New research uncovers how Barred Owls interact with urban areas and why it matters

(Press-News.org) Baton Rouge, November 4, 2024 – Novel research just published in the American Ornithological Society journal, Ornithological Applications, has revealed noteworthy insights into how Barred Owls (Strix varia) interact with urban environments, with implications for both wildlife conservation and urban planning. This study, conducted by a team of biologists from Louisiana State University and other institutions, highlights the connection between owl habitat selection and an urban landscape, underscoring the broader ecological and socio-economic impacts of urban landscapes.

Key findings: Day vs. night habitat use: Barred Owls’ home ranges were significantly larger at night than during the day, indicating different habitat needs between their active and resting periods. The research emphasizes that preserving green spaces in urban areas can have profound effects on nocturnal and diurnal wildlife. Energy efficiency in preferred habitats: Owls expended less energy in their preferred nocturnal habitats, suggesting that these areas provide higher-quality resources. Affluent neighborhoods attract Barred Owls: Barred Owls in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, showed a marked preference for habitats in affluent neighborhoods, supporting the “luxury effect”—the tendency for wealthier areas to harbor greater biodiversity. Implications for urban design: The study advocates for providing and protecting habitat for Barred Owls to keep this important species, other forest-associated species, and the ecosystem services they provide present and functioning in urban areas. The study also advocates for the equitable distribution of green spaces in cities, especially in less affluent areas, to promote biodiversity throughout the urban landscape. The importance of studying the entire diel cycle This research highlights the need to study the entire diel cycle—the full 24-hour period—in animal ecology, rather than focusing solely on their active phases. For example, while owls are typically active at night, understanding their behavior during the day, when they are resting, is equally important for a complete picture of their habitat needs. This approach can be likened to inferring human priorities by only tracking their activities during work hours and neglecting what happens at home during the evening and night. Just as human well-being is shaped by both work and home life, animal survival and fitness are influenced by both active and inactive periods. By examining these patterns holistically, scientists can develop more effective conservation strategies.

Capturing the owls: a hands-on learning experience The research team faced unique challenges in capturing Barred Owls. The team deployed a variety of strategies, including a stuffed owl toy named Judas. “Judas was supposed to lure territorial owls into our nets,” explains coauthor Dr. Vitek Jirinec. “He was hit a few times, but most owls weren’t fooled. We had better success with a broadcast of owl calls next to 12-meter (40-foot) tall nets.”

Dr. Jirinec recalls the experience as both thrilling and humbling. “Most of my previous experience comes from working with small songbirds, but these owls are a different kind of beast who can make use of their sharp beaks and claws, if one is not careful.” As proof he has photographic evidence of his hands, torso, and head.

Once captured, the owls were fitted with GPS and accelerometer loggers, allowing the team to track their movements and energy expenditures with high precision. This data collection was important in revealing the differences in owl behavior and habitat use across the landscape, shedding light on how these predators navigate their environment.

A collaborative effort during challenging times

Coauthor Dr. Sabrina Taylor reflects on the collaborative nature of the project: “This study was a truly rewarding experience that brought together graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and even community members. We wouldn’t have been able to undertake an extra research project to learn about this local species without the collaboration of many people.”

The combination of advanced technology, hands-on fieldwork, and community collaboration made this research possible, resulting in findings that could influence how urban spaces are designed in the future to better accommodate both wildlife and human residents.

Broader impacts This research not only advances our understanding of urban ecology but also highlights the socio-economic disparities in environmental quality. As cities expand, the findings underscore the importance of designing urban landscapes that support biodiversity and offer equitable access to green spaces for all residents.

About the research:

Jirinec, V., A. M. Bresnan, M. Clément, M. R. Colón, A. M. Long, G. Rhyne, P. Rodrigues, E. Stein, A. Pérez-Umphrey, C. Varian, S. T. Williams, and S. S. Taylor (2024). Home ranges, habitat selection, and energy expenditure of Strix varia (Barred Owls): Understanding the full diel cycle matters for enhancing urban landscapes. Ornithological Applications 126:duae000. https://doi.org/10.1093/ornithapp/duae038

About the American Ornithological Society

The American Ornithological Society (AOS) is an international society dedicated to connecting ornithologists, science, and bird conservation by supporting science that advances the understanding and conservation of birds; promoting broad access to ornithological science; supporting ornithologists throughout their career paths; and fostering a welcoming, diverse, supportive, and dynamic ornithological community. The AOS publishes two top-ranked international scientific journals, Ornithology and Ornithological Applications, and hosts an annual conference that attracts ornithologists from across the globe. Its robust grants program supports student and early-career professional research initiatives. The society’s Check-list of North American Birds serves as the accepted authority for scientific nomenclature and English common names of birds in North and Middle America. The AOS is also a partner with The Cornell Lab of Ornithology in the online Birds of the World, a rich database of species accounts of the world’s birds. The AOS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving about 3,000 members globally. For more information, see www.americanornithology.org.

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