Florida supports a diverse group of owls, with 10 species documented across the state’s varied landscapes, from forests and wetlands to open habitats. However, only a core group occurs regularly: five year-round resident owls and one additional species that appears as a consistent winter visitor. The remaining owls are encountered only irregularly or as rare vagrants, often far outside their typical ranges. This guide focuses on the owls most likely to be encountered in Florida, highlighting their identification, habitat use, and seasonal patterns, while also placing less frequent visitors into context.
Barred Owl
Strix varia
- Identification: Large gray-brown owl with a rounded head, dark eyes, a well-defined facial disc, and brown-and-white barred and streaked plumage across the body.
- Where found: Year-round across most of Florida in forested wetlands, hardwood hammocks, and wooded suburban areas, especially near water; absent from the Everglades, areas south of Lake Okeechobee, and the Lower Keys.
- How to spot: Listen at dusk and night for the classic “Who cooks for you?” call, or look for a broad, rounded owl perched quietly in shaded woods or gliding through forested habitat.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); common and widespread in Florida, though dependent on forested habitat and vulnerable to local pressures such as habitat loss and rodenticide exposure.
The Barred Owl is the most widespread and frequently encountered owl in Florida and one of the most familiar voices of the state’s forested landscapes. It measures 43 to 50 centimeters (16.9 to 19.7 inches) in length and is a large, broad-bodied owl with a rounded head lacking ear tufts and dark brown eyes. The plumage is gray-brown overall, with horizontal barring across the upper breast and vertical streaking on the belly and sides, creating a softly mottled appearance that blends well with tree bark and shaded woodland interiors.
Barred Owls are often detected by sound, especially from dusk through the night when their far-carrying hoots are most frequent. In Florida, vocal activity peaks from evening through early morning. The familiar two-phrase call, commonly rendered as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?,” is used to defend territory and communicate between pairs. Birds may also be active during the day, often roosting in dense foliage or perched quietly on branches. They hunt from elevated perches and take a wide range of prey, including small mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and even fish and crayfish captured in shallow water.
In Florida, the Barred Owl is a year-round resident found across nearly the entire state where suitable habitat exists. It is most closely associated with dense, mature forests, especially deciduous hardwood hammocks, cypress swamps, and mixed woodlands with access to water such as creeks or ponds. The species is common along river bottoms and in wooded wetlands and also adapts well to suburban areas with sufficient tree cover. It is absent from the Everglades, much of the agricultural landscape south of Lake Okeechobee, and the Lower Keys, where forest structure and nesting sites are limited.
This species remains common and stable across Florida, supported by its adaptability to a range of forested habitats, including some human-altered landscapes. However, it depends on mature trees for nesting and cover, making it sensitive to habitat loss and fragmentation. In suburban environments, Barred Owls may be exposed to rodenticides through contaminated prey, which can pose a local threat. Overall, it continues to thrive as a characteristic and highly vocal resident of Florida’s wooded ecosystems.
Eastern Screech-Owl
Megascops asio
- Identification: Small, stocky owl with ear tufts, yellow eyes, and gray, brown, or rufous plumage patterned with fine bars and spots.
- Where found: Year-round across most of Florida in wooded habitats, suburban areas, and forest edges; absent or scarce in the Everglades, parts of southern agricultural regions, and the Lower Keys.
- How to spot: Listen at night for monotonic trills or descending whinnies, or look for birds roosting in tree cavities or nest boxes during the day.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); common and widespread in Florida, with local pressures linked to habitat loss and limited cavity availability.
The Eastern Screech-Owl is the smallest regularly occurring owl in Florida and one of the most widespread, found across nearly all suitable wooded habitats in the state. The species measures 16 to 25 centimeters (6.3 to 9.8 inches) in length and has a compact, broad-headed shape with prominent ear tufts, yellow eyes, and a short tail. In Florida, individuals tend to be darker overall than those farther north, often appearing brownish or rufous. Three color morphs occur – gray, rufous, and brown, and all show intricate barring and streaking that provides excellent camouflage against tree bark.
