches, and even eerie, monkey-like cackles.
Size: 8256px × 5504px
Location: Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Photo credit: © Lea Tyrrell / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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