Range.—Breeds locally from the Gulf to the Arctic regions; winters throughout the United States.
BARRED OWL
368. Strix varia. 20 in.
Eyes dark brown. This is the most abundant of the large owls throughout its range. It has no ears. This species is the common “hoot owl,” that is the terror of small children and many older ones. They are noisy birds, and two of them like to get at opposite sides of a piece of woods and talk to each other. Their notes are very variable but are oftenest combinations of “who-whos” and “too-toos,” often ending in a mournful wail. They spend the day in slumber, unless routed out of the dense trees where they rest, by crows or human beings. They are one of the least harmful of the family and should be protected.
Nest.—Usually in hollow trees, but sometimes in old crow nests. Eggs pure white (1.95 × 1.65).
Range.—Resident in eastern North America. 368a. Florida Barred Owl (alleni), is smaller, darker and the toes are unfeathered, as are those of 368b, Texas Barred Owl, found in southern Texas.
GREAT GRAY OWL
370. Scotiaptex nebulosa. 27 in.