General Description: Barred Owl (Strix varia) are large, brown owls without ear tufts. The belly has distinct vertical bars, and the throat has horizontal bars.

Taxonomy: Strigiformes, Strigidae.

Favored Habitat: These owls generally are found in forested country where they nest in tree cavities and sometimes old buildings, although they occasionally show up in other habitats such are urban areas.

Where to Find: Not around Las Vegas. Look for Barred Owls in the eastern US and Pacific Northwest.

Comments: Owls are hard to find, but listen for them at night or call them in. The call is a rendition of "who cooks for you, who cooks for you, who cooks for you all" with emphasis on the "you all."