Owls You Can Spot in Missouri

In Missouri, you can find many kinds of owls that are important to our environment. Each type of owl, like the big Great Horned Owl and the hidden Eastern Screech Owl, has its own job to do. Learning about how they act and where they live can help you understand these amazing birds better. It also gives you clues about how healthy the environment is around you. As you look closer, you will discover interesting facts about these wonderful creatures.

A Quick Overview

Here are some owls you can see in Missouri:

• The Great Horned Owl is flexible. It lives in forests and cities. You can hear its deep hoots at night.
• The Eastern Screech Owl is small and blends in well with trees. It often stays in woods and neighborhoods. You can recognize it by its unique calls.
• Barred Owls like thick forests and wet areas. You can identify them by their special hooting sounds. They hunt small animals and birds mainly at night.
• The Barn Owl has a heart-shaped face. It prefers open fields and barns. This owl mainly eats small rodents to help control pests.
• Short-eared Owls live in grasslands and marshes. They have beautiful feathers and hunt at night, mostly going after small mammals.

If you go out at night in Missouri, listen carefully. You might spot one of these amazing owls!

Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl is a powerful bird and one of the most well-known in Missouri. You can find this amazing owl in many places, like forests and even cities, showing how adaptable it is.

These owls like to nest in tall trees and hunt in open fields. Great Horned Owls are nighttime hunters. They've sharp skills to catch their food, which helps them survive in different places.

Their loud hoots fill the night, helping them mark their territory and talk to their mates. Learning about the behavior of Great Horned Owls can make you appreciate these incredible birds even more.

They play an important role in keeping Missouri's ecosystems balanced and healthy.

Eastern Screech Owl

Eastern Screech Owls are special birds that you can find in Missouri's woods and neighborhoods. They're small and come in different colors and patterns. These owls are known for their unique calls, which make them stand out.

Eastern Screech Owls like to hunt alone and can live in many types of places. Their feathers help them blend in with tree bark, which can make them hard to spot. They mostly eat insects, small animals, and sometimes small birds. This means they're good at controlling insect populations.

Watching how these owls hunt can help you see how important they're to nature. Learning about their habits and diet makes it easier to appreciate these amazing birds. They're a valuable part of Missouri's bird life, and knowing more about them can help you feel connected to the outdoors.

Barred Owl

Barred Owls are interesting birds found in Missouri's forests and wetlands. You can hear their unique hooting calls at night. They like to live in places with lots of trees, such as deciduous forests, rivers, and swamps.

These owls are mostly awake at night. They hunt small mammals, birds, and frogs for food. Barred Owls can adapt to different environments, but they prefer spots with plenty of food and good places for nesting, like tree holes.

If you watch them, you might see them showing off to each other or making territorial hoots. This behavior helps them bond with their partners and claim their territory.

Seeing Barred Owls in the wild helps us appreciate Missouri's rich ecosystems.

Barn Owl

The Barn Owl is a special bird. It's easy to recognize because of its heart-shaped face and beautiful feathers. This owl likes to live in places where it can find food.

You can find Barn Owls in:

• Open fields and grasslands
• Barns and silos on farms
• Areas with bushes and tall grass for hiding
• Near water, like ponds or marshes
• Places where small animals are common

The Barn Owl mainly eats small mice and other small rodents. This helps control pests naturally.

These owls are great hunters. They can hear their prey even when it's very dark. If you spot a Barn Owl, it's a wonderful moment to appreciate Missouri's wildlife!

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Let's talk about a cool bird called the Northern Saw-whet Owl. This small owl lives in thick forests with lots of trees. It loves places where it can hide and find food, especially small animals like voles and mice.

From late September to early April, these owls migrate south. This means they move to warmer places to find food. You might hear their special, high-pitched toots before you see them. They usually come out at night, which makes them fun and a bit mysterious.

Northern Saw-whet Owls are important for their environment. They help control the number of small animals in their habitat.

Learning about where they live and how they migrate helps us appreciate these amazing owls even more.

Long-eared Owl

The Long-eared Owl is a cool bird. It has big ear tufts and bright orange eyes. You can spot these owls in certain places because they like specific habitats and have interesting ways of hunting.

• They usually live in thick forests or areas with lots of bushes.
• During the day, they like to rest in the treetops.
• They hunt mostly when the sun is setting or rising. This is called crepuscular behavior.
• They're very quiet when they fly, which helps them sneak up on their food.
• Their favorite snacks are small animals like voles and mice.

Learning about how they live can help you appreciate these amazing owls even more. They're adaptable and skilled hunters, showing how important they're in Missouri's ecosystem. If you're out and about, look for them in their favorite spots!

