For example, the Barred Owls' upper chest region is brown with white horizontal blotching, which seems to define a bib. From the bib, the rest of the chest, sides, belly and flanks are streaked vertically with brown over a the white base color. These species do hybridize and offspring show a mix of both parents traits. Hybrids tend to be lighter in color overall and the facial region resembles more of the Barred Owl. The breast and abdomen show both white patches and streaks.
Identification can be tricky.
Generally mature to old-growth forests. Specific habitat needs have centered this owl in the middle of the controversial logging versus conservation interests on national forest. Begins nesting in February to March. Nests in broken top trees, large cavities, and stick nests built by other animals. Clutch size is 1 to 4, and incubation about 30 days.