Citation. Nicholls, T. H.; Warner, D. W. 1972. Barred owl habitat use as determined by radiotelemetry. Journal of Wildlife Management 36(2):213-224.   [1451  CC]

Abstract. Radio transmitters were successfully placed on 10 barred owls (Strix varia) during 1965-66, and the movement of the owls were followed with an automatic radio-tracking system for a total of 1,182 days. More than 28,000 owl locations were sampled from some two million locations recorded. These locations, along with habitat availability information, were programmed for computer analysis to determine intensity of habitat use. Barred owls showed consistent and highly significant preference or avoidance for different habitats despite changing seasons, phenology, weather conditions, and years. The order of habitat preference in decreasing intensity of use was oak (Quercus spp.) woods, mixed hardwoods and conifers, white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) swamps, oak-savannas, alder (Alnum spp.) swamps, marshes, and open fields.

Keywords. barred owl, Strix varia, radiotelemetry, habitat preference