6 Owls in Mississippi (With Pictures)

Nestled among the lush landscapes of Mississippi, the mysterious and majestic owls captivate those lucky enough to spot them. These nocturnal creatures play a vital role in the local ecosystem. Mississippi’s diverse habitats, from dense forests to sprawling wetlands, provide the perfect backdrop for these fascinating birds of prey.

As twilight descends, the soft hooting begins, echoing through the trees—a call that both soothes and excites wildlife enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Exploring the world of Mississippi’s owls offers a unique glimpse into the intricate balance of nature and the beauty of avian life.

1. Eastern Screech-Owl

• Scientific name: Megascops asio
• Life span: 8 to 10 years
• Size: 16 to 25 cm (6.5 to 10 in)
• Weight: 121 to 244 g (4.25 to 8.5 oz)
• Wingspan: 46 to 61 cm (18 to 24 in)
• Status: Least Concern
• State status: Breeding and common

The Eastern Screech-Owl may be small, but its presence is mighty. This diminutive owl sports a complex mottling of gray, brown, and red that allows it to blend seamlessly into the bark of trees.

Found across eastern North America, from Canada to Mexico, this owl makes its home in a variety of woodland environments, including the forests of Mississippi. At night, its trilling and whinnying calls pierce the quiet as it remains mostly hidden from view.

Eastern Screech-Owls utilize the natural cover of tree cavities to shield their offspring from predators and harsh environmental conditions. These natural nooks provide warmth and security, crucial for the survival of their chicks. Their nesting choices reflect an intrinsic understanding of the landscape and the need for protection.

Inhabiting diverse environments, Eastern Screech-Owls feast on a wide array of prey, including insects, small mammals, and occasionally birds. This varied diet supports their presence in both rural and urban areas, showcasing their versatility and ecological importance as natural pest controllers.

Conservation initiatives for Eastern Screech-Owls emphasize preserving old-growth forests and facilitating the availability of nest boxes where natural cavities are scarce. These efforts are critical in supporting their populations amidst ongoing environmental changes and urban expansion.

2. Great Horned Owl

• Scientific name: Bubo virginianus
• Life span: 25 – 50 years
• Size: 43 to 64 cm (17 to 25 in)
• Weight: 1200 to 1600 g (2.64 to 3.52 lbs)
• Wingspan: 91 to 153 cm (3ft 0in to 5ft 0in)
• Status: Least Concern
• State status: Breeding and common

The formidable Great Horned Owl is recognized by its tufted ears, intimidating yellow-eyed stare, and deep hooting voice. Its mottled feathers range from a dusky gray to a reddish-brown, providing camouflage among the branches of its forest home.

This owl occupies a vast range from the Arctic tundra to the tropical rainforests of Central America, including Mississippi’s mixed woodlands.

Great Horned Owls dominate their environment by repurposing the abandoned nests of other large birds. These nests, typically located in the upper reaches of trees or on cliff ledges, provide a safe and elevated position for raising their young and overseeing their territory, crucial for their survival and hunting success.

With a diet as varied as its habitat, the Great Horned Owl is a formidable predator, capable of hunting a range of prey from small mammals to other birds, even those larger than itself. This diet reflects its status as a top predator and its important role in maintaining the ecological balance.

Despite their resilience and adaptability, Great Horned Owls are closely monitored by conservationists to ensure their habitats are preserved. This oversight helps maintain healthy populations across their vast range, from wooded forests to city outskirts.

3. American Barn Owl

• Scientific name: Tyto furcata
• Life span: 10 years
• Size: 34 to 38 cm (13 to 15 in)
• Weight: 400 to 600 g (0.88 to 1.3 lbs)
• Wingspan: 80 to 95 cm (31 to 37 in)
• Status: Least Concern
• State status: Breeding and rare

With its heart-shaped face and ghostly appearance, the Barn Owl is a striking figure in the night. Predominantly pale with golden-buff feathers peppered with gray, it haunts open landscapes like farmlands and grasslands across much of the United States, including Mississippi.

Its ethereal presence is most pronounced under moonlit skies, where it glides silently in pursuit of its nocturnal activities. The Barn Owl’s haunting calls and mystical appearance have made it a subject of folklore and mystery across various cultures.

Barn Owls cherish isolation when selecting their nesting sites, opting for undisturbed locations like old barns, abandoned buildings, or secluded tree cavities. These sites provide safety and seclusion from predators and human disturbance, crucial for the successful rearing of their young.

Their nests are minimalistic, consisting of a simple depression lined with the remnants of their prey, illustrating their straightforward approach to nesting.

Barn Owls focus on a diet predominantly composed of rodents, serving an essential role in controlling these pest populations. This preference benefits agricultural areas significantly, as these owls help maintain the ecological balance and reduce crop damage by naturally managing rodent populations.

Their silent, ghost-like hunting method allows them to effectively catch prey unnoticed during the nocturnal hours.

Barn Owls have experienced population pressures due to habitat loss and pesticide use but have seen a rebound thanks to targeted conservation efforts. These include promoting the installation of nest boxes and modifying agricultural practices to reduce chemical usage, enhancing survival rates. These conservation measures have helped stabilize their populations, offering a beacon of hope for their future.

4. Barred Owl

• Scientific name: Strix varia
• Life span: 8 years
• Size: 40 to 63 cm (15 to 25 in)
• Weight: 610 to 1,150 g (1.34 to 2.54 lb)
• Wingspan: 96 to 125 cm (38 to 49 in)
• Status: Least Concern
• State status: Breeding and common

The Barred Owl, with its soulful brown eyes and richly mottled plumage of brown and white stripes, inhabits the dense woodlands of Mississippi. Its distinctive hooting call, which sounds like it’s asking “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” echoes through the forests.

