Habitat
Nest in cavities within heavy, mature coniferous or deciduous forests (Johnsgard 1988). Relies on secondary tree nest cavities and is most often associated with old forests, but may also nest in mature second-growth forests (Mazur and James 2000). Prey availability also thought to be higher in older growth forests (Mazur et al. 1998). Associated with water (Laidig and Dobkin 1995). Nonbreeding birds seen in urban areas. In B.C., occurs from sea level to 1,250 me in elevation (Campbell et al. 1990).
References
Campbell, R. W., N. K. Dawe, I. McTaggart-Cowan, J. M. Cooper, G. W. Kaiser, and M. C. E. McNall. 1990. The Birds of British Columbia. Vol. 1 and 2, Nonpasserines. UBC Press, Vancouver, B.C.
Johnsgard, P. A. 1988. North American owls: biology and natural history. Smithsonian, Washington, D.C. 295 pp.
Laidig, K. J. and D. S. Dobkin. 1995. Spatial overlap and habitat associations of Barred Owls and Great Horned Owls in southern New Jersey. Journal of Raptor Research 29:151-157.
Mazur, K. M. and P. C. James. 2000. Barred Owl. (Strix nebulosa). In The Birds of North America, No.
508. (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds). The Birds of North America Inc., Philadelphia, PA.
Mazur, K. M., S. D. Frith, and P. C. James. 1998. Barred Owl home range and habitat selection in the boreal forest of central Saskatchewan, Canada. Auk 115: 746-754.
