In the rich and varied ecosystems of Florida, spanning from its sun-drenched beaches to its dense forests and expansive Everglades, thrives a unique array of owls. These twilight birds of prey serve a crucial role in the region’s biodiversity, contributing as formidable predators and vital links in their respective food chains.
Florida Owls
| Owl Species | Frequency in Florida | Presence in Florida | Where to Find in Florida |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | High | Statewide | Everglades National Park, Homestead; Payne's Prairie Preserve State Park, Micanopy |
| Barred Owl | High | Statewide | Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples; Ocala National Forest |
| Eastern Screech Owl | High | Statewide | John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo; Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine |
| Burrowing Owl | Moderate | Southern and Central Florida | Brian Piccolo Park, Cooper City; Cape Coral's Burrowing Owl Festival site |
| Barn Owl | Moderate | Across Florida, primarily in Open Fields | Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park; Dinner Island Ranch Wildlife Management Area, Clewiston |
| Short-eared Owl | Low (Seasonal) | Coastal Areas and Open Fields | St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, St. Marks; Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Very Low (Seasonal) | Northern Florida in Winter | Apalachicola National Forest; St. George Island State Park |
| Snowy Owl | Extremely Rare (Seasonal) | Coastal Areas in Winter | Fort Pickens Area, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Pensacola |
Owl Species Found in Florida
Where to Spot Florida’s Owls
Everglades National Park: One of the most biologically diverse areas in North America, this park is home to a variety of owl species, including the Barred Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, and the rare and tiny Elf Owl.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples: This Audubon sanctuary’s ancient bald cypress forest is a haven for Barred Owls. The boardwalk trail provides excellent opportunities to spot these owls.
Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island: This refuge on the Gulf Coast is home to various owl species, including the Great Horned Owl and the Barred Owl. During winter, Burrowing Owls can sometimes be seen as well.
Oscar Scherer State Park, Osprey: This park’s scrubby flatwoods are an ideal habitat for the threatened Florida Scrub-Jay, but you can also find the Great Horned Owl and Eastern Screech Owl here.
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Okeechobee: This park’s expansive dry prairie habitat is a good spot to see the Burrowing Owl, particularly during the breeding season when these ground-nesting owls are more active during daylight hours. In Florida, nest boxes where owls hunt are used to provide habitat for owls, support the growth of young owls, and attract other owls as migratory species such as tiger owl and ghost owl.
| State | Main Owl Watching Sites |
|---|---|
| Georgia Owls | Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Piedmont Park in Atlanta |
| Alabama Owls | Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, Bankhead National Forest |
Tips on How to Spot Owls in Florida?
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Know Your Owls: Florida is home to several owl species such as the Barred Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Burrowing Owl, and Great Horned Owl. During certain times of the year, you may also spot the Short-eared Owl or the Northern Saw-whet Owl. Understand the habits and habitats of these owls to enhance your chances of spotting them.
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Time of Day: Most owls are crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) or nocturnal (active at night). Therefore, plan your bird watching activities accordingly. Burrowing Owls are an exception as they can be seen during the day around their burrow sites.
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Where to Look: Different owl species favor different habitats. Barred Owls can often be found in wooded swamps and forests, while Burrowing Owls prefer open fields and grasslands. Great Horned Owls have a wider range and can be found in parks, forests, and sometimes even in urban areas.
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Look for Signs: Look for signs of owl activity such as whitewash (droppings) on the ground, pellets, or feathers. Owls often regurgitate pellets that contain the indigestible parts of their prey like bones and fur.
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Listen for Calls: Learn the distinctive calls of different owl species. This can help you locate owls even when they are well-camouflaged or active at night.
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Equipment: A good pair of binoculars is essential for bird watching. A field guide to birds can also be helpful. If you plan to look for owls at night, consider using a red flashlight which is less disruptive to wildlife.
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Join a Local Group: Consider joining a local bird watching group or club. These groups often organize birding trips and workshops, and can be a great source of information about where to spot owls.
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Respect Nature: As with all wildlife, it’s important to respect owls and their habitats. Keep a respectful distance, don’t disturb nesting sites, and limit the use of playback calls as they can cause unnecessary stress to the birds.