Barred Owl ( Strix varia )

A chunky owl with dark eyes, dark barring on upper breast and dark streaking below. Common in dense coniferous or mixed woods of river bottoms and swamps. It preys on roosting small birds, fish and large insects. Ranges over Alaska, most of Canada and the U.S.

White underparts streaked with chocolate brown. A whitish facial disk has a distinctive black border, the bill is pale. Boreal Owls inhabit dense northern forests and muskeg. Ranges over most of Alaska and Canada and gets as far south as the Canada / U.S border.

Barn Owl ( Tyto alba )

A pale owl with dark eyes in a heart-shaped face. Rusty-brown above and the underparts vary from white to cinnamon. The darkest birds are always female. The palest birds, the male. The Barn Owl roosts and nests in dark cavities in city and farm buildings, cliffs and trees. Preys on rodents. Ranges over most of the U.S.

Long legs distinguish this ground dwelling owl from all other small owls. The adult is boldly spotted and barred. An owl of the open country at home on golf courses, road cuts and airports. When disturbed gives off an alarm that sounds like a rattlesnake. Preys on insects and small rodents. Ranges over most of the U.S. and southern part of the Canadian Prairie Provinces.

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