Within the varied terrains of Missouri, from its lush forests to its rolling prairies and vast river systems, an impressive array of owls takes residence. The species found in Missouri span from the small but resilient Eastern Screech Owls to the powerful Great Horned Owls, each demonstrating unique behaviors and adaptations to navigate their specific habitats.
Missouri’s Owls
| Owl Species | Frequency in Missouri | Presence in Missouri | Where to Find in Missouri |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | High | Statewide | Forest Park, St. Louis; Mark Twain National Forest, Rolla |
| Eastern Screech Owl | High | Statewide | Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis; Springfield Conservation Nature Center, Springfield |
| Barred Owl | High | Statewide | Elephant Rocks State Park, Belleview; Big Oak Tree State Park, East Prairie |
| Barn Owl | Moderate | Statewide, primarily in Open Fields | Prairie State Park, Mindenmines; Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Mound City |
| Long-eared Owl | Low | Scattered Across State | Busch Conservation Area, St. Charles; Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge, Mound City |
| Short-eared Owl | Low | Open Fields and Grasslands | Grand Pass Conservation Area, Miami; Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge, Annada |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Very Low | Primarily Northern Missouri | Weston Bend State Park, Weston; Pershing State Park, Laclede |
| Snowy Owl | Very Low (Seasonal) | Occasional sightings in Winter | Smithville Lake, Smithville; Columbia Regional Airport, Columbia |
Owl Species Found in Missouri
Where to Spot Missouri’s Owls
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Puxico: This refuge offers ample opportunities to spot a variety of owls, including Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and Eastern Screech Owls.
Mark Twain National Forest, Rolla: Spread across much of the southern part of the state, this national forest is home to a variety of other owls, including Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls, and Eastern Screech Owls.
Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Mound City: This wetland habitat attracts a variety of bird species. Look for Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and occasionally, Short-eared Owls.
Forest Park, St. Louis: An urban park with a surprising amount of wildlife. You can often spot Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls in the wooded areas.
Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, Columbia: This conservation area is known for its bird populations, including several owl species like Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and Eastern Screech Owls.
| State | Main Owl Watching Sites |
|---|---|
| Iowa Owls | Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, Ledges State Park |
| Illinois Owls | Starved Rock State Park, Shawnee National Forest |
| Kentucky Owls | Mammoth Cave National Park, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area |
| Tennessee Owls | Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Radnor Lake State Park |
| Arkansas Owls | Hot Springs National Park, White River National Wildlife Refuge |
| Kansas Owls | Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve |
| Nebraska Owls | Niobrara National Scenic River, Scotts Bluff National Monument |
| Oklahoma Owls | Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Beaver's Bend State Park |
Tips on How to Spot Owls in Missouri?
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Visit Prime Locations: Public lands with diverse natural habitats, such as Mark Twain National Forest, Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, or Big Oak Tree State Park, are good places to look for owls.
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Timing: Owls are typically nocturnal and are most active from dusk to dawn. However, during the nesting season, which usually occurs from late winter through early spring, owls may be seen during the day.
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Learn Owl Calls: Owls have distinct calls which they use to communicate. By learning these calls, you can identify their presence even when they’re not directly visible. The Missouri Department of Conservation provides owl calls on their website.
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Look for Signs of Owls: Signs of owl activity include pellets, which are undigested portions of food that owls regurgitate, and whitewash, which is bird droppings. These can often be found beneath roosting spots or nesting areas.
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Patience and Silence: Remember to be patient and maintain silence while birdwatching, as owls can be easily disturbed.
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Use Quality Equipment: A good pair of binoculars is essential for bird watching. For owls, because they are primarily active at night, a red-filtered flashlight can help spot them without disturbing them.
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Join Birdwatching Groups or Tours: Local birdwatching groups, such as local Audubon Society chapters, can provide useful guidance and information on where and when to spot owls.