Barred Owl in the Forest at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

Sometimes referred to as a Hoot Owl, the Barred Owl is a large, North Amerian raptor. Native to Eastern North Carolina, these birds are only slightly smaller than their cousin, the Great Horned Owl. They prefer mature, deciduous or mixed woodlands though may be found in conifer forests as well. These opportunisitic predators hunt from a perch, mainly feeding on small mammals.