Range. - Eastern North America, from the British Provinces, southward; west to the Rockies.

This species is the most common of the large owls, and can be distinguished by its mottled and barred gray and white plumage, and lack of ear tufts; length 20 inches. It is the bird commonly meant by the term "hoot owl", and being strictly nocturnal, is rarely seen flying in the day time, unless disturbed from its roosting place in the deep woods. Its food consists chiefly of rats, mice and frogs, and sometimes, but not often, poultry. It nests in the heart of large woods, generally in hollows of large trees, and less often in deserted Crow's nests. They lay from two to four pure white eggs, averaging considerably smaller than those of the Great Horned Owl; size 1.95 x 1.65.

White.

Barred Owl.

368a. Florida Barred Owl. Strix Varia Alleni

Range. - Florida and the Gulf States; north to South Carolina.

BARRED OWL.

Chas. W. Long

868b. Texas Barred Owl. Strix Varia Albogilva

Range. - Southern Texas.

A very similar but slightly paler variety than the Barred Owl, and with the toes bare, as in alieni. Eggs indistinguishable.