Missouri is home to a diverse array of owls, with a total of eight different types residing within the state. These magnificent birds of prey are known for their nocturnal nature and unique characteristics. Each owl species has its own distinct features and preferred habitats, making them fascinating creatures to observe. For instance, the Great Horned Owl stands out with its deep hoot, feathery tufts on its head, and striking yellow eyes. The Eastern Screech Owl, on the other hand, excels in camouflage and can often be found near water sources in tree cavities. As for the Barred Owl, its characteristic call resembling “who cooks for you?” can be heard echoing through the large forests it inhabits. The Northern Saw-Whet Owl, the Long-Eared Owl, the Short-Eared Owl, and the elusive Snowy Owl all have their own unique traits, making the owl population in Missouri both diverse and captivating.
Great Horned Owl
Appearance
The Great Horned Owl is easily recognizable with its distinctive characteristics. It has deep hoots that can be heard in the night. This owl has feathered tufts on its head that resemble horns, hence its name. Its large yellow eyes are another defining feature of the Great Horned Owl.
Habitat
The Great Horned Owl can be found in a variety of habitats across Missouri. It is adaptable and can thrive in forests, grasslands, deserts, and even urban areas. This owl prefers areas with dense trees or forests where it can find suitable nesting sites.
Diet
The diet of the Great Horned Owl consists mainly of small mammals such as rabbits, squirrels, and mice. However, it is a versatile hunter and can also prey upon birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even other owls. This owl’s strong talons and powerful beak allow it to catch and carry its prey with ease.
Behavior
The Great Horned Owl is a solitary bird and is primarily active at night. It is a skilled hunter and uses its excellent hearing and powerful vision to locate and capture its prey. This owl is also known for its territorial behavior and will defend its nesting site aggressively. Despite its fierce appearance and predatory nature, the Great Horned Owl is an important species in maintaining the balance of ecosystems.
Eastern Screech Owl
Appearance
The Eastern Screech Owl is a small owl with excellent camouflage. It has plumage that can range from gray to reddish-brown, allowing it to blend seamlessly with tree bark. This owl has bright yellow eyes that appear large in proportion to its small body.
Habitat
The Eastern Screech Owl is commonly found in Missouri, residing in tree cavities near water sources such as rivers or lakes. It is adaptable and can also be seen in suburban areas, as long as there are sufficient trees for nesting and roosting.
Diet
The Eastern Screech Owl primarily feeds on small mammals, including mice, voles, and shrews. It may also consume smaller birds, insects, and reptiles. This owl hunts mostly at night and relies on its sharp vision and hearing to locate and capture its prey.
Behavior
Like other owls, the Eastern Screech Owl is primarily active at night. It can be heard making a distinctive trilling or whinnying call, especially during breeding season. This owl is also known for its ability to change its coloration depending on its surroundings, allowing it to remain unseen by potential predators.
Barn Owl
Appearance
The Barn Owl has a unique appearance with a heart-shaped face and pale plumage. Its feathers are a mix of brown, white, and gray, which aids in its nocturnal camouflage. This owl has dark eyes and a light-colored belly.
Habitat
As the name suggests, the Barn Owl commonly inhabits barns, abandoned buildings, and other structures. It prefers dark, quiet places during the day where it can roost undisturbed. In Missouri, it can also be found in grasslands, marshes, and prairies.
Diet
The Barn Owl primarily feeds on small rodents such as mice and voles. It relies on its excellent hearing to locate its prey in complete darkness. This owl is known for its ability to swoop silently down on its targets and catch them with its sharp talons.
Behavior
The Barn Owl is a silent hunter, relying on its stealth and exceptional hearing to locate and capture its prey. It is mostly active at night and spends much of its time in flight, searching for food. This owl does not build nests, instead opting to roost in secluded locations during the day.
Barred Owl
Appearance
The Barred Owl is a medium-sized owl with a distinct appearance. It has a rounded head and dark brown eyes. Its plumage is mostly brown with noticeable vertical barring on its chest and belly, hence its name. This owl has a distinctive call that sounds like “who cooks for you?”
Habitat
The Barred Owl can be found in large forests and wooded areas across Missouri. It prefers habitats near water sources such as rivers or swamps. This owl requires dense forests for nesting and roosting, providing ample cover for its nocturnal activities.
Diet
The Barred Owl has a varied diet that includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. It hunts at night and can occasionally be seen during the day, especially when it has young to feed. This owl uses its keen hearing to locate prey and swoops down silently to catch it.
Behavior
The Barred Owl is known for its territorial behavior and will defend its nesting site vigorously. It is primarily active at night but can be seen during the day in search of food. This owl is a skilled hunter, using both its vision and hearing to locate and capture prey. Its distinctive call can be heard echoing through the forest at night.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Appearance
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a small and elusive owl species. It has a round head with large yellow eyes. Its plumage varies, but it generally has brown and white feathers with streaks and spots. This owl is well-camouflaged and can be difficult to spot in its natural habitat.
