Owls are nocturnal predators that inhabit Louisiana. The state’s diverse ecosystems, from dense forests to open fields, provide suitable environments for several owl species to thrive.
Common Owl Species in Louisiana
The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is Louisiana’s largest owl species, measuring 18.1 to 24.8 inches long with wingspans between 39.8 and 57.1 inches. These powerful birds are characterized by their prominent ear tufts, broad bodies, and yellow eyes. Their plumage is typically mottled gray and brown, often with rufous or gray facial disks and fine black barring on their underparts.
The Barred Owl (Strix varia) is a large owl with dark brown eyes and brown-and-white-striped plumage. They are slightly smaller than the Great Horned Owl, typically ranging from 16.9 to 19.7 inches in length with a wingspan of 39 to 43.3 inches. Barred Owls are often recognized by their round heads and lack of ear tufts, distinguishing them from their horned counterparts.
The Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio) is a smaller owl, ranging from 6.3 to 9.8 inches long, and is quite common in Louisiana. These stocky birds have yellow eyes and pointed ear tufts. Their plumage can vary between a speckled gray or a rusty rufous-red, with the red morph being more common in the southern United States. Their complex patterns provide excellent camouflage against tree bark.
The Barn Owl (Tyto alba) is a pale, medium-sized owl, measuring 12.6 to 15.8 inches in length, with a distinctive heart-shaped facial disc and dark eyes. This species has golden tan and gray upperparts with white underparts. Barn Owls are year-round residents in Louisiana.
Typical Owl Habitats in Louisiana
Louisiana’s varied landscape provides diverse habitats that support its owl populations. Dense forests and wooded swamps are particularly favored by species like the Barred Owl. These areas offer ample tree cavities for nesting and dense foliage for roosting during the day.
Great Horned Owls exhibit remarkable adaptability, occupying nearly every habitat type, including deciduous and evergreen forests, wetlands, grasslands, and even urban and suburban areas. Their presence is widespread across the state, indicating their ability to find suitable prey and nesting sites in various settings.
Eastern Screech-Owls are often found in wooded areas, parks, and even residential neighborhoods, demonstrating a tolerance for human presence. They commonly utilize tree cavities for nesting and roosting, and their small size allows them to inhabit a range of wooded environments. Barn Owls frequently inhabit barns and other abandoned structures, but they also thrive in open habitats such as fields, agricultural lands, and marshes where small rodents are plentiful. These open areas are crucial for their hunting strategy, as they often hunt by flying low over the ground.
Identifying Louisiana Owls by Sight and Sound
Identifying owls in Louisiana often relies on a combination of visual cues and characteristic vocalizations. The Great Horned Owl is known for its deep, resonant hoot, typically a five-note “hoo-hoo hooooo hoo-hoo” call, which can carry for miles at night. Visually, their large size, barrel-shaped body, and prominent ear tufts are key distinguishing features, often seen silhouetted against the sky or perched high in trees.
Barred Owls are famously identified by their distinct hooting call, which sounds like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” When seen, their brown-and-white striped plumage, dark eyes, and round, tuft-less heads are characteristic. They are often observed in the early morning or at dusk, as they are not as strictly nocturnal as some other owls.
The Eastern Screech-Owl, despite its name, does not typically screech; instead, it produces a trembling, descending whinny sound or an even-pitched trill, often referred to as a tremolo. These sounds are common, particularly at night, and can resemble a miniature horse’s whinny. Visually, their small size and the presence of ear tufts, along with their gray or rufous coloration that provides excellent camouflage against tree bark, aid in their identification.
Barn Owls do not hoot but instead emit an eerie, rasping shriek or hissing sounds. Their silent flight, aided by specialized feathers, makes them difficult to spot visually unless they are seen gliding low over open fields at night. Their pale plumage and heart-shaped facial disc are their most recognizable visual traits.