Territory
It is believed that the average size of the Barred Owl's territory is about one square mile. The territory is defended throughout the year, not only during the breeding season.

These owls do not generally migrate but instead stay on their breeding grounds throughout the year. However, when food is scarce on its territory, the male may leave the area for the winter and return the following spring.

These birds are monogamous and probably mate for life. They do not migrate and typically use the same nest site year after year.

Nest
The Barred Owl most commonly nests in an unlined, natural cavity in a tree or in a hollow in the top of a tree stub. The nest is located from 20 to 80 feet above the ground. These owls may also use the unoccupied nest of a hawk, crow, or squirrel.

Incubation and Fledging
The Barred Owl typically lays 2 or 3 dull white eggs. Most reports indicate that the female incubates the eggs, with some possible participation by the male. The incubation period is from 28 to 33 days.

About four or five weeks after hatching, the young owls climb out of the nest and perch on nearby branches, where their parents continue to feed them. It may be another six weeks or so before they are ready to fly.