In this friendly and informative article, readers will discover fascinating details about the seven species of owls that call Alabama home. From the majestic Barn Owl to the elusive Barred Owl, each species is described in terms of their appearance, habitat, and behavior. And of course, there are plenty of fun facts to keep readers entertained. Whether they are year-round residents or migratory visitors, these awe-inspiring creatures are sure to capture the hearts of nature enthusiasts across Alabama. So, get ready to embark on a captivating journey into the world of owls!
Barn Owl
Appearance
The Barn Owl is a medium-sized owl with a distinct appearance. It has a heart-shaped face and a white or off-white underside, with light brown or grayish-brown feathers on its back. Its wings are long and broad, allowing it to fly silently through the night sky. One of the most striking features of the Barn Owl is its large, dark eyes that give it an intense and mysterious look.
Habitat
Barn Owls can be found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, grasslands, farmlands, and forest edges. They prefer areas with open spaces and low vegetation, as this allows them to hunt for their main prey, which is small rodents like mice and voles. Barn Owls also prefer nesting in cavities, such as old barns, silos, and hollow trees.
Behavior
Barn Owls are primarily nocturnal hunters, meaning they are most active at night. They have excellent hearing and rely heavily on their keen sense of hearing to locate prey. This owl species is known for its silent flight, thanks to the specialized feathers on its wings that reduce turbulence and noise. When hunting, Barn Owls use their sharp talons and beak to catch and kill small mammals, which they consume whole or tear into pieces before swallowing.
Fun Facts
- Barn Owls have the ability to locate prey in complete darkness with remarkable accuracy, thanks to their highly developed hearing.
- They have a unique ability to twist their head almost 270 degrees, allowing them to scan their surroundings without moving their body.
- The Barn Owl is also known as the “ghost owl” due to its pale appearance and silent flight.
- Despite their fierce hunting skills, Barn Owls are rather docile and non-aggressive towards humans.
Eastern Screech-owl
Appearance
The Eastern Screech-owl is a small but mighty owl species. They are typically around 6 to 10 inches tall and have a stocky build. The coloration of their feathers can vary between gray and reddish-brown, depending on the individual and its geographical location. Eastern Screech-owls have distinctive ear tufts on the top of their heads, which are not actually ears but rather for camouflage and communication purposes.
Habitat
Eastern Screech-owls can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, parks, and suburban areas with ample trees. They are well-adapted to both urban and rural environments, as long as there are trees for them to roost and nest in. These owls often make use of tree cavities, including old woodpecker holes, for nesting and resting during the day.
Behavior
Like most owls, Eastern Screech-owls are nocturnal hunters. They primarily feed on small mammals like mice, shrews, and voles, as well as insects and small birds. Despite their small size, Eastern Screech-owls are skilled predators and can capture prey with precision. During the day, they prefer to rest in tree cavities, relying on their excellent camouflage to blend in with their surroundings and avoid detection.
Fun Facts
- Eastern Screech-owls have the ability to change their appearance to match their surroundings. They can flatten or raise their ear tufts, making them appear larger or smaller depending on the situation.
- These owls have a distinctive call that sounds like a bouncing ball or a horse’s whinny, rather than the typical “hoot” associated with owls.
- Eastern Screech-owls are known to have a prolonged courtship period, with potential mates engaging in preening and bill rubbing rituals.
- They are considered beneficial to humans due to their diet of rodents and insects, helping to control pest populations.
Great Horned Owl
Appearance
The Great Horned Owl is one of the largest and most recognizable owl species in North America. It measures around 18 to 25 inches in length and has a wingspan of up to 5 feet. Its most distinguishing feature is the prominent “ear” tufts on its head, which are not actual ears but serve as visual cues and play a role in communication. Great Horned Owls have a mottled brown, gray, and white plumage, providing excellent camouflage against their surroundings.
Habitat
Great Horned Owls are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats across Alabama. They inhabit forests, woodlands, swamps, deserts, and even urban areas with large trees. These owls make use of various types of nest sites, including tree cavities, old crow or hawk nests, and even abandoned buildings. They are known for their ability to adapt to different environments and thrive in both rural and urban settings.