This owl prefers older forests with large trees, where it can nest in the cavities of tall trees. The extensive woods of the southeast U.S. provide the perfect backdrop for the Barred Owl’s secretive life.

Nesting deep within the heart of forests, Barred Owls choose ancient trees with spacious cavities or take over nests left by other birds. These locations offer protection and a strategic vantage point, crucial for their survival and reproductive success. The depth of the forest provides not only seclusion but also a stable environment for raising their young.

Barred Owls have a diverse palate, consuming a variety of woodland creatures, including mammals, birds, and even fish, reflecting their adaptable nature and effective hunting skills. This adaptability in diet has allowed them to thrive in various environments and expand their territorial reach, securing their position in the ecosystem.

The adaptability of Barred Owls to diverse habitats has facilitated their population stability. However, conservationists monitor their impact on other owl species, particularly in areas where their ranges overlap, to prevent potential displacement or competition. Their broad diet and ability to live in proximity to human developments help maintain their robust populations.

5. Short-eared Owl

• Scientific name: Asio flammeus
• Life span: 12 years
• Size: 34 to 43 cm (13 to 17 in)
• Weight: 206 to 475 g (7.3 to 16.8 oz)
• Wingspan:  85 to 110 cm (33 to 43 in)
• Status: Least Concern
• State status: Migratory and rare

The Short-eared Owl, with its mottled brown body and piercing yellow eyes, is a master of the open terrains such as prairies and marshes, and one of my all-time favourite birds! I’ve been lucky enough to see it on my bird trips to Sweden and in my home country of Denmark.

This bird, often seen in the early evening or during the day, is a nomadic creature that roams across the Americas and beyond, including Mississippi’s grasslands. Its lack of ear tufts gives it a distinctly round-headed appearance, making it uniquely identifiable against the backdrop of twilight skies as it hunts in the dim light.

Unique among owls, Short-eared Owls nest on the ground, choosing open fields and marshes to lay their eggs. They create a simple scrape on the ground, which they line with grass and feathers. This ground-nesting habit makes their nests vulnerable but also reflects their adaptation to open landscapes where trees are scarce.

Short-eared Owls primarily hunt small mammals like voles and mice, exploiting their habitat’s open spaces to spot and swoop down on prey during twilight hours. Their hunting efficiency is crucial in these open habitats, ensuring they capture enough food to sustain themselves and their offspring.

Conservation efforts for Short-eared Owls focus on protecting and managing open landscapes such as prairies and coastal marshes. These efforts are vital as these habitats are susceptible to changes such as agricultural development and urbanization, which threaten the owl’s nesting sites and food sources. Engaging in habitat restoration and promoting land management practices that benefit this species are key components of their conservation.

6. Northern Saw-whet Owl

• Scientific name: Aegolius acadicus
• Life span: 7 to 17 years
• Size: 17 to 22 cm (6.7 to 8.7 in)
• Weight: 54 to 151 g (1.9 to 5.3 oz)
• Wingspan: 42 to 56.3 cm (16.5 to 22.2 in)
• Status: Least Concern
• State status: Migratory and rare

Tiny yet bold, the Northern Saw-whet Owl has a captivating appearance with its large, round head, bright yellow eyes, and brown plumage interspersed with white spots. This elusive bird prefers the dense forest cover found across the northern United States, and its presence in Mississippi is a rare treat for birdwatchers. Its high-pitched calls, reminiscent of a saw being sharpened, can be heard during the quiet hours of the night, adding to the mystical allure of this miniature owl.

Choosing dense foliage or concealed tree cavities, Northern Saw-whet Owls prioritize the safety and warmth of their nesting sites to protect their young from predators and the elements. These small owls create cozy, insulated nests that are vital for the survival and health of their chicks.

Northern Saw-whet Owls primarily hunt insects and small rodents, relying on their stealth and agility to capture these prey items. Their diet is essential for their survival in dense forested areas, where these small prey are plentiful.

Focused conservation efforts for Northern Saw-whet Owls include protecting mature forests and managing forests in ways that maintain underbrush and snag trees, which are preferred for nesting. Public education about the importance of these habitats is also a key component of conservation strategies.

Where to look for Owls in Mississippi

In Mississippi, the quest to spot owls can lead you through some of the state’s most scenic and wildlife-rich areas. To increase your chances of seeing these elusive birds, venture out at dusk or dawn when owls are most active. Quiet observation and a bit of patience are key, as owls can be quite discreet. Bring along binoculars and a field guide to help identify different species and their calls.

For prime owl-watching, consider visiting these four notable areas:

• Delta National Forest – Known for its dense woodlands, this area provides an ideal habitat for various owl species.
• Holly Springs National Forest – This forest offers a mix of hardwood and softwood environments where owls like to roost and hunt.
• Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge – A sanctuary for wildlife, providing excellent opportunities to observe owls in their natural setting.
• Trace State Park – This park’s diverse habitats make it a good spot for encountering nocturnal wildlife, including several owl species.

These locations not only offer a good chance to see owls but also allow you to enjoy Mississippi’s natural beauty and tranquillity.

Conclusion

Owls in Mississippi captivate with their elusive nature and intriguing behaviours, playing a critical role in the state’s ecosystems. From the ghostly Barn Owl to the stealthy Barred Owl, these birds not only fascinate birdwatchers but also contribute to controlling pest populations.

As Mississippi continues to safeguard its natural habitats, the future of these magnificent creatures looks hopeful. Understanding and appreciating the diversity of owls in the region underscores the importance of conservation efforts to ensure these birds thrive for generations to come.