This species is most often detected by sound rather than sight. Its distinctive vocalizations include a steady, monotonic trill and a descending whinny, both of which carry well through wooded areas at night. Individuals may respond quickly to call playback, especially during territorial periods. Eastern Screech-Owls are active primarily at night but may occasionally be seen roosting in tree cavities or perched quietly in dense foliage during the day. They hunt from low perches, taking a wide range of prey including insects, small mammals, birds, and other small vertebrates, often foraging along forest edges, yards, and lightly developed areas.
In Florida, the Eastern Screech-Owl is a year-round resident found throughout most of the state wherever trees provide suitable cover and nesting sites. It occupies a broad range of habitats, including hardwood forests, pine woodlands, suburban parks, and wooded residential areas. Availability of tree cavities is a key requirement, as the species depends on natural cavities or nest boxes for nesting. It is largely absent from the Everglades, parts of the agricultural region south of Lake Okeechobee, and the Lower Keys, where appropriate habitat and nesting sites are limited.
The owl remains common and widespread in Florida, although its nocturnal habits can make it difficult to detect. Its adaptability to suburban environments and broad diet support stable populations across much of the state. However, the species depends on cavity-bearing trees and can be affected locally by habitat loss, removal of mature trees, and competition for nesting sites. Retention of natural cavities and the use of nest boxes can help maintain local populations in both rural and urban landscapes.
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
- Identification: Large, powerful owl with prominent ear tufts, bright yellow eyes, a white throat patch, and mottled brown and buff plumage.
- Where found: Year-round across most of mainland Florida in open woodlands, pine uplands, forests, and agricultural areas; absent from the Keys and less frequent in parts of South Florida.
- How to spot: Listen for deep, rhythmic hoots at dusk or night, or look for a large owl perched in the open or flying with steady, powerful wingbeats over fields and forest edges.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); stable and widespread in Florida, though subject to local pressures such as habitat loss and secondary poisoning.
The Great Horned Owl is the largest owl in Florida and the most powerful nocturnal predator in the state. It measures 46 to 63 centimeters (18.1 to 24.8 inches) in length and has a thick-bodied build with a broad head, prominent ear tufts, and striking yellow eyes. Plumage is heavily mottled in shades of brown, buff, and black, with a contrasting white throat patch that is often visible when the bird calls. This combination of size, structure, and coloration makes it a dominant and easily recognized owl across a wide range of habitats.
In the field, Great Horned Owls are often detected by their deep, resonant hooting, typically given in a slow series of notes during the evening and night. They frequently perch in exposed positions such as tree limbs, fence posts, or utility structures, scanning open areas for prey. Flight is strong and deliberate, with steady wingbeats and short glides. This species is a highly versatile hunter, taking a wide range of prey including mammals, birds, and other vertebrates, and in Florida may also exploit locally abundant food sources such as coastal or wetland prey.
In Florida, the Great Horned Owl is a year-round resident found across most of the mainland wherever a mix of open hunting areas and suitable nesting cover is available. It is most often associated with open pine woodlands, oak forests, and upland habitats but also occurs in swamps, prairies, agricultural lands, and suburban areas. It is less common in parts of South Florida where extensive wetlands dominate and is absent from the Florida Keys. The species breeds primarily in winter in Florida, using a variety of nesting sites including trees and other elevated structures.
The Great Horned Owl remains fairly common across Florida and has maintained a stable distribution over time. Its adaptability to different habitats, including human-altered landscapes, supports устойчивые populations in much of the state. However, it depends on the availability of suitable nesting sites and prey, and may be affected locally by habitat loss, disturbance, and exposure to toxins through prey. Despite these pressures, it continues to thrive as a widespread and characteristic predator in Florida’s ecosystems.
Burrowing Owl
Athene cunicularia
- Identification: Small, long-legged ground-dwelling owl with a rounded head, bright yellow eyes, white eyebrows and throat, brown upperparts with buff spotting, and barred buff-white underparts.
- Where found: Patchily distributed across peninsular Florida in open prairies and human-altered landscapes such as pastures, golf courses, airports, and vacant lots.
- How to spot: Look for a small upright owl standing near burrow entrances or on low mounds, active by day or night, and listen for soft cooing or rasping calls near nesting areas.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); Threatened in Florida due to habitat loss, development, and other human-related pressures.
