 the barred owl (strix varia) is a large typical owl native to north america. best known as the hoot owl for its distinctive call, it goes by many other names, including eight hooter, rain owl, wood owl, and striped owl. ==description==  the adult is  long with a  wingspan. weight in this species is .http://www.owlpages.com/owls.php?genus=strix&species=varia it has a pale face with dark rings around the eyes, a yellow beak and brown eyes. it is the only typical owl of the eastern united states which has brown eyes; all others have yellow eyes. the upper parts are mottled gray-brown. the underparts are light with markings; the chest is barred horizontally while the belly is streaked vertically. the legs and feet are covered in feathers up to the talons. the head is round and lacks ear tufts, a distinction from the slightly smaller short-eared owl, which favors more open, marginal habitats. outside of the closely related spotted owl, this streaky, chunky-looking owl is unlikely to be confused over most of the range. the spotted owl is similar in appearance but has spots rather than streaks down the underside. due to their fairly large size, the barred owl may be confused for the great horned owl by the inexperienced but are dramatically different in shape, eye color and markings. ==distribution and habitat== breeding habitats are dense woods across canada, the eastern united states, and south to mexico; in recent years it has spread to the northwestern united states, having gradually spread farther south in the west. the species is particularly numerous in a variety of wooded habitats in the southeastern united states. recent studies show suburban neighborhoods can be ideal habitat for barred owls. using transmitters, scientists found that populations increased faster in the suburban settings than 
Birds_of_Canada Birds_of_North_America IUCN_Red_List_least_concern_species Owls Strix