Amid the diverse terrains of Illinois, from its rolling prairies to its deciduous forests and extensive waterways, a fascinating array of owls makes their home. These night-time Illinois birds of prey are integral components of the state’s ecology, operating as significant predators and critical links in their food chains.
The species spectrum spans from the small but resilient Eastern Screech Owls to the powerful Great Horned Owls, each demonstrating unique behaviors and adaptations tailored to their specific habitats.
Illinois' Owls
| Owl Species | Frequency in Illinois | Presence in Illinois | Where to Find in Illinois |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | High | Statewide | Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby; Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton |
| Eastern Screech Owl | High | Statewide | Lincoln Park, Chicago; Moraine Hills State Park, McHenry |
| Barred Owl | High | Statewide | Shawnee National Forest, Harrisburg; Cache River State Natural Area, Belknap |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Moderate | Northern Illinois | Ryerson Woods Forest Preserve, Riverwoods; Morton Arboretum, Lisle |
| Short-eared Owl | Low | Open Fields and Wetlands | Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Wilmington; Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge, Lewistown |
| Barn Owl | Very Low | Southern Illinois | Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Marion; Mermet Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Metropolis |
| Long-eared Owl | Low | Scattered Across State | Sand Ridge State Forest, Forest City; Middlefork State Fish and Wildlife Area, Collison |
| Northern hawk owl | Moderate | Northern Illinois | Ryerson Woods Forest Preserve, Riverwoods; Morton Arboretum, Lisle |
| Snowy Owl | Very Low (Seasonal) | Mainly Northern Illinois in Winter | Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Chicago; Rock Cut State Park, Loves Park |
Owl Species Found in Illinois
Where to Spot Illinois’s Owls
Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby: Known for its beautiful canyons and waterfalls, this park also hosts a variety of owl species. Eastern Screech Owls, Barred Owls, and Great Horned Owls are regularly seen, and during winter, you may spot the occasional Snowy Owl.
Champaign County Forest Preserve District: Busey Woods and River Bend Forest Preserve are excellent locations to spot owls in this area, including Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls.
Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton: This park’s forested areas are home to several owl species, including Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and occasionally, the Eastern Screech Owl.
Hennepin & Hopper Lakes, near Bureau: This restored wetland area is excellent for birdwatching overall and is a known spot for Short-eared Owls, particularly during the winter months.
Middlefork State Fish & Wildlife Area, Collison: This wildlife area’s mix of woodland and grassland makes it a good spot for seeing Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and the occasional Short-eared Owl in winter.
| State | Main Owl Watching Sites |
|---|---|
| Illinois Owls | Starved Rock State Park, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge |
| Wisconsin Owls | Horicon Marsh, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest |
| Iowa Owls | Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, Yellow River State Forest |
| Missouri Owls | Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Mark Twain National Forest |
| Kentucky Owls | Mammoth Cave National Park, Daniel Boone National Forest |
| Indiana Owls | Hoosier National Forest, Eagle Creek Park |
| Michigan Owls | Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Hiawatha National Forest |
Tips on How to Spot Owls in Illinois?
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Know the Species: Research the different species of owls found in Illinois. Understanding their physical characteristics, calls, and preferred habitats will help you spot them more effectively.
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Timing is Essential: Owls are primarily nocturnal, so the best times to spot them are at dusk and dawn. However, certain species, like the Short-eared Owl, are known to be active during the day as well.
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Quiet and Slow Movement: Owls have excellent hearing, so it’s essential to keep quiet and move slowly when you’re in owl territory. Sudden or loud noises can easily scare them off.
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Look for Signs: Be observant of owl signs such as pellets, white droppings, or plucked feathers. Owls regurgitate pellets containing the indigestible parts of their prey, and these can often be found under roosting sites.
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Visit Known Habitats: Different owl species prefer different habitats. For example, Great Horned Owls are often found in woodlands, while Short-eared Owls prefer open grasslands. Some great locations for owl spotting in Illinois include the Shawnee National Forest, the Palos Forest Preserve, and the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
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Seasonal Considerations: The winter months can be an especially good time to spot owls in Illinois as deciduous trees lose their leaves, making the birds easier to see. It’s also the breeding season for Great Horned Owls, making them more vocal and active.
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Listen for Owl Calls: Owls have distinctive calls, learning these can help you locate these birds even if they’re well-hidden. Remember, it’s important not to use playback calls excessively as this can distress the birds or interrupt their natural behaviors.
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Birding Tours and Local Groups: Consider joining a birdwatching tour or a local birding group. Local experts can provide invaluable knowledge about owl behaviors, preferred habitats, and recent sightings.
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Equip Yourself: A good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope can be very useful for observing owls from a distance without disturbing them.