215 
SUBSPECIES. Several subspecies of Barred Owl are recognized. The only one 
that occurs in Canada is the northeastern one, the type race, Strix varia varia. 
Though apparently a fairly large bird the Barred Owl, when stripped 
of its feathers, is comparatively small. Added to this it is a bird of gentle 
nature and lacks the keen aggressiveness of some of its relatives. Its notes 
are loud, the weird hooting carrying far in the still, night air. 
Economic Status. Though fowls have been known to roost repeatedly 
without harm in trees from which Barred Owls hooted every night, the 
latter are usually regarded as enemies and killed indiscriminately. Of 189 
stomachs examined, 5 contained poultry or game; 13, other birds; 46, 
mice; 18, other mammals; 4, frogs; 1, a lizard; 2, fish; 14, insects; 2, 
spiders; and 9, crawfish. The fowls, only two cases, can be regarded 
as accidental, probably offal or carrion, as they were both taken in January, 
when ordinarily the fowl would be full grown and beyond the powers of 
this weak Owl to kill. The status of this bird is most satisfactory. 
369. Spotted Owl (Including Northern Spotted Owl). Strix occidentalis. L,20. 
A large, round-headed, hornless Owl, with black eyes, of same size and general appearance 
as the Barred (Plate XXIX B), except that it is rich wood-brown instead of ashy-brown 
and darker below; the light, dark-striped underparts of the Barred Owl being represented 
by dark feathers with large white spots along their sides, and showing the buffy ochre of 
the under plumage. The general effect of the underparts suggests barring rather than 
striping. 
Distinctions. Most like the Barred Owl, but so separated from it in range as to make 
confusion very improbable. The only Owl it is likely to be mistaken for is the much larger 
and yellow-ej^ed Cinereous. 
Field Marks. The only large, round-headed Owl likely to be met with in summer time 
in southwestern British Columbia. Much smaller and browner than the Cinereous. 
Nesting. In hollow trees, probably similar to the Barred Owl. 
Distribution. Western North America, north to the boundary. In Canada , occurring 
rarely only in extreme southwestern British Columbia. 
SUBSPECIES. Two subspecies are recognized. The form to be expected in Canada 
is the Northern Spotted Owl Strix occidentalis caurina. 
This is a rare species anywhere, and has been taken in Canada on 
only a few occasions. 
370. Cinereous Owl. great grey owl. Scotiaptex nebulosa. L, 27. Of much the 
same general grey tone as the Barred Owl, but considerably larger. 
Distinctions. By measurement and in appearance the 
largest of our Owls, but when stripped of its abundance of 
soft feathers, a surprisingly small bird. Like the Barred 
Owl in general coloration and lack of horns; but with yellow 
instead of black eyes (Figure 236), and having the coloration 
of the breast and underparts diffused, and without a definite 
pattern of stripes and bars. 
Field Marks. Size, grey coloration, and lack of breast- 
bars. 
Nesting. In trees. 
Distribution. The forests of the north, across the 
continent. 
SUBSPECIES. The Cinereous Owl occurs in the 
northern parts of both the New and Old Worlds, but is 
represented in each by distinct subspecies. The European form is the Lapp Owl S. n. 
lapponica, and the American is the Great Grey Owl, the type race. 
This Owl is only a winter visitor in the settled parts of Canada. 
Figure 236 
Cinereous Owl; scale, J. 
