The Barred Owl belongs to the Order Strigiformes which includes all birds that have eyes fixed in
their socket, a large head and short neck. Most, but not all, are nocturnal. They are also members of the Family Strigidae.

Owls look to be able to move their head completely around. This total movement is just an illusion.
Often, they sit with their head looking over their shoulder to prevent predators from sneaking up
behind them. If they hear a noise which they can't see, they will turn their head quickly to the front, then to the other shoulder.

Owls cannot do that since their eyes are fixed in the socket and so must have more flexible necks to allow them to see behind them. Barred Owls can be recognized by their medium size length 17-24 "and wingspread 41-44", dark eyes and vertical brown and white stripes or barring on their chest and stomach  Below the beak but above the chest , the stripes go horizontal. Males and females are the same color, but as in most birds of prey, the females are slightly larger. Their round head has no feather tufts.
 

In the west, Barred Owls prefer second growth mixed conifer and deciduous forest to live in.
Interested in eastern North America they prefer forests. It is an adaptable owl and is expanding its range to include old growth areas (trees over 200 years old!!!!!!!!!! Barred Owls eat only living creatures such as mice, voles, rabbits, rats, flying squirrels, reptiles and large insects. Because Barred Owls live near water, they will also go  down to the water's shore  to catch frogs and other amphibians. http://www.ai-design.com/stargig/raptor/global/content/report/BarredOwl.html