Short-eared Owl

Short-eared Owls are really interesting birds! They've round faces and beautiful feathers. You can find them in open places like grasslands, marshes, and fields. These areas help them hunt easily because they can see their prey without anything getting in their way.

These owls like to hunt when it's early in the morning or just before it gets dark. They've great eyesight and fly slowly close to the ground. They mainly eat small animals like voles. You might see them gliding low over fields, looking around for food.

Learning about where Short-eared Owls live and how they hunt helps you appreciate them even more. Spotting one in the wild can be a fun experience, especially in places like Missouri where many wildlife live.

Burrowing Owl

Burrowing Owls are different from other owls. Instead of sitting in trees, they live in underground burrows. These burrows are often made by prairie dogs or other animals. You can find Burrowing Owls in open spaces like grasslands and savannas. These places are perfect for them because they support many plants and animals.

Let's look at what these owls eat:

• Burrowing Owls mostly eat insects, like grasshoppers and beetles.
• They also catch small animals, like mice and voles.
• Sometimes, they snack on reptiles and frogs.
• Their burrows help keep them safe while they hunt.
• They usually look for food in the late afternoon and evening.

Burrowing Owls are special in many ways, and understanding their eating habits shows how they fit into their environment.

Spotted Owl

Spotted Owls are really interesting birds. They've a unique look and like to live in certain places. You can often find them in old forests. These big trees give them shelter and a place to hunt for food.

Spotted Owls love forests with tall trees and lots of fallen logs. The logs help them hide and build nests.

These owls do most of their hunting at night. They look for small animals, like mice. They've a special call that you can hear in the woods, which makes it easier to find them when you're exploring.

Learning about Spotted Owls helps you understand how important they're to the forest and why it's vital to protect their homes. Appreciating these amazing birds connects you to nature and the outdoor world around you.

Boreal Owl

Boreal Owls live in forests, but they like a different kind of tree than Spotted Owls. These small owls prefer dense coniferous forests, especially in cold northern areas. Learning about their homes and what they eat can help you enjoy watching these unique birds even more.

• Habitat: Boreal Owls mostly live in spruce and pine forests.
• Diet: They mainly eat voles, but will also hunt small birds and insects.
• Behavior: They're mostly active at night, making them good nighttime hunters.
• Nesting: Boreal Owls often use tree holes or old nests from other birds to raise their young.
• Migration: They may move to new areas if food becomes hard to find.

Finding a Boreal Owl can make your birdwatching trips very special!

Western Screech Owl

The Western Screech Owl is a small and interesting bird. It has a unique call and a pretty look. You can find this owl in forests, parks, and neighborhoods because it likes places with lots of trees and open areas to hunt for food.

The sounds they make are lovely. This owl has different calls that include trills and whistles. These sounds can mean different things depending on the time of year and what's happening around them.

Male and female owls have slightly different calls, and these help them bond when they're looking for a mate.

Seeing a Western Screech Owl helps connect us to nature. It's a chance to enjoy the different sounds from wildlife around us. Watching this owl can help us learn more about the birds in Missouri and appreciate the beauty of our natural world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time of Year Are Owls Most Active in Missouri?

Owls are most active during their breeding season, which happens in late winter and early spring. Since owls are nocturnal, you will hear them calling at night. This is a fun time to watch them and see how they behave. If you're lucky, you might even spot one flying around! So, grab a blanket, go outside at night, and listen for those hoots. It makes for an exciting experience!

How Can I Attract Owls to My Backyard?

To attract owls to your backyard, you need to make a cozy home for them. Start by adding native trees for nesting. Owls like to stay in places that feel safe.

Next, make sure there are plenty of small animals, like mice and insects, around. When there's food, owls will come to visit.

With the right mix of trees and food, you can create a welcoming space for these amazing birds. Enjoy watching them!

What Are the Best Places to See Owls in Missouri?

If you want to see owls in Missouri, check out local wildlife refuges and parks. The best time to go is at dusk when owls are most active. Bring your camera for some great wildlife photos. You'll also meet other owl lovers, making it a fun experience. Enjoy watching these amazing birds in their homes!

Do Owls Migrate or Stay Year-Round in Missouri?

Owls show different behaviors when it comes to migration. Some kinds of owls move to find food, while others stay in the same place all year. In Missouri, many owls can be seen throughout the year. Learning about where owls go can help you understand local wildlife better. Plus, it's a fun way to appreciate the different types of owls living in your area!

How Can I Identify Owl Calls at Night?

To identify owl calls at night, listen closely to the sounds around you. Pay attention to the pitch and rhythm of each call. Different owls make different sounds, so try to learn what they sound like. This will help you connect with nature and enjoy watching for owls at night.