Florida is home to a diverse array of owls that captivate both nature enthusiasts and casual observers alike. From the year-round resident Eastern Screech-owl to the elusive Northern Saw-whet Owl, these magnificent birds are scattered across the state, each with its unique habitat and hunting preferences. The Great Horned Owl, the most common of the bunch, finds solace in semi-open areas with wide spaces between trees, while the Barred Owl can be heard hooting in old forests and treed swamps. In the winter months, the striking Short-eared Owl can be spotted gliding over open fields and grasslands, even showing off its impressive hunting skills at airports. If you come across a Barn Owl, chances are you’ll find it in an abandoned structure, preying on rodents and forming pellets from its meals. Northern Florida is graced with the presence of the non-breeding resident, the petite Northern Saw-whet Owl, which prefers to roost in evergreen trees. Lastly, the Burrowing Owl, found throughout most of the state, constructs its nests by digging holes in deserts and grasslands and attracts insects by strategically placing animal dung around the entrance. Join us on a journey through the enchanting world of Florida’s fascinating owls as we explore their habitats, behaviors, and captivating intricacies.
Eastern Screech-owl
Habitat and Distribution
The Eastern Screech-owl is a year-round resident in Florida and is commonly found in backyard nest boxes. It prefers wooded habitats, including forests, suburban areas, parks, and gardens. Its distribution extends throughout the state, with populations found in both rural and urban areas.
Physical Description
The Eastern Screech-owl is a small owl, measuring about 8-10 inches in length and weighing around 6-8 ounces. It has a compact body and short, stocky wings. This owl species is known for its distinct ear tufts, which are feather tufts on top of its head that resemble ears but are not actually connected to its ears. Eastern Screech-owls come in two color morphs – gray and reddish-brown. They have bright yellow eyes and sharp, curved beaks.
Behavior and Diet
Eastern Screech-owls are mostly nocturnal, becoming active during the night to hunt for prey. They are known for their variety of vocalizations, including their distinctive trills and whinnies. These owls feed primarily on small vertebrates, such as mice, voles, birds, and insects. They are expert hunters and have the ability to swoop down silently on their prey, thanks to their specialized wing feathers that reduce noise during flight.
Great Horned Owl
Habitat and Distribution
The Great Horned Owl is the most common owl in Florida. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, swamps, and urban areas. These owls prefer semi-open areas with wide spaces between trees, as they tend to perch and nest on large branches near the forest edge. The Great Horned Owl is a resident species in Florida and can be seen year-round.
Physical Description
The Great Horned Owl is a large owl, measuring about 18-25 inches in length and weighing approximately 2-5 pounds. It has a stocky build and prominent ear tufts, which give it a distinct appearance. The coloration of its feathers varies, ranging from grayish-brown to reddish-brown, with mottled patterns that provide excellent camouflage. Its face is framed by a large facial disk with bright yellow eyes and a hooked beak.
Behavior and Diet
Great Horned Owls are primarily nocturnal hunters but may also hunt during daylight hours. They are known for their exceptional hunting skills and adaptability to a wide range of prey. Their diet includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even other owls. They possess powerful talons and a strong beak, which aids them in capturing and killing their prey swiftly. Great Horned Owls are territorial birds and often hoot to communicate with their mates and establish their presence in an area.
Barred Owl
Habitat and Distribution
The Barred Owl is commonly found in old forests and treed swamps throughout Florida. It prefers mature forest habitats with tall trees for nesting and roosting. These owls can also be spotted near water bodies such as wetlands and rivers. They have a relatively wide distribution in the state, with populations found in both rural and urban areas.
Physical Description
Barred Owls are medium-sized owls, measuring about 16-24 inches in length and weighing around 1-2 pounds. They have rounded heads with no visible ear tufts and a large facial disk that helps funnel sound towards their ears. The Barred Owl’s plumage is mostly brown with vertical barring on the chest, back, and wings, giving it its name. It has dark brown eyes and a sharp, curved beak.
Behavior and Diet
Barred Owls are nocturnal hunters, venturing out at night to hunt for prey. They primarily feed on small mammals, such as mice, voles, rabbits, and squirrels. They are also known to consume birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even fish. Barred Owls have a distinctive hooting call, often described as “who cooks for you, who cooks for you all.” They can be attracted by imitating this call and are known to respond to it, making them easier to locate and observe.