The Burrowing Owl is one of the most distinctive and unusual owls in Florida, notable for its ground-dwelling habits and frequent daytime activity. This species measures 19 to 25 centimeters (7.5 to 9.8 inches) in length and has a small, slender body with long legs, a rounded head without ear tufts, and bright yellow eyes. The plumage is brown above with buffy spotting and pale below with barred markings, providing camouflage against sandy soils and short vegetation typical of its open habitats.
In the field, the Burrowing Owl is often seen standing upright at the entrance to its burrow or perched on low mounds, fence posts, or other ground-level structures. It is active both during the day and at night, a behavior that sets it apart from most other owls in the region. Movements are quick and alert, and flight is low and buoyant over open ground. Vocalizations include soft cooing notes and harsher calls near the nest. The species feeds on a wide range of prey, especially insects and small vertebrates associated with open and disturbed habitats, and may also take advantage of road-killed animals or other opportunistic food sources.
In Florida, the Burrowing Owl is a year-round resident with a patchy and localized distribution across the peninsula. It occurs from northern counties south through central and southern Florida, with strongholds in open prairie regions such as Osceola, DeSoto, and Okeechobee Counties, and expanding populations in developed areas like Cape Coral. The species inhabits dry, open landscapes with short vegetation, including native prairies, pastures, agricultural fields, airports, golf courses, and vacant lots. Unlike western populations, Florida birds often excavate their own burrows in sandy soils, although they may also use existing cavities. The species is absent from extensive wetlands such as the Everglades and Big Cypress, as well as many forested regions lacking suitable open ground.
The Burrowing Owl is considered locally imperiled in Florida despite its adaptability to human-modified environments. Habitat loss due to development remains the primary pressure, along with disturbance, predation, vehicle collisions, and flooding that can destroy burrows and nests. Although the species can reach high local densities in suitable areas, its dependence on specific open habitats results in a fragmented distribution across the state. Legal protections and conservation measures, including habitat management and artificial burrow programs, play an important role in supporting Florida populations.
American Barn Owl
Tyto furcata
- Identification: Medium-sized pale owl with a heart-shaped facial disc, dark eyes, long rounded wings, and buff-and-gray upperparts contrasting with whitish underparts.
- Where found: Year-round but localized across Florida in open and semi-open habitats such as farmlands, grasslands, and towns, avoiding heavily wooded areas and absent from the Keys.
- How to spot: Look for a pale owl flying low over open ground at night with slow, buoyant wingbeats, or listen for harsh, rasping screams near barns or other quiet structures.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); uncommon in Florida and sensitive to habitat loss, reduction of nesting sites, and secondary poisoning.
The American Barn Owl is the least commonly encountered of the state’s resident owls and the only member of its family in the region. It measures 32 to 40 centimeters (12.6 to 15.7 inches) in length and has a lanky, long-legged build with a large rounded head and no ear tufts. The pale, heart-shaped facial disc and overall light coloration give it a distinctive appearance among Florida’s owls. Upperparts are buff and gray, while the face and underparts are largely whitish, creating a strong contrast that is especially noticeable in low light.
This species is rarely seen but often detected by its voice. Instead of hooting, it gives a long, harsh, rasping scream that carries through open landscapes at night. It hunts by flying low over fields and open areas with slow, buoyant wingbeats, using highly developed hearing to locate prey. The diet consists mainly of small mammals, especially rodents, but also includes birds, amphibians, and insects depending on local availability. Its strictly nocturnal habits and quiet flight make it difficult to observe even where present.
In Florida, the Barn Owl is a year-round resident that occurs in open or partially open habitats where suitable nesting sites are available. It favors farmlands, pastures, grasslands, and developed areas such as towns, often using barns, buildings, and other structures for roosting and nesting. It avoids heavily forested landscapes and is not known to breed in the Florida Keys. Nesting can occur throughout the year in Florida, with some pairs producing multiple broods annually, particularly in stable environments with abundant prey.
