The Barred Owl is predominantly found in large, intact tracts of unfragmented, mature forests across the country. This species is one of Canada's more visible and audible owls. Results from the Breeding Bird Survey and the Christmas Bird Count suggest an increasing population in Canada since 1970. This species relies on the availability of secondary nesting cavities and is often used as an indicator species for the management of old-growth forests (Mazur and James 2000). This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
Originally a resident of forests east of the Great Plains, this species expanded into northern and western parts of the continent during the 20th century (Mazur and James 2000). Conservation concern has been noted for this species because of its strong association with mature, unfragmented forest and the effects of forestry in reducing the availability of that habitat type (Mazur and James 2000). However, the western expansion of the Barred Owl has also raised concerns for possible displacement of the endangered Spotted Owl in some areas (Mazur and James 2000). Where their ranges overlap, territorial Barred Owls prevent Spotted Owls from using all available resources to successfully fledge young (Wiens and Forsman 2014).
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.