Habitat
In Missouri, the non-breeding population of Northern Saw-whet Owls can be found in coniferous forests. They seek out areas with dense vegetation and tree cover, providing them with suitable nesting and roosting sites. These owls are migratory and breed in northern regions.
Diet
The Northern Saw-whet Owl primarily feeds on small mammals such as mice, voles, and shrews. It hunts at night, silently swooping down on its prey. This owl is an efficient hunter, using its sharp beak and talons to catch and consume its meals.
Behavior
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a secretive bird that avoids human contact. It is primarily active at night and can be heard making repetitive tooting or whistling sounds. During the breeding season, males will make distinctive calls to attract females. Despite its small size, the Northern Saw-whet Owl is an important predator in its ecosystem.
Long-Eared Owl
Appearance
The Long-Eared Owl is a medium-sized owl with long tufts of feathers on its head that resemble “ears.” Its plumage is mostly brown with streaks of black and white. This owl has bright yellow eyes and a pale face. Its appearance allows it to blend in seamlessly with its surroundings.
Habitat
The Long-Eared Owl can be found in open woodlands, forests, and grasslands in Missouri. It prefers areas with dense vegetation and tall trees where it can roost and nest. This owl is secretive and tends to avoid human activity.
Diet
This owl primarily feeds on small mammals, including mice, voles, and rabbits. It is a skilled hunter and relies on its excellent hearing to locate its prey. The Long-Eared Owl hunts primarily at night, silently swooping down on its targets from perches.
Behavior
The Long-Eared Owl is primarily active at night and can be heard making low hooting sounds. It is a social bird and may gather in small groups during the winter months. This owl is known for its ability to remain hidden, relying on its camouflage to avoid detection. It is a fascinating species to observe in its natural habitat.
Short-Eared Owl
Appearance
The Short-Eared Owl is a medium-sized owl with distinctive characteristics. It has a mottled brown plumage that blends with its surroundings in grasslands and marshes. This owl has bright yellow eyes and a round head. It also has prominent facial discs that aid in its exceptional hearing.
Habitat
The Short-Eared Owl can be seen in grasslands, prairies, and marshes across Missouri. It prefers open areas where it can find suitable hunting grounds. This owl is also known for its agility in flight, often flying close to the ground when hunting.
Diet
The Short-Eared Owl primarily feeds on small mammals such as mice, voles, and shrews. It hunts during the day, unlike most other owl species. This owl is agile and can be seen hovering above the ground, using its keen vision to locate its prey.
Behavior
The Short-Eared Owl is a diurnal species, meaning it is active during the day. It can be seen flying over open grasslands and marshes, searching for food. This owl is known for its unique flight pattern, characterized by deep, slow wingbeats interspersed with gliding. It is a fascinating species to observe in its natural habitat.
Snowy Owl
Appearance
The Snowy Owl is a majestic owl with distinctive white plumage. It has golden-yellow eyes and a round head. This owl has a dense layer of feathers that provide insulation in its Arctic habitat. The Snowy Owl is larger than most other owl species, with females being larger than males.
Habitat
The Snowy Owl is a rare visitor to Missouri. It appears during unpredictable migrations, primarily in open areas such as grasslands, prairies, and tundra. This owl is native to the Arctic and is well-adapted to the cold climate.
Diet
The Snowy Owl primarily feeds on small mammals such as lemmings, voles, and rabbits. It is a patient hunter and will perch on elevated areas, scanning for movement in the tundra below. This owl relies on its sharp vision to locate and capture its prey.
Behavior
The Snowy Owl is primarily active during the day, unlike most other owl species. It is well-known for its long-distance migration, sometimes traveling thousands of miles in search of better feeding grounds. This owl is a solitary bird and prefers open habitats where it can hunt and establish its own territory.
Species Conservation
Status in Missouri
All eight species of owls found in Missouri have different conservation statuses. Some are considered common, while others are more rare and face threats.
Threats
The primary threats to owl populations in Missouri include habitat loss, changes in land use, climate change, and human interference. Destruction of forests and urbanization have a direct impact on owls that rely on specific habitats for nesting, roosting, and hunting. Additionally, pollution and pesticides can harm owl populations indirectly by affecting their prey.
Conservation Efforts
Conservation efforts are in place to protect owl populations in Missouri. Organizations such as the Missouri Department of Conservation work to conserve and manage habitat for owls and other wildlife. Efforts also focus on educating the public about the importance of owls and their role in maintaining balanced ecosystems. People are encouraged to support conservation initiatives and take actions to preserve owl habitats. Protecting and preserving owl populations is crucial for maintaining the biodiversity of Missouri’s ecosystems.
In conclusion, owls are fascinating creatures with unique characteristics and habitats. Missouri is home to eight species of owls, each with its own appearance, habitat preferences, diet, and behavior. From the Great Horned Owl with its distinctive hoot and yellow eyes to the Snowy Owl’s magnificent white plumage, these birds of prey are a sight to behold. Understanding and conserving these species is essential for maintaining the balance of ecosystems and ensuring their survival for future generations.