barred owl

American  

noun

1. a large owl, Strix varia, of eastern North America, having its breast barred and abdomen streaked with dark brown.

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Etymology

Origin of barred owl

An Americanism dating back to 1805–15

Example Sentences

Another, a collaboration with University of Maryland biologists to better understand barred owl dispersal patterns in western forests, was nearly complete when terminated.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 19, 2025

Sometimes we hear a barred owl in the tree.

From Seattle Times • May 24, 2024

The barred owl is native to eastern North America, and the U.S.

From New York Times • May 6, 2024

The proposal is also intended to prevent declines of the California spotted owl, which wildlife officials say is also facing encroachment from the larger, more aggressive barred owl in the Sierra Nevada.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2024

The barred owl was perched on a limb halfway down Frightful’s Mountain.

From "Frightful's Mountain" by Jean Craighead George