Owls in Florida inhabit a variety of environments ranging from the Everglades, and they live in very diverse habitats: forests, grasslands, wetlands, islands, and coastline. With over 250 owl species in the region’s ecosystem.
Birdwatchers studying owl species will find owl call identification key, especially when using owl boxes to draw in owls like the eastern screech owl or the barn owl in this article. Additionally, owls of North America also include great grey owl and short eared owl.
Meanwhile, owls in Florida stand out as nocturnal hunters with unmatched stealth and vision. Furthermore, birdwatchers exploring owls in Florida will find eight species, including two rare visitors worth the chase.
Top hotspots for owls in Florida include
- Everglades National Park
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
- J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
- National Wildlife Refuge – Merritt Island
- Apalachicola National Forest
- Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail
8 Types of Owls in Florida
| # | Owl Species | Status | Best Time | Top Hotspot |
| 1 | Great Horned Owl | Common | Year-Round | Everglades, suburbs |
| 2 | Eastern Screech Owl | Very Common | Year-Round | Corkscrew, backyards |
| 3 | Burrowing Owl | Common (South) | Year-Round | Cape Coral |
| 4 | Barred Owl | Common | Year-Round | Apalachicola |
| 5 | Barn Owl | Uncommon | Year-Round | Farms |
| 6 | Short-eared Owl | Winter | Dec–Feb | Merritt Island |
| 7 | Northern Saw-whet Owl | Rare | Jan–Mar | Panhandle |
| 8 | Snowy Owl | Very Rare | Irruptive | Coastal beaches |
1. Great Horned Owl
Scientific Name: Bubo virginianus
Size: 17–25 in | Weight: 2.6–3.5 lb |
Wingspan: 3–5 ft
Call: Deep “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo”
Alt: Great Horned Owl often confused with great grey owls in Florida pine at dusk
The great grey owl is not native, but also the Great Horned Owl is its large raptor niche among owls in Florida. This apex predator dominates owl species with its distinctive deep owl call and bold hunting behaviour. Great grey owl fans visiting Florida often compared to this local giant. Owls in florida like using owl boxes in suburbs, though they prefer tree cavities.
- Habitat: Woodland edges, parks.
- Nesting: Tree hollows, old nests
- Diet: Rodents, rabbits even skunks
Places to See Great Horned Owl in Florida
- Anhinga Trail – hear the owl call at dawn.
2. Eastern Screech Owl in Florida
Scientific Name: Megascops asio
owl Call: Descending whinny
Alt: The Eastern Screech Owl – Florida oak cavity
The Eastern Screech Owl is the most most frequently seen owl species among owls in Florida. Interestingly, this concealed eastern screech owl thrives near humans. Moreover, the eastern screech owl has 2 variations – Gray and red, both very common in owls of North America. Finally, its owl call is a disturbing whine, not a scream.
- Habitat: Woodlands, suburbs, gardens
- Nesting: owl boxes, tree holes.
Best Place to See Eastern Screech Owl in Florida
- Install owl boxes in your yard to attract the eastern screech owl.
3. Burrowing Owl in Florida
Scientific Name: Athene cunicularia
Owl Call: Soft coo-coo
Alt: Burrowing Owl standing at marked burrow in Cape Coral.
The Burrowing Owl is the only day time owl species among owls in Florida. Unlike owls of North America that hoot, burrowing owl uses a soft owl call.
- Habitat: Open fields, golf courses
- Threats: Habitat loss, vehicles
Best Places to See Burrowing Owl in Florida
- Cape Coral
- Brian Piccolo Park, Marco Island
4. Barn Owl in Florida
Scientific Name: Tyto alba
Owl Call: Raspy screech
Alt: Barn Owl hunting over Florida farmland
The Barn Owl is the ghost like hunter of owls in Florida. With its unique traits, it has a heart-shaped face and silent flight, and the Barn Owl consumes 3000+ rodents yearly. Additionally, the barn owl nests in silos and owl boxes. Interestingly, the barn owl call is a shrill screech, not a hoot. Overall, among owls of North America, the barn owl is most widespread.
- Habitat: fields, farms
- Nesting: Owl boxes
Best Places to See Barn Owl in Florida
Install a barn owl boxes.
Lake Okeechobee
5. Barred Owls in Florida
Scientific Name: Strix varia
owl Call: “Who cooks for you?”
The Barred Owl is a vocal forest dweller among owls in Florida.
Best Places to See Barred Owl in Florida
- Apalachicola National Forest
6. Short eared Owl in Florida
Call: Raspy bark (silent in winter)
The Short eared Owl species is a winter visitor owl species in owls in Florida. In fact, great grey owl and short eared owl both star in owls of North America, but only short eared owl winters in Florida. Typically, it hunts low over grasslands with moth-like flight. Interestingly, short eared Owl nests on the ground, rare among owls of North America. Finally, short eared owl fans visit Merritt Island for dusk flights.
Best Spot to see Short Eared Owl
Merritt Island NWR
7. Northern Saw-whet Owls in Florida
Owl Call: Repetitive toot-toot-toot
This tiny little adorable Northern Saw-whet Owl is a rare sight among owls in Florida. this owl species uses owl boxes in northern forests.
Best Spot to see northen saw whet owl
Panhandle pine forests.
8. Snowy Owls in Florida
Status: IUCN Vulnerable
Owl Call: Hoarse kru-kru-kru
The great grey owl of the Arctic – rarest of Owls in Florida. Snowy Owl visits owls in Florida only during irruptions.
How to Spot Owls in Florida: 5 Expert Tips for Successful Owling
owls in Florida are shy, nocturnal and blend perfectly into trees and fields. Use these proven tips to see owls in Florida & hear an owl call or spot a barn owl in flight:
- Learn the Owl Species – Know which owl species live near you (see list below).
- Listen First – You’ll hear owl calls before you see them. Use apps like Merlin.
- Look for Pellets – Gray/brown, oblong pellets mean owls species are roosting nearby.
- Scan at Dawn/Dusk – Most owls in Florida are crepuscular – active at twilight.
- Use Owl Boxes – Install owl boxes to attract eastern screech owl or short eared owl.
Pro Tip: Join a Florida Audubon owl prowl – best way to best way to hear owl call up close.
Owl Conservation in Florida: Why Owls Species Matter
Owls in Florida are nature’s pest control. One Barn Owl family eats 3,000 rodents per year. Owl boxes help eastern screech owl, barn owl. Avoid pesticides they poison owl species via prey. Support FWC.
Yet owls in Florida face
- Habitat loss
- Pesticide poisoning
- Vehicle strikes
Loved this guide to owls in Florida?
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FAQ: Owls in Florida
Q – How many types of owls in Florida?
A – 8 species live or visit Florida, including 2 rare winter owls.
Q – Where to see owls in Florida?
A – Everglades (Great grey owl), Cape Coral (Burrowing owl), Merritt Island (Short eared owl).
Q – Where to install owl boxes for owls in Florida?”?
A – Suburbs for eastern screech owl, farms for barn owl.
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