Barred Owl Nesting: A Complete Guide

striped owl (Sandpiper) are expert hunters who catch voles, mice, reptiles and even birds and bring them home to feed their young. But where is the barred owl’s home? Where do they nest? How many beaks do they need to feed? Here’s a complete guide to barring owl nesting habits with all this information and more.

Barred Owls prefer to nest high and will find a suitable natural burrow in a tree about 20-40 feet high. They also use batten nests made by other birds such as hawks, crows, crows and even squirrels, as well as artificial nest boxes.

As we’ll see throughout this article, these owls have some pretty interesting nesting habits. Like many owls, their nesting habits are opportunistic but cautious at the same time.

Barred owls may monitor a potential nesting site for up to a year before finally calling it home. They produce one litter a year, so the nesting site must be perfect and safe. They make sure that old nesting sites are not used again and keep an eye out for any potential predators that might steal their eggs.

Barred owl nesting in tree hole

Where Do Barred Owls Nest?

Barred owls like to nest in tall trees. They will usually find a large hole in a tree about 20-40 feet tall. However, they are also known to use the nests of other birds. They will happily use the platform nests built by hawks, ravens, and ravens.

However, Barred owls don’t usually build their own nests. Instead, they prefer to find a hole or hole in the tree.

What kind of trees do barred owls nest in?

Barred owls typically choose cedar, fir, spruce, and pine for their nests.

These owls are most commonly found in old growth forests. This is because they like to find large holes in trees to nest in, and older trees have more natural holes. They love a tree with lots of lush foliage to protect themselves and their young.

A spotted owl working up the courage to leave the nest for the first time

What time of year do barred owls nest?

Striped owls flirt throughout the year, but the real courtship begins in February. Breeding occurs anywhere between March and August. By then, the owls will have found a suitable nest for their family.

How Long Do Barred Owls Nest?

Barred owls build nests whenever the babies need to grow up and leave to find their own territory.

Typically, barred owls care for their young for about 4 months, which is longer than most owls. After this, the baby is fully grown, with mature feathers, ready to fly away and start a new life elsewhere. Parents leave the nest but may return after a year.

Barred owl perched on a branch waiting for her young owl to leave the nest

How do striped owls build their nests?

Like many other owls, barred owls do not like to build nests. Instead, they will find a natural hollow in a tree and build their nest there. If there’s anything on the floor of the nest, it’s most likely just owl poo.

They will also happily take over nests from other birds and use them. So, if you see a barred owl in a nest, they didn’t make it; they just rented it out for nesting season.

When Do Little Striped Owls Leave The Nest?

After about 35-40 days, little barred owls leave the nest but will stay with their parents until they are 4 months old. Barred owls take care of their young much longer than most other owls.

After these four months, however, babies learn to hunt and survive on their own, just like adults, and will seek out their own hunting territory.

Mothers forbid owls to give affection with owls. Owls are rewarded with food and affection when they leave the nest for the first time.

How many litters do barred owls have?

Barred owls produce only one brood a year, with 1-5 eggs per clutch – 2-3 on average. However, if they lose early fertility, they can lay more eggs. They might even produce a third litter that year, just to be sure.

The reason barred owls usually only have one litter a year is that they spend too much time caring for their young. Barred owls care for their young for about four months, which is longer than many owls.

Barred owl perched on a tree

Do barred owls nest in the same place every year?

Barred owls will use the same mating areas year after year and will nest in the same areas. They may not share the same nest, though.

Barred owls are often very opportunistic about nest building and will often seek out pre-built nests from a variety of birds. If that nest is brought back into use, they will find suitable nests elsewhere.

What do striped owl eggs look like?

Barred owls lay large oval eggs, usually about 50mm x 43mm in size and weighing an average of 45g. They are white, rough and grainy in texture.

Barred owl mother grooming her newly fledged owl

Do striped owls nest in boxes?

Barred owls will happily nest in boxes. These owls, like many others, can nest almost anywhere as long as they don’t need to build their own. However, placement of the striped owl’s nest box is very important. They prefer to nest in trees, so you’ll want to place it at least 20 feet off the ground.

Barred owls like to nest in fairly large boxes, and while you can buy some boxes, people often make their own to ensure the owl has enough room.

Barred owls typically observe potential nesting sites for a year before nesting there again. So if you do place a barred owl’s nest and it doesn’t attract many visitors, don’t be discouraged. Owls are wary of nest building and may use it the following year.

barred owl in flight

How big is a striped owl’s nest box?

Barred owls like to have plenty of room in their nests. A typical striped owl nest box is about 24 inches tall with an entry hole of 7-12 inches. The floor area is about 13 x 13 inches, with a few inches of wood chips to protect the eggs.

While some striped owl boxes are available, many people make their own.