Iowa’s varied landscape—a mix of deciduous forests, river valleys, prairies, and agricultural fields—provides habitat for a diverse array of owl species. These nocturnal predators, equipped with specialized feathers for silent flight and keen senses, inhabit the state year-round or as seasonal guests. Understanding the difference between permanent residents and temporary visitors is key to observation. By learning the subtle differences in their appearance, preferred environments, and distinct vocalizations, you can begin to identify the owls that share your local Iowa environment.
The Three Common Resident Owls
The largest and most powerful of Iowa’s year-round residents is the Great Horned Owl, a formidable predator often called the “tiger of the woods.” This owl is easily identified by its large size, striking yellow eyes, and the prominent feather tufts on its head. The Great Horned Owl is highly adaptable, inhabiting everything from dense woodlands and river bottoms to suburban parks. It is one of the earliest nesting raptors, with pairs sometimes laying eggs as early as January or February. Its deep, rhythmic call, typically sounding like “hoo-h’HOO-hoo-hoo,” is a signature sound of Iowa winter nights, and its extensive diet includes rabbits, skunks, and even other raptors.
A common resident is the Barred Owl, distinguished by its large, dark brown eyes and a round head that lacks ear tufts. This species favors mature, moist forests, particularly those along wooded waterways and river corridors. Its coloration features horizontal barring on the upper chest and vertical streaking on the belly, providing excellent camouflage. The Barred Owl’s most recognizable feature is its loud, eight-syllable hooting sequence, often translated as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” They are known to be more aquatic hunters, occasionally wading into shallow water to catch crayfish and small fish, and are often active closer to twilight and dawn.
The smallest of the permanent residents is the Eastern Screech Owl, a robin-sized bird found in two color morphs: one gray and one reddish-brown. This small owl possesses ear tufts, but its size and unique voice are the most reliable identification features. Screech Owls are comfortable in human-dominated landscapes, frequently inhabiting backyards and parklands where suitable tree cavities for nesting are available. Despite its name, the species produces a descending, wavering call that sounds like a ghostly whinny. Screech Owls tend to avoid areas frequented by the larger Great Horned Owl, which is a known predator of the smaller species.
Migratory and Irregular Visitors
Iowa hosts several owl species that arrive seasonally or during specific population events. The Short-eared Owl is a migrant and winter resident, most reliably found during the colder months. This medium-sized owl is unusual because it is often active during the day, particularly near dawn and dusk, flying low over open habitats. Its flight pattern is buoyant and moth-like when quartering over grasslands and agricultural fields. Short-eared Owls have pale, buffy-brown plumage and very small ear tufts that are difficult to see, making their yellow eyes surrounded by dark patches a better field mark. They prefer the state’s extensive prairie remnants and large grassland complexes.
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a common winter visitor and the smallest owl regularly found in Iowa, measuring about eight inches tall. This tiny owl is highly cryptic and difficult to spot, as it spends its days roosting in dense vegetation, often in thick stands of conifers. They lack ear tufts, giving them a rounded head and large yellow eyes. Its presence is often detected by its vocalization: a repetitive series of uniform, whistled toots given at night. This call, which can continue for hours, led to its name, as it was thought to resemble the sound of a saw being sharpened on a whetstone.
The Snowy Owl is the most unpredictable visitor, appearing in Iowa only during “irruption” years. These irruptions occur when a lemming population boom on their Arctic breeding grounds leads to high survival rates, causing young owls to disperse south. The Snowy Owl is large and heavy, with mostly white plumage that may have varying degrees of dark barring, especially on females and younger birds. When they arrive, they seek open, flat landscapes resembling the tundra, preferring agricultural fields, prairies, and airport grounds. Unlike other owls, they rarely perch in trees, opting instead for fence posts, hay bales, or the ground.
Tips for Ethical Owl Watching
Observing owls requires a careful and respectful approach to ensure the birds are not disturbed while resting or hunting. The best times for observation are during winter, when the lack of leaves makes roosts easier to spot, and during the low-light hours of dusk and dawn. Maintaining a significant distance is paramount; if an owl is actively watching you or changing its posture, you are too close and should immediately back away. Using powerful binoculars or a spotting scope allows for detailed observation without causing the bird stress, which can deplete its energy reserves, particularly in winter. Avoid using recorded owl calls (“playback”) to lure owls closer, as this causes them to expend unnecessary energy responding to a perceived threat or rival. Never approach a nest or roosting site closely, and do not use flash photography at night, as the sudden burst of light can temporarily impair their specialized night vision.