Across the diverse landscapes of Mississippi, from its dense hardwood forests to its coastal wetlands and fertile plains, a fascinating variety of owls thrive. These nocturnal birds of prey play an indispensable role in Mississippi’s ecosystems, functioning as formidable predators and essential components in their ecological communities.
Mississippi’s Owls
| Owl Species | Frequency in Mississippi | Presence in Mississippi | Where to Find in Mississippi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | High | Statewide | Leroy Percy State Park, Hollandale; Natchez Trace Parkway, Tupelo |
| Eastern Screech Owl | High | Statewide | LeFleur's Bluff State Park, Jackson; Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Brooksville |
| Barred Owl | High | Statewide | De Soto National Forest, Brooklyn; Grand Gulf Military Park, Port Gibson |
| Barn Owl | Moderate | Statewide, primarily in Open Fields | Tishomingo State Park, Tishomingo; Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, Gautier |
| Long-eared Owl | Low | Scattered Across State | Wall Doxey State Park, Holly Springs; Grenada Lake, Grenada |
| Short-eared Owl | Low | Open Fields and Grasslands | Delta National Forest, Rolling Fork; Tallahatchie National Wildlife Refuge, Holcomb |
| Burrowing Owl | Very Low | Primarily Southern Mississippi | Pascagoula River Audubon Center, Moss Point; Gulf Islands National Seashore, Ocean Springs |
| Snowy Owl | Very Low (Seasonal) | Occasional sightings in Winter | Ross Barnett Reservoir, Ridgeland; Arkabutla Lake, Hernando |
Owl Species Found in Mississippi
Where to Spot Mississippi’s Owls
Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Brooksville: This wildlife refuge is home to a variety of birds, including owls such as the Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, and Eastern Screech Owl.
De Soto National Forest, near Hattiesburg: With its expansive mixed pine-hardwood forests, you can find Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls, and Eastern Screech Owls.
St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Sibley: Located in the Mississippi River Valley, this refuge provides habitats for Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and occasionally other owls such Short-eared Owls.
Delta National Forest, near Rolling Fork: With over 60,000 acres of bottomland hardwood forests and cypress-tupelo swamps, this area is perfect for spotting Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls, and Eastern Screech Owls.
Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, Gautier: While primarily known for its sandhill cranes, this refuge also hosts a variety of owls like Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and Eastern Screech Owls.
| State | Main Owl Watching Sites |
|---|---|
| Tennessee Owls | Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Radnor Lake State Park |
| Arkansas Owls | Hot Springs National Park, White River National Wildlife Refuge |
| Alabama Owls | Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, Little River Canyon National Preserve |
| Louisiana Owls | Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, Kisatchie National Forest |
Tips on How to Spot Owls in Mississippi?
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Visit Prime Locations: Birdwatchers have reported owl sightings in areas such as the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Delta National Forest, and Tombigbee National Forest. These locations have habitats that owls favor.
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Time Your Visits: Most owls are nocturnal, so they are often most active between dusk and dawn. However, during the nesting season (usually late winter through early spring), they can occasionally be seen during the day.
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Listen for Calls: Familiarize yourself with the calls of the owl species in Mississippi. Listening for these sounds, especially during breeding season when they’re more vocal, can lead you to their location.
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Look for Signs: Owls will often leave behind “signs” of their presence, including pellets (regurgitated undigested food), whitewash (droppings), and feathers. Look for these under trees where owls may roost.
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Stay Quiet and Patient: Owls are often cautious and can be disturbed by loud noises. Be as quiet as possible and keep in mind that patience is key. It might take time before you spot one.
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Use Proper Equipment: A good pair of binoculars is essential. If you plan to look for owls during their active hours in the night, consider using a red-filtered flashlight as it’s less likely to disturb the owls or disrupt your night vision.
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Join Local Birdwatching Groups: Linking up with local Audubon Society chapters or birdwatching clubs can be beneficial. They can provide valuable advice and may know of reliable owl spotting locations.