Yes, owls are present within the Chicago metropolitan area, including the dense urban and suburban landscapes of Cook County. The region’s extensive system of Forest Preserves, large city parks, and protected natural areas provides habitat for several species. These nocturnal birds of prey thrive here because abundant green spaces support a healthy population of small mammals and rodents, which form the base of their diet. This combination allows owls to coexist with the human population in Chicagoland.
Resident and Migratory Species
Owls in the Chicago area are separated into permanent residents and seasonal visitors. Year-round residents include the Great Horned Owl, the Barred Owl, and the Eastern Screech Owl.
The Great Horned Owl is the largest resident species, recognizable by its prominent ear tufts and deep, low-pitched hooting. They often begin establishing nesting territories in the late fall. The Barred Owl lacks ear tufts and has dark eyes, known for its distinctive “who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?” call, preferring mature forests near water.
The Eastern Screech Owl, which can be gray or reddish-brown, is commonly found in urban parks and residential areas, often nesting in tree cavities.
Seasonal visitors primarily arrive during the colder months, drawn south by food availability. The striking, mostly white Snowy Owl arrives in some winters from the Arctic tundra, favoring the open spaces of the Lake Michigan shoreline or large agricultural fields. Other winter visitors include the Long-eared Owl, which roosts communally in dense pine groves, and the Northern Saw-whet Owl, one of the smallest species.
Urban Habitats and Locating Owls
Owls select habitats that offer dense daytime cover for roosting and open areas for hunting. The Forest Preserves of Cook County, such as the Palos Preserves or areas around the Des Plaines River, provide ideal environments for resident species like the Great Horned and Barred Owls. These birds often utilize old hawk or crow nests high up in large deciduous trees for nesting. The adaptable Eastern Screech Owl frequently inhabits urban green spaces, including residential woodlots and golf courses with mature trees.
Winter visitors have different habitat requirements. The Short-eared Owl prefers the open grasslands and marshy areas of preserves like Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. The Snowy Owl is most reliably seen along the Chicago lakefront, including harbors and piers, as these open landscapes mimic their tundra breeding grounds. Searching dense coniferous plantings in winter can increase the chances of finding roosting Long-eared or Northern Saw-whet Owls.
Observing Owls Safely
Successful owl observation requires respecting their nocturnal nature and maintaining a safe distance. Owls are most active and vocal near dawn and dusk, which are the best times to listen for their characteristic calls.
During the day, locating an owl often involves looking for signs beneath a favored roosting perch, such as “whitewash” (splashes of droppings) or regurgitated pellets containing the indigestible bones and fur of their prey.
If an owl is spotted, use binoculars or a telephoto lens to observe from at least 100 yards away. Never approach closely to force a better view or photograph. Any change in the bird’s behavior, such as looking directly at you or moving its head frequently, indicates disturbance.
Avoid using artificial calls or baiting the owls with food, as these actions disrupt natural hunting patterns and can habituate them to humans, increasing their risk of harm. Limiting the duration of your visit and keeping quiet ensures these protected raptors conserve necessary energy.