From Kathy Johnson in Springfield: “This family of Red Finches built their nest on our front door. We have watched the whole process from nest building, eggs, feedings, and first flight.”

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Barred owls are common and very vocal. They also can be found living in town, especially in the vicinity of city parks. Photos by Chris Young

Birds of Illinois: barred owl

Common name: Barred owl

Scientific name: Strix varia

Habitat: Barred owls can be found in lowland areas and also in forested city parks.

Food: Barred owls are not as strong as great-horned owls. They only weigh about a pound or so, and they eat small mice, crayfish, frogs and other small prey.

Call: “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”

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