While the female barred owl sits on the nest, the male hunts and brings her food. Barred owls typically hunt after sunset and during the night, but sometimes feed during the day, especially when they have a nesting mate or hungry owlets to feed. The forest habitat offers a broad menu. Barred owls often sit on a high perch, scanning for small rodents or birds with their sharp eyes and listening with their keen ears. Once they spot prey, they silently descend on noiseless wings with large talons at the ready. If near water, barred owls may even wade in for amphibians or fish.