Florida’s diverse ecosystems provide a home for several distinct owl species. These nocturnal birds of prey play an important role in the state’s natural environment, helping to regulate populations of small mammals and insects. While many owl species are primarily active during the night, each has unique adaptations that allow it to thrive in various Floridian habitats.
Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl ( _Bubo virginianus_ ) is a large, widely recognized owl species found across Florida. It measures between 18.1 to 24.8 inches (46 to 63 cm) in length with a wingspan ranging from 39.8 to 57.1 inches (101 to 145 cm), making it the largest owl in the state by mass. Its appearance is characterized by prominent ear tufts (feather structures, not actual ears), grayish-brown plumage, a white throat patch, and striking yellow eyes.
This owl’s distinctive hooting call, often described as a deep, resonant “Who’s awake? Me too,” can be heard rolling through forests. Great Horned Owls are adaptable, inhabiting diverse environments within Florida, from dense forests and swamps to suburban areas and city parks. Their diet is varied, consisting mainly of mammals like rabbits, mice, and skunks, but also includes birds, reptiles, and insects.
Barred Owl
The Barred Owl ( _Strix varia_ ) is a common, vocal resident of Florida’s wooded areas. It is a large, round-headed owl, measuring about 1.5 to 2 feet (48 to 51 cm) in length with a wingspan between 40 to 50 inches (107 to 111 cm). This owl lacks ear tufts and is identified by its brown and white barring pattern on its feathers, particularly horizontal bars on its chest and vertical stripes on its belly, and large, dark brown eyes.
A characteristic sound of the Barred Owl is its call, which often sounds like the phrase “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”. These owls prefer habitats with mature trees, especially moist forests, wooded swamps, and areas near water, where they nest in hollow tree cavities. Their diet primarily consists of small mammals such as mice, voles, and squirrels, but they also consume birds, frogs, snakes, and aquatic creatures like crayfish.
Eastern Screech-Owl
The Eastern Screech-Owl ( _Megascops asio_ ) is one of Florida’s smallest owl species, measuring between 6 to 10 inches (16 to 25 cm) in length with a wingspan of 19 to 24 inches (48 to 61 cm). This owl exhibits cryptic camouflage, appearing in two main color variations: a reddish-brown (rufous) morph and a gray morph, both providing excellent blending with tree bark. It possesses small ear tufts and bright yellow eyes.
Despite its name, the Eastern Screech-Owl’s vocalizations are not screeches but rather distinctive trilling whistles and whinnying calls. These adaptable owls inhabit a variety of wooded environments, including mixed woodlands, suburban gardens, and city parks, often nesting in tree cavities. Their diet is opportunistic and diverse, including large insects, small mammals, birds, and amphibians and reptiles.
Burrowing Owl
The Burrowing Owl ( _Athene cunicularia_ ) is a unique, small owl species found in Florida, measuring around 9 to 10 inches (22.9 to 25 cm) in height with a wingspan of 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm). It has long legs, bright yellow eyes, and lacks ear tufts. Its sandy brown plumage helps it blend into its ground-level habitat.
Unlike most owls, Burrowing Owls are often active during the day, particularly during breeding season. They are notable for nesting and roosting in underground burrows, which they may dig or take over from other animals like gophers or armadillos. These owls prefer open grasslands, prairies, agricultural fields, and vacant lots, especially in central and south Florida. Their diet primarily consists of insects, but they also hunt small mammals, lizards, and frogs. The Florida burrowing owl is currently classified as State Threatened by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, largely due to habitat loss.