Behavior
Great Horned Owls are primarily nocturnal hunters, but they are also known to hunt during the day, especially during the breeding season or when food availability is scarce. They have excellent eyesight and acute hearing, enabling them to locate prey even in complete darkness. Great Horned Owls are formidable hunters and have a diverse diet that includes rodents, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and even other owls.
Fun Facts
- Despite its name, the Great Horned Owl does not actually have horns. The “horns” are actually tufts of feathers on its head.
- Great Horned Owls have been observed attacking and capturing prey larger than themselves, including skunks and raccoons.
- These owls are known for their distinctive deep hooting call that can be heard during the night. The call varies depending on the region but is often described as a series of low, rhythmic hoots.
- Great Horned Owls are known to be monogamous, with pairs mating for life.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Appearance
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is one of the smallest owl species found in Alabama. It measures about 7 to 8 inches in length and has a rounded head with large, bright yellow eyes. The overall coloration of the Northern Saw-whet Owl is a mix of brown, gray, and white feathers, providing excellent camouflage in its woodland habitat.
Habitat
Northern Saw-whet Owls prefer dense forests and woodlands with a mixture of coniferous and deciduous trees. They nest and roost in tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker nests, often selecting locations near dense vegetation for added camouflage. These owls are predominantly found in northern Alabama during the breeding season, but some individuals may also migrate through the state during their migration to their wintering grounds.
Behavior
Northern Saw-whet Owls are primarily nocturnal hunters with excellent night vision and hearing. They search for prey, including small mammals and birds, from perches in trees while scanning the area for any potential movement. Unlike other owl species, Northern Saw-whet Owls do not have a distinct hooting call. Instead, they produce a high-pitched tooting or “saw-whet” sound, which is how they got their name.
Fun Facts
- The Northern Saw-whet Owl is named after the sound it makes, which resembles the noise made when sharpening a saw.
- These owls have an uncanny ability to blend in with their environment due to their intricate plumage patterns, making them difficult to spot.
- Northern Saw-whet Owls can consume prey larger than themselves by tearing it into smaller pieces before swallowing.
- They have been known to migrate long distances, with some individuals traveling thousands of miles during their annual migration.
Short-eared Owl
Appearance
Short-eared Owls are medium-sized owls with a wingspan of about 38 to 44 inches. They have a stocky build and short ear tufts, which are usually not visible. Their plumage is mostly brown, with streaks of white or buff on their underside. One of their most distinctive features is their yellow eyes, which provide a striking contrast against their brown feathers.
Habitat
Short-eared Owls can be found in open grasslands, marshes, and meadows, both in rural and coastal areas. They prefer habitats with low vegetation, which provides cover for their nesting and hunting activities. During the breeding season, Short-eared Owls also select areas with dense patches of tall grass or shrubs where they can build their nests on the ground.
Behavior
Short-eared Owls are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day as well as at night. They are exceptional hunters, relying on their excellent eyesight and hearing to locate prey. Their diet consists mainly of small mammals, such as mice, voles, and rabbits, but they will also feed on birds, insects, and reptiles. Unlike many other owl species, Short-eared Owls have been observed hunting in groups, especially during periods of high food availability or when raising their young.
Fun Facts
- The Short-eared Owl is also known as the “Marsh Owl” or “Grass Owl” due to its preference for marshy and grassland habitats.
- These owls are known for their distinctive flight pattern, which includes slow, buoyant wing beats interspersed with glides.
- Short-eared Owls are highly migratory birds, often traveling long distances to their breeding and wintering grounds.
- They are known to perform elaborate aerial displays during courtship, which involves swooping, diving, and wing-clapping.
Long-eared Owl
Appearance
Long-eared Owls are medium-sized owls with a long-winged appearance. They have a slender body and long ear tufts that are usually held close to their heads and often go unnoticed. Their plumage is variegated with shades of brown, gray, and white, providing excellent camouflage against the trees they inhabit. The face of the Long-eared Owl is framed by a prominent facial disc.
Habitat
Long-eared Owls prefer woodlands and forests with open spaces, including both deciduous and coniferous trees. They rely on these trees for nesting and roosting, often selecting dense foliage or thickets for added protection. Long-eared Owls can be found in various regions of Alabama, but they are known to be more common in the northern parts of the state.