Short-eared Owl
Habitat and Distribution
Short-eared Owls are best seen during the winter months in Florida. They prefer open fields, grasslands, and marshes as their primary habitat. These owls have also adapted to hunting in airports, where the open landscapes provide suitable hunting grounds. They can be found in various parts of Florida, especially in areas with suitable habitat and prey availability.
Physical Description
Short-eared Owls are medium-sized owls, measuring about 13-17 inches in length and weighing around 7-16 ounces. They have a unique appearance, with short ear tufts that are difficult to see. The plumage of Short-eared Owls is a mix of mottled brown, buff, and white, which helps them blend in with their surroundings. They have yellow eyes and a sharp, hooked beak.
Behavior and Diet
Short-eared Owls are active during both daylight and nighttime hours. They are skilled hunters and feed primarily on small mammals, such as mice, voles, and shrews. Their hunting techniques include flying low over open areas and using their keen hearing to locate prey. Short-eared Owls are known for their distinctive flight pattern, where they fly with deep wingbeats interspersed with gliding. They are also known to engage in aerial courtship displays, showcasing impressive mid-air acrobatics.
Barn Owl
Habitat and Distribution
Barn Owls are permanent residents of Florida and can be found throughout the state. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including agricultural areas, grasslands, marshes, and open woodland. Barn Owls often occupy barns, silos, and other abandoned structures, hence their name. They prefer areas with accessible prey populations and suitable roosting sites.
Physical Description
Barn Owls are medium-sized owls, measuring about 14-20 inches in length and weighing around 14-24 ounces. They have distinctive heart-shaped facial disks, with white to pale brown plumage covering their bodies. Their undersides are usually lighter in color. Barn Owls have dark eyes and a short, hooked beak. They possess specialized feathers that provide silent flight, allowing them to approach their prey undetected.
Behavior and Diet
Barn Owls are primarily nocturnal hunters, taking advantage of the cover of darkness to hunt for prey. They have excellent low-light vision and acute hearing, enabling them to detect and locate rodents and other small mammals. Barn Owls feed primarily on small mammals, such as mice, rats, voles, and shrews. They swallow their prey whole and later regurgitate indigestible parts, such as fur and bones, in the form of pellets.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Habitat and Distribution
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a small owl that is a non-breeding resident in northern Florida. It prefers forested areas with dense vegetation, including coniferous and mixed forests. These owls are primarily found in the northern regions of the state during the winter months, where suitable habitat and prey are available.
Physical Description
Northern Saw-whet Owls are small owls, measuring about 7-8 inches in length and weighing around 2-5 ounces. They have rounded heads with no visible ear tufts and a relatively large facial disk. The plumage of Northern Saw-whet Owls is rich brown with white spots, providing excellent camouflage. They have yellow eyes and a short, sharp beak.
Behavior and Diet
Northern Saw-whet Owls are mainly nocturnal and rely on their exceptional hearing to locate prey. They feed primarily on small mammals, such as mice, voles, and shrews. These owls are known for their unique call, which sounds like the repetitive whistling of a saw being sharpened. Northern Saw-whet Owls are solitary birds and tend to roost in evergreen trees, where they blend in with their surroundings.
Burrowing Owl
Habitat and Distribution
Burrowing Owls are found throughout most of Florida. They inhabit open habitats such as deserts, dry grasslands, prairies, and agricultural areas. These birds create their nests by digging holes in the ground, often repurposing burrows made by other animals. Burrowing Owls can be seen in various parts of the state, especially in areas with suitable habitat and soil conditions.
Physical Description
Burrowing Owls are small owls, measuring about 7-11 inches in length and weighing around 5-7 ounces. They have a distinctive appearance, with long legs and a short tail. Burrowing Owls have brownish-gray plumage with white spotting on their bellies, providing effective camouflage on the ground. They have bright yellow eyes and a short, stout beak.
Behavior and Diet
Burrowing Owls are diurnal, meaning they are active during both day and night. They are known for their unique behaviors, including their habit of perching on mounds near their burrows. Burrowing Owls are opportunistic hunters and feed on a variety of prey, including insects, small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They have been observed attracting insects to their burrows by placing animal dung around the entrance as a form of bait.
In conclusion, Florida is home to a diverse range of owl species, each with its unique habitat preferences, physical characteristics, and behavior. From the Eastern Screech-owl commonly found in backyard nest boxes to the Burrowing Owl making its nests in the ground, these fascinating birds contribute to the rich and diverse wildlife of the Sunshine State. Whether hunting silently in the night or engaging in impressive aerial displays, owls continue to captivate and inspire with their mysterious allure.