The species is considered uncommon in Florida despite being widespread geographically. Its nocturnal behavior and tendency to nest in concealed sites make it difficult to survey accurately. Habitat loss, reduction of old buildings and nesting cavities, and exposure to rodenticides are important threats. Predation by larger raptors such as the Great Horned Owl may also influence local distribution and behavior. Conservation measures that maintain open habitats and provide safe nesting sites, such as nest boxes, can support local populations.
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeus
- Identification: Medium-sized owl with a pale facial disc, yellow eyes outlined in black, mottled brown-and-buff upperparts, streaked underparts, and broad wings with a dark mark at the wrist.
- Where found: Scarce winter visitor in Florida, occurring in open habitats such as prairies, marshes, and grasslands, especially in the northern and central parts of the state.
- How to spot: Scan open areas at dawn or dusk for a buoyant, moth-like flight low over vegetation, or look for birds perched on the ground.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); globally widespread but declining in parts of its range, with Florida records limited to seasonal visitors.
The Short-eared Owl is a scarce and seasonal owl in Florida, best known as a winter visitor to open landscapes. The species measures 34 to 43 centimeters (13.4 to 16.9 inches) in length and is a medium-sized owl with a rounded head and very small, often inconspicuous ear tufts. The pale facial disc contrasts with large yellow eyes bordered by dark markings, giving it a striking expression. Plumage is mottled brown and buff above and streaked below, with many Florida individuals appearing darker and buffier overall, often with reduced streaking.
The Short-eared Owl is one of the few owls regularly active during daylight, especially at dawn and dusk. It flies low over open ground with a buoyant, erratic, moth-like flight, frequently changing direction while searching for prey. Individuals may also perch directly on the ground or low mounds. In Florida, it is most often detected visually rather than by sound, as vocalizations are infrequent during the non-breeding season. Like other populations, it hunts primarily small mammals, using low, searching flights and occasional hovering to locate prey.
In Florida, the species occurs mainly as a winter visitor, with records concentrated from December through February. It appears regularly but in low numbers, especially in open habitats such as prairies, coastal marshes, grasslands, and managed conservation areas. Notable locations include large open tracts such as Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, as well as scattered records across central and northern counties. Occurrence in southern Florida is less predictable but includes occasional records, sometimes associated with individuals dispersing from Caribbean populations.
The Short-eared Owl remains scarce in Florida and is best considered an irregular but recurring winter visitor. Its presence varies from year to year, likely influenced by broader population dynamics and movements. Habitat availability and the abundance of small mammals are key factors shaping local occurrence. While global populations face pressures from habitat loss and fragmentation, Florida observations remain limited to seasonal appearances in suitable open landscapes.
Snowy Owl
Bubo scandiacus
- Identification: Large white owl with yellow eyes, a rounded head, and variable dark barring ranging from heavy in younger birds to nearly absent in older individuals.
- Where found: Extremely rare and irregular winter visitor to Florida, recorded mainly along open coastal habitats in the northeastern part of the state.
- How to spot: Scan open beaches, dunes, and coastal fields for a pale owl perched on the ground or low structures, especially during winter irruption years.
- Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN); global populations declining, with Florida records limited to rare, unpredictable irruptions.
The Snowy Owl is one of the rarest and most unexpected owls ever recorded in Florida, far outside its typical winter range. It measures 52 to 71 centimeters (20.5 to 28.0 inches) in length and is the heaviest owl species in North America. The large owl is unmistakable, with a broad, rounded head, bright yellow eyes, and predominantly white plumage marked by varying amounts of dark barring. Individuals seen in Florida have typically shown noticeable barring, consistent with younger birds or females.
In its normal range, the Snowy Owl is often active during the day and is usually detected visually rather than by sound. It perches conspicuously on the ground or low elevated points such as dunes, posts, or buildings, scanning open terrain for prey. Flight is steady and buoyant, with powerful wingbeats when needed. In Florida, any individual is likely to behave similarly, remaining in open areas and relying on visibility rather than concealment, though encounters are extremely infrequent.
In Florida, the Snowy Owl is an exceptionally rare and irregular winter visitor, with records typically associated with major irruption events. The most notable occurrences have been documented in northeastern coastal areas, particularly around Duval County, including locations such as Little Talbot Island State Park and nearby coastal habitats. These appearances are far removed from the species’ usual wintering grounds in southern Canada and the northern United States and are thought to reflect large-scale movements driven by prey fluctuations in the Arctic. Occurrence in the state is unpredictable and may not repeat for many years.
