Both the barred owl and the spotted owl are medium-sized owls found in North America. However, there are some key differences between these two species when it comes to their appearance, habitat, diet, behavior, reproduction, conservation status, and more.
Appearance
The most notable difference in appearance between barred owls and spotted owls is in their plumage patterns and coloration.
Barred owls get their name from the vertical brown and white barring pattern on their chest and belly feathers. Their backs and wings are mottled gray-brown in color. Barred owls have round heads with no ear tufts and dark brown eyes. Their bills are yellow.
Spotted owls aptly have white spots on their chests and bellies against a brown background color. Their backs and wings are a mix of brown and white. Spotted owls have round heads but with prominent ear tufts. Their eyes are dark brown. Their bills are olive-yellow.
In terms of size, barred owls are slightly larger on average than spotted owls. Barred owls have a length of 17-24 inches, wingspan of 39-49 inches, and weigh 1.4-2.3 lbs. Spotted owls measure 16-19 inches long, have a wingspan of 42 inches, and weigh 1.3-2.1 lbs.
Habitat
These two owl species live in very different forest habitat types:
- Barred owls inhabit dense, mature mixed forests across a variety of forest types including hardwoods, conifers, swamps, and riparian zones. They prefer forests with a closed canopy and are found throughout the eastern and midwestern United States as well as southeastern Canada.
- Spotted owls are found in older mature conifer forests, primarily Douglas fir, in the Pacific Northwest and California. They rely on old-growth forests and are endemic to the region.
Diet
Both barred owls and spotted owls are opportunistic predators, but they have some differences when it comes to their primary prey:
- Barred owls eat a wide variety of small mammals such as voles, mice, shrews, and squirrels. They will also prey on birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and large invertebrates.
- Spotted owls predominantly hunt small rodents like woodrats, mice, voles, and hares. They also eat birds such as woodpeckers.
In general, barred owls have a more diverse diet while spotted owls rely more heavily on small mammal prey.
Behavior
Some behavioral differences between barred owls and spotted owls include:
- Activity patterns: Barred owls are somewhat nocturnal but can be active at dawn and dusk. Spotted owls are strictly nocturnal.
- Vocalizations: Barred owls make a distinct “who-cooks-for-you” call. Spotted owls make four-note hoots.
- Nesting: Barred owls nest in tree cavities or old hawk/squirrel nests. Spotted owls nest on platforms in large tree canopies.
- Aggression: Barred owls are more aggressive than spotted owls. They will attack humans if nest is threatened.
- Territory: Barred owls maintain smaller breeding territories of around 100 acres. Spotted owls have large territories of 500-1000 acres.
Reproduction
Here are some key points about the breeding habits of barred vs. spotted owls:
- Mating season: Barred owls breed between late winter and early spring. Spotted owls breed in early spring.
- Clutch size: Barred owls lay 2-4 eggs per clutch. Spotted owls typically lay 1-3 eggs.
- Incubation: Barred owl eggs hatch after 28-33 days. Spotted owl eggs take 30 days to hatch.
- Fledging: Barred owl chicks fledge 4-5 weeks after hatching. Spotted owls fledge in about 5-6 weeks.
So barred owls have slightly larger clutch sizes but the overall breeding timeline is similar between the two species.
Conservation Status
Barred owls and spotted owls have very different conservation statuses:
- Barred owl: Least concern. Has a stable, healthy population and an expansive range.
- Spotted owl: Threatened. Population is in decline due to habitat loss. Competition and hybridization with barred owls is also a threat.
Barred owl populations remain robust while spotted owls are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act in the United States.
Range and Population
Here is a comparison of the geographic breeding range and population estimates for these species:
Species | Breeding Range | Population Estimate |
---|---|---|
Barred Owl | Eastern North America from southeast Canada through the eastern and midwestern United States to Texas. | 1.9 million |
Spotted Owl | Pacific Northwest and California. | 11,000 |
As the table shows, barred owls have a much larger range and higher total population compared to the rarer spotted owl.
Threats and Survival Adaptations
The main threats and survival adaptations of these owl species include:
- Barred owl: No major threats. Generalist habits allow adaptation to habitat loss. Main defense is camouflage.
- Spotted owl: Threatened by logging, wildfires, barred owl competition. Camouflage helps avoid predators. Relies on mature forests.
Barred owls are resilient to change while spotted owls are specifically adapted to mature, old-growth forest habitats.
Interactions and Hybridization
An interesting aspect of barred and spotted owl biology is their interaction where their ranges overlap. The two species sometimes hybridize:
- Competition with barred owls is a major threat to spotted owls, as they are larger and more aggressive.
- Owl hybrids have intermediate plumage patterns and calls.
- Hybridization may lead to a loss of unique spotted owl genetics.
Preventing extensive hybridization is a conservation priority for protecting spotted owls as a distinct species.
Conclusion
In summary, the main differences between barred owls and spotted owls include their plumage markings, habitat preferences, diets, behavior, reproduction, conservation status, population trends, and geographic ranges. Barred owls are more generalist and adaptive compared to the rare old-growth forest specialist spotted owl. Ongoing logging continues to impact spotted owls, as does competition from the invading barred owl. Understanding these key differences provides insights into better managing and conserving both species.