How Big Are Barred Owls? (Wingspan + Size)

striped owl (Sandpiper) is a common and widespread North American owl in the family Strigidae. These birds inhabit forests and woodlands in the eastern half of the United States, and their range extends west to southern Canada and south to the northwest and northern California.

Barred owls are large birds of prey, but how big are they and how do they compare to other owl species?

Barred owls weigh more than two pounds, are nearly twenty inches long, and have a wingspan of more than three and a half feet. They are the fourth largest owl species in the United States. Despite their large size, these birds pose minimal risk to pets.

Barred owls vary widely in size, with the lightest adult owls weighing less than half the weight of the largest owls. However, their arm span and body length measurements are relatively consistent. Barred owls’ diet consists of small prey such as voles and frogs, although they will hunt larger animals like squirrels.

Would you like to learn more about barred owl sizes? Read on for interesting facts and details about these beautiful forest hunters.

The barred owl is the fourth largest owl species in the United States

striped owl wingspan

The barred owl has a wingspan of 39 to 43 inches (99 – 109 cm). Females are generally larger than males, although the difference is more pronounced when comparing their weights.

The barred owl has a wingspan ranging from 39 to 43 inches (99 – 109 cm)

barred owl weight

Barred owls can weigh more than two pounds, although their mass varies widely. Females are much heavier – usually because they need extra energy reserves to get through the nesting season.

• Male Barred Owl Quality: Male barred owls weigh between 17 and 29 ounces (480 and 810 grams). Their average weight is about 22 ounces (620 grams).
• Female Barred Owl Quality: Females usually weigh 23 to 36 ounces (650 – 1020 grams). Their average mass is about 30 ounces (850 grams).

Female striped owls are usually much larger than males

How big is a barred owl compared to a human?

The body length of a barred owl is similar to the distance between the tip of an outstretched finger and the tip of an elbow. Their wingspan is about three and a half feet — the average height of a four-year-old.

Comparing a bird’s size to your own is a great way to get an idea of ​​its true size. However, given their size, owls are surprisingly light.

Their legs are long and covered with feathers, with hollow bones to help keep them light. You might be surprised to know that the average male barred owl weighs about the same as a cup full of coffee!

How big an animal can a barred owl pick up?

The barred owl’s heaviest prey weighs about a pound. However, they also eat large prey such as grouse, squirrels, and cottontails. Some estimates put the average weight of their prey at just over an ounce.

Closeup of a barred owl perched on a fence post

Why Are Barred Owls So Big?

Barred owls benefit from their large size in many ways. They are large enough to defend themselves against many other forest predators and powerful enough to take on animals the size of small rabbits.

A closer look at their anatomy reveals oversized features such as eyes, faces and claws.

Their large black eyes help spot prey at night in dark forests, although these birds have been known to hunt at dawn, dusk, and sometimes even early in the day. Their large tubular eyes are immobile, so the bird must turn its head to look away.

Barred owls have large disc-shaped faces. This feature is typical among owls and serves a practical hunting purpose. Their face disks capture sound to improve their chances of hearing prey running on the forest floor below.

Once oriented by their powerful vision and hearing, barred owls swoop down from their perches to catch their prey with their large, powerful talons. These sharp claws are effective in catching and killing small animals and birds.

Barred owls use their large size in many different ways

Barred Owl Compared To Other Birds

The barred owl is the fourth largest owl species in North America. They are most similar in appearance to the closely related spotted owl (S. occidentalis) Northwest and Southwest regions.

Barred owls are larger and more aggressive than their threatened relatives, a concern for conservationists as the barred owl is expanding its range into the spotted owl’s habitat.

Barred owls may be large, but they pale in comparison to other American species such as the snowy owl, great horned owl, and great gray owl.

Great horned owls and barred owls are often confused by novice birders, and the two species often occupy the same habitat. However, barred owls, which are only half their size, often fall prey to larger species.

Barred owls are much larger than the many owl species that share their range. For example, the eastern screech owl is a small species in the eastern United States, weighing less than half the weight of the barred owl.

Barred Owl on a Red Cedar Tree, Marion County, Illinois

Are barred owls bigger than barn owls?

Their names may sound similar, but barred owls and barn owls are different sizes. Barred owls are usually larger than barn owls. However, the largest female barn owl may be equal to the smallest male barn owl.

The American Barn Owl weighs 14 – 25 ounces (400-700 grams), can be up to about 10 inches in length, and has a wingspan of up to 10 inches. As with barred owls, females are significantly heavier than males. See this article for an in-depth guide to barn owl sizes.

Barred owl flying through the forest

common problem

How big is an adult barred owl?

Barred owls vary in size, with females being the largest. Adults can weigh from 1 to 2⅓ pounds and have wingspans from 3¼ to 3½ feet.

How big is a barred owl?

Barred owls are 17 to 20 inches long and have a wingspan of 39 to 43 inches.

How tall is a barred owl?

The barred owl is a tall species. Most barred owls are 17 to 19 inches long, measured from the end of the tail to the tip of the beak.

Can a striped owl pick up a puppy?

Barred owls are too small to pose a threat to most dogs. However, puppies and “teacup” breeds may be at risk. Great horned owls live in similar habitats to barred owls and pose a greater threat to small pets.

Can a striped owl pick up a cat?

Barred owls are too small to lift adult house cats, as they may only be able to hold their own weight or less. However, they can certainly bring a kitten.