The Snowy Owl is not part of Florida’s regular avifauna and is best considered an extreme rarity. Its appearances in the state are highly dependent on irruptive movements tied to Arctic prey cycles and broader population dynamics. While global populations are declining due to climate change and shifting prey availability, Florida records remain too infrequent to reflect local trends. Any sighting in the state is considered exceptional and represents a significant event for observers.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Aegolius acadicus
- Identification: Very small, round-headed owl with a cat-like face, bright yellow eyes, brown upperparts spotted with white, and white underparts streaked with brown.
- Where found: Extremely rare and poorly documented winter visitor in Florida, with records concentrated in the northeastern coastal region.
- How to spot: Most likely detected by its repetitive “too-too-too” call at night, though sightings are exceptionally rare.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); globally widespread, but status in Florida limited to rare and uncertain occurrences.
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is an exceptionally rare and little-understood owl in Florida, far outside its typical forested range. This species measures 18 to 22 centimeters (7.1 to 8.7 inches) in length and is a very small, compact owl with a rounded head, no ear tufts, and bright yellow eyes set in a distinct facial disc. The plumage is brown above with white spotting and pale below with bold streaking, though individuals in Florida have been documented only rarely and often under poor observation conditions.
This species is highly nocturnal and extremely difficult to detect, even within its normal range. It is most often identified by its distinctive, repetitive “too-too-too” call, typically given during the breeding season farther north. In Florida, detection has been limited primarily to occasional auditory records and rare physical specimens. As elsewhere, it would be expected to roost quietly in dense vegetation during the day and hunt small mammals at night using low, agile flight, but direct observations in the state are extremely limited.
In Florida, the Northern Saw-whet Owl is best considered an exceptionally scarce winter visitor or vagrant. Most documented records come from the northeastern part of the state, particularly coastal areas of St. Johns and Duval Counties. Verified occurrences include a small number of specimen records and a few reported auditory detections during winter. These records suggest that individuals may occasionally reach Florida, possibly as a result of disorientation or weather-driven movements during migration. There is no evidence of regular occurrence, breeding, or established wintering populations in the state.
Because of its extreme rarity in Florida, no meaningful assessment of abundance or trends within the state is possible. Globally, the species remains widespread, but in Florida it is known only from a handful of records. Its secretive behavior and preference for dense cover further complicate detection, raising the possibility that some individuals may go unnoticed. Even so, the Northern Saw-whet Owl remains one of the most exceptional and unlikely owl species to encounter in Florida.
Long-eared Owl
Asio otus
- Identification: Medium-sized, slender owl with long upright ear tufts, yellow eyes, a buff facial disc with pale markings, and mottled brown upperparts with streaked underparts.
- Where found: Extremely rare and irregular winter visitor in Florida, with scattered records from the peninsula and no established pattern of occurrence.
- How to spot: Detection is unlikely, but individuals may be found roosting in dense vegetation or revealed by mobbing songbirds during the day.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); globally widespread but declining in some regions, with Florida records limited to rare vagrants.
The Long-eared Owl is one of the rarest and least frequently documented owls in Florida, occurring only as an occasional and unpredictable visitor. It measures 35 to 40 centimeters (13.8 to 15.7 inches) in length and is a slender, medium-sized owl with long, upright ear tufts and a narrow, elongated profile. The plumage is mottled brown and buff above with streaked underparts, and the buff-toned facial disc with pale markings gives the species a distinctive, alert appearance.
The Long-eared Owl is highly secretive and primarily nocturnal, and in Florida it is unlikely to be detected by voice. In its typical range, it is most often located by its low, evenly spaced hoots or by finding daytime roosts in dense foliage. The few Florida records suggest that individuals may remain motionless in concealed perches during the day and may only be revealed when mobbed by small birds. As elsewhere, it would be expected to hunt small mammals over open ground using low, silent flight, but direct behavioral observations in the state are extremely limited.
