Discover the Enchanting World of Barred Owls: Top 13 Fun Facts You Never Knew

1. Tree-Climbing StairMaster

You'd think the only StairMaster barred owls use is found deep in the woods, but their fancy footwork reaches new heights when climbing trees: Barred Owls deftly scale trunks using their beaks and talons as grappling hooks, flapping their wings for an extra boost as they "walk" up the tree - a particularly handy skill for youngsters navigating their leafy surrounds.
Source => fortheland.org

2. Crayfish-Pink Makeover

Who says owls can't think pink? When a Barred Owl binges on crayfish, it's practically auditioning for the flamingo club: The consumption of these shellfish, rich in astaxanthin pigment, can turn their pinkish-grey feathers into a vibrant, albeit not as bright, pink – just like the famous hue of flamingos who dine on shrimp.
Source => audubon.org

Did you know owls are nature's noise-cancelling headphones? Discover their secret weapon for precision hunting and how it benefits them in the wild! 🦉🔊✨

=> Fun Facts about Owls

3. "Who Cooks for You?" Call

In the world of avian culinary conundrums, this nocturnal hoot-master asks the ultimate question: "Who cooks for you?": Barred Owls, sporting a distinct call that can be heard up to two miles away, frequently nest in tree cavities and have even been known to take over abandoned squirrel real estate in suburban neighborhoods.
Source => reddit.com

4. Natural Surround Sound

Whoo would have thought: Barred Owls come equipped with a natural set of surround sound headphones! No streaming subscription required though, as they're just tuning in to the sweet symphony of unsuspecting critters nearby. Hilarious prelude: Their asymmetrical ears, positioned at different heights, provide ultra-precise sound detection, allowing them to pinpoint the exact location of their next meal – whether it's a rodent recital or a froggy fest!
Source => zooamerica.com

5. Flamingo Owl Pretending

Ever thought of owls playing dress-up as flamingos? Well now you can: Barred Owls, when they consume large quantities of crayfish, end up showing pink feathers under their wings — a result of the same pigment found in the diet of their flamboyant counterparts.
Source => audubon.org

6. Year-Long Home Hunt

Just like an indecisive tourist eyeing a one-star Airbnb rental, Barred Owls surely don't wing their housing decisions: These feathered inspectors spend up to a year surveying potential nesting sites, ensuring both comfort and safety for their future owlets.
Source => birdfact.com

7. Karaoke Night in the Woods

If barred owls held a karaoke night, their playlist would span multiple genres, from R&B barks to hair-raising screams, and even a folksy "who cooks for you" ditty: Barred owls communicate with their mates and claim their territory using an array of vocals, much like a feathery symphony, rather than just hooting like their owl brethren.
Source => allaboutbirds.org

8. Aerial Courtship Rituals

Barred Owls redefine "tweethearts" by taking the dating game to a whole new altitude, as they charm their prospective lovers in the tender way only aviary Romeos and Juliets can: These adorable fowl engage in a captivating courtship ritual involving bowing, wing flapping, and mutual preening, allowing them to bond and express affection with a feathery touch of finesse.
Source => wild-bird-watching.com

9. Nocturnal Opera Serenades

Step aside, Pavarotti and Adele: the Barred Owl's melodious duets are sweeping through Southern swamps like chart-topping love songs. These nocturnal opera singers know how to serenade their partners with their unique baritone hooting: Paired owls use their enchanting voices to communicate, establishing territories and checking in with their beloved, likely discussing whose turn it is to wash the nest dishes.
Source => audubon.org

10. Built-In Night Vision Goggles

Next time you're out at night, remember that Barred Owls have the ultimate night vision goggles built right into their eyeballs, making your regular owl look like a creature with a severe case of jet lag: These fine-feathered friends can see in one one-hundredth to one tenth as much light as humans thanks to special eye adaptations for nocturnal hunting, and they've even leveled up their stealth skills by evolving flight feathers that grant them a quieter flight, allowing them to snatch unsuspecting prey like mice, voles, and even fish in shallow water without making a peep.
Source => journalnow.com

11. James Bond of Birds

Consider the Barred Owl the James Bond of the bird world – stealthy, skilled in aerial navigation, and always dressed to impress: These undercover owls have specially designed wings and feathers that allow them to fly almost silently, gliding as slow as two mph, while the fine serrations and velvety texture of their feathers further muffle any sounds that might alert their prey.
Source => audubon.org

12. Nosy Dinner Conversations

If you ever hear someone in the woods asking who's cooking dinner, don't check your RSVP list – it's probably just a barred owl being nosy: These night-time chatterboxes have a quirky call resembling "Who cooks for you?" which they use to communicate with other owls, particularly during breeding season, and can be heard from a whopping mile away.
Source => alabamawildlife.org

13. All-You-Can-Eat Owl Buffet

Who says owls are picky eaters? They certainly don't mind getting their talons dirty, indulging in crawfish boils, goldfish sushi nights, snake kebabs, and even partaking in an occasional all-you-can-eat rodent buffet: Barred Owls boast a varied diet comprising of crawfish, goldfish, snakes, rats, mice, rabbits, squirrels, bats, various bird species, and large insects like cicadas, demonstrating their impressive predatory skills—just don't expect them to catch your cat or small dog, as they're a bit out of their weight class.
Source => ospreytrax.com