Behavior
Long-eared Owls are primarily nocturnal hunters, using their keen hearing and sharp vision to locate prey. They feed mainly on small mammals, such as mice, voles, and shrews, but will also eat birds and insects when available. These owls are incredibly stealthy and have a slow, silent flight that allows them to approach their prey undetected. During the day, they roost in trees, relying on their excellent camouflage to blend in with their surroundings.
Fun Facts
- Long-eared Owls have a broad repertoire of vocalizations, including hoots, barks, and screeches, which they use for communication and courtship.
- These owls are known to engage in mobbing behavior, where a group of birds, usually smaller species, gather together to harass and drive away predators.
- Long-eared Owls have excellent hearing, with one ear positioned higher than the other on their head, allowing them to pinpoint the exact location of their prey.
- They are generally silent during the breeding season to avoid attracting attention to their nest sites.
Barred Owl
Appearance
The Barred Owl is a medium-sized owl with a distinctive appearance. It has a rounded head, large dark eyes, and a facial disc that gives it a somewhat stern expression. Barred Owls have brown and white horizontal barring on their plumage, providing excellent camouflage against tree trunks and branches. They have a stocky build and rounded wings, which allow for relatively silent flight.
Habitat
Barred Owls can be found in various habitats, including forests, swamps, and wooded areas near rivers or streams. They require mature forests with a mixture of large trees for nesting and roosting. Barred Owls are highly adaptable and are known to inhabit both rural and suburban areas, as long as there is suitable habitat available.
Behavior
Barred Owls are primarily nocturnal and are most active during the night. They have excellent hearing and can pinpoint the location of prey, even under thick vegetation. These owls mainly feed on small mammals like mice, voles, and squirrels, but they are also opportunistic hunters, eating birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even invertebrates. Barred Owls are known for their distinctive hooting call, which sounds like “who cooks for you, who cooks for you all.”
Fun Facts
- Barred Owls are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their nesting and hunting areas from intruders, including other owls.
- They are proficient swimmers and have been known to dive into water to catch fish and amphibians.
- Barred Owls have a wide range of vocalizations, including screams, wails, and hoots, which they use for communication and territorial disputes.
- These owls have adapted well to human presence and can often be found nesting in suburban areas, parks, and even cemeteries.
Owls as Year-round Residents
Barn Owl
Barn Owls are year-round residents in Alabama, and they can be found throughout the state. They are commonly found in open fields, farmland, and grasslands, where they can hunt for their main prey, small rodents. Barn Owls also take advantage of human structures like barns, silos, and abandoned buildings for nesting and roosting.
Eastern Screech-owl
Eastern Screech-owls are also year-round residents in Alabama. They are well-adapted to living in both urban and rural areas, as long as there are suitable nesting sites available, such as tree cavities. Eastern Screech-owls can be found in various habitats, including woodlands, forests, and urban parks with dense tree cover.
Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owls are one of the most common owl species in Alabama and are year-round residents throughout the state. They are highly adaptable and can be found in a range of habitats, including forests, swamps, and even urban areas. Great Horned Owls take advantage of their large size and powerful hunting abilities to thrive in diverse environments.
Barred Owl
Barred Owls are another owl species that are year-round residents in Alabama. They inhabit mature forests and wooded areas near water sources. Barred Owls are known for their adaptability and can be found in both rural and suburban areas, making use of suitable nesting sites and abundant prey populations.
Migratory Owls
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Northern Saw-whet Owls are migratory owls in Alabama, breeding in the northern parts of the state and migrating to their wintering grounds during the colder months. They primarily migrate at night and can travel long distances to reach their wintering habitats, which may include southern states or even Central and South America.
Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owls are also migratory owls in Alabama. They breed in the northern parts of the state and migrate south during the winter months. Short-eared Owls can be found in grasslands, marshes, and meadows, using these open habitats for hunting and nesting.
Long-eared Owl
Long-eared Owls are another migratory owl species in Alabama. They are more commonly found in the northern parts of the state during the breeding season. In the winter, they migrate to southern regions or even further south to find suitable feeding grounds.
Conclusion
Alabama is home to a diverse range of owl species, each with its own unique appearance, habitat preference, and behavior. From the majestic Great Horned Owl to the petite Northern Saw-whet Owl, these birds of prey are fascinating creatures that play an important role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Whether they are year-round residents or migratory visitors, owls are a special part of Alabama’s natural heritage and a delight to observe in their native habitats.