In Florida, the Long-eared Owl is best considered an extremely scarce winter visitor or vagrant, with only a handful of documented records. These include isolated observations and a small number of specimen records from various parts of the peninsula, including coastal and inland sites. The most well-documented modern record occurred in Highlands County, where an individual was observed for an extended period in scrub habitat. Overall occurrence is highly sporadic, with no evidence of regular wintering or breeding in the state.
Because of its rarity, the Long-eared Owl has no measurable population status in Florida. Globally, the species remains widespread but may be declining in some regions due to habitat loss and fragmentation. In Florida, all records are considered exceptional, and the species remains one of the most elusive and unpredictable visitors to the state.
Stygian Owl
Asio stygius
- Identification: Medium-large, dark owl with long ear tufts, yellow eyes, a blackish face with a pale border and whitish forehead, and heavily streaked underparts.
- Where found: Accidental and extremely rare in Florida, with records limited to the Florida Keys.
- How to spot: Detection is unlikely, but any individual would be found in wooded or semi-open areas and may be identified by slow, low-pitched hoots at night.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); globally uncommon in parts of its range, with Florida records limited to exceptional vagrants.
The Stygian Owl is probably the most extraordinary and least expected owl species ever recorded in Florida, known only from a handful of exceptional occurrences. It measures 38 to 46 centimeters (15.0 to 18.1 inches) in length and is a large, slender owl with long, upright ear tufts and a relatively small head. The overall appearance is dark, with blackish to deep brown plumage and heavy streaking below, giving it a distinctive silhouette among owls that might occur in the state.
The Stygian Owl is primarily nocturnal and typically detected by sound within its normal range. Its call consists of a deep, slow, single hoot repeated at intervals, along with a variety of other vocalizations during interactions. It hunts a wide range of prey, including birds, bats, and other small animals, often capturing prey on the wing or from perches. In Florida, however, behavioral observations are extremely limited due to the rarity of occurrences, and most encounters have been brief and localized.
In Florida, the Stygian Owl is considered an accidental vagrant, with the most notable modern record occurring in 2018 when an individual was documented at a private residence in Key West. All records are confined to the southernmost part of the state, particularly the Florida Keys, and are likely linked to dispersal from Caribbean populations. There is no evidence of regular occurrence, seasonal presence, or breeding in Florida, and appearances are highly unpredictable.
Because of its extreme rarity in Florida, the Stygian Owl has no established population or measurable trend within the state. Globally, it remains patchily distributed and is considered uncommon in many areas, with habitat loss representing a likely pressure. In Florida, any record is considered exceptional, and the species remains one of the most remarkable vagrant owls ever documented in the region.
Where and When to See Owls in Florida
Owls in Florida are closely tied to habitat, and knowing where to look is often more important than when. The most widespread species, such as the Barred Owl and Eastern Screech-Owl, occur across much of the state in wooded environments, from hardwood hammocks and cypress swamps to suburban parks and residential areas with mature trees. Barred Owls are especially associated with wet forests and areas near water, while Screech-Owls adapt readily to neighborhoods and wooded edges where cavities are available. Great Horned Owls favor more open landscapes, including pine uplands, agricultural areas, and forest edges, where they hunt over fields and prairies.
In contrast, Burrowing Owls are restricted to open, treeless habitats such as dry prairies, pastures, and developed areas with short vegetation, primarily in the peninsula. The American Barn Owl also depends on open country but is far less commonly encountered, typically associated with farmland and rural structures.
Seasonality plays a secondary but important role. Most Florida owls are year-round residents and can be found at any time of year, though activity is often highest from late fall through early spring when breeding begins and vocalizations increase. Great Horned Owls may begin nesting in winter, while Barred and Eastern Screech-Owls call frequently at night during the cooler months. Burrowing Owls are active throughout the year but are most visible during the breeding season and in open daylight conditions. The Short-eared Owl is the only regularly occurring seasonal species, appearing as a scarce winter visitor in open grasslands and marshes, most often from December through February. For all species, the best chances of detection come at dusk and dawn, when owls are most active and vocal, and careful listening is often the key to finding them.
For a broader perspective, see our guide to the types of owls in North America, and explore the Birds of Florida and Birds of the United States pages for additional regional and national bird guides.
