The hardwood pine forests, Appalachian foothills, and marshes of Alabama make the state a paradise for an array of birds, but are there owls in Alabama? Yes! Although the diversity of owls in the southeastern United States tends to be lacking compared to the rest of the country, there are still 6 owls native to Alabama.
I’m excited to discuss these incredible Alabama owls in more details soon, but first, let’s talk about an owl that IS NOT a regular in Alabama. Other articles that discuss the owls in Alabama mention that Long-eared Owls are expected in the state, but I would like to point out that this is not true. Although there have been observations of this species in Alabama, there are plenty of instances where targeted searches for Long-eared Owls have come up empty. Therefore, Long-eared Owls are considered a rare, unexpected winter visitor in Alabama.
Now that you know about the lack of Long-eared Owls in Alabama, let’s talk about the owls of Alabama that are certainly present in the state.
Table of Contents
The 6 Owls in Alabama
Barn Owl (American subspecies)
- Scientific Name: Tyto alba
- Length: 16 inches (41 cm)
- Weight: 14 – 25 ounces
- Wingspan: 39 – 49 inches (~100 – 125 cm)
Barn Owls are Alabama owls that are present year-round. Those searching for Barn Owls will want to check areas that have sizable grassy swaths or marshes. Barn Owls tend to be wary around places that have too many trees nearby.
They often spend the day roosting in tree cavities or human structures of some sort. Of course, old barns are highly sought after, but they may also use sheds or old houses for a roosting location. Anywhere that provides some protection from the elements and attracts rodents is a great spot for this Alabama owl.
Barn Owls are committed to a diet of small mammals. Therefore, they eat little other than voles, mice, and rats.
American Barn Owls are present throughout Alabama. Anywhere that has suitable habitat could host one of these owls of Alabama.
Barred Owl
- Scientific Name: Strix varia
- Length: 19 inches (53 cm)
- Weight: 16.5 to 37 ounces
- Wingspan: 39 – 43 inches (99 – 110 cm)
Barred Owls are the most common owl in Alabama. Indeed, the extensive loblolly pine forests that cover much of the state are terrific places to find them. Although they thrive in densely forested areas, they are fairly adaptable, meaning they can also be found in parks and suburban environments.
Barred Owls are one of four owls that are year-round residents in Alabama. These Alabama owls tend to remain within the same territory throughout the year. Listening for their curious-sounding hoots can key you in on their presence.
Those who observe a Barred Owl are not likely to confuse it with anything else, as their size, lack of ear tufts, and their dark eyes separate them from other Alabama owls that would be found in their habitats.
Eastern Screech-Owl
- Scientific Name: Otus asio
- Length: 8.5 inches (22 cm)
- Weight: 4.3 – 8.6 ounces
- Wingspan: 19 – 24 inches (48 – 61 cm)
Eastern Screech-Owls are one of two owls in Alabama with ear tufts. Although they are rarely seen, they are common in the state. Some may even unknowingly have them in their backyards!
Eastern Screech-Owls can keep such a low profile thanks to their tiny size and cryptic coloration. Additionally, these types of owls in Alabama rarely come out during the day, so only birders with keen eyes will notice them.
Look for these birds of prey in small, open woodlands, parks, and golf courses. These Alabama owls nest in tree cavities, so putting up a birdhouse is a good way to get Eastern Screech-Owls to nest in your yard.
Great Horned Owl
- Scientific Name: Bubo virginianus
- Length: 22 inches (56 cm)
- Weight: 33 – 88 ounces
- Wingspan: 40 – 57 inches (101 – 145 cm)
Great Horned Owls are unquestionably at the top of the pecking order when it comes to owls in Alabama. All owl counterparts fear Great Horned Owls because they’re known owl killers.
Although Great Horned Owls are capable of killing other owls native to Alabama, they rarely target them. Instead, this Alabama owl prefers to eat a variety of mammals.
Great Horned Owls tend to avoid the dense forests where Barred Owls thrive. Instead, these owls of Alabama can be found in open woodlands, marshy areas, and agricultural landscapes. In these places, birders can listen for the hooting duet performed by a mated pair during the breeding season.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
- Scientific Name: Aegolius acadicus
- Length: 7 – 8 inches (18 – 21 cm)
- Weight: 2.5 – 5.5 ounces
- Wingspan: 16.5 – 19 inches (42 – 48 cm)
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is the most prized owl in Alabama to view from this list. The state represents the southern limit of the winter territory for this species.
Until recently, everyone assumed that Northern Saw-whet Owls do not regularly occur in the state of Alabama. However, new research is changing people’s perceptions of these owls in Alabama.
Targeted saw-whet owl banding in Northeastern Alabama during a 10-year study period produced more than 200 Northern Saw-whet Owls. Therefore, it seems these raptors are regular visitors to the state after all.
It is unsurprisingly that people had not previously known that Northern Saw-whet Owls winter in Alabama. These small birds roost in dense conifers that are often in remote locations. Moreover, they do not tend to vocalize during the winter, so detecting one is quite challenging. They are progressively rarer as you get further south in Alabama, so checking for these owls in North Alabama is a birder’s best bet.
Short-eared Owl
- Scientific Name: Asio flammeus
- Length: 15 inches (38 cm)
- Weight: 7.3 – 17 ounces
- Wingspan: 33.5 – 40.5 inches (85 – 103 cm)
If not for Northern Saw-whet Owls taking the spotlight, Short-eared Owls would certainly be the most highly-sought Alabama owl. These owls migrate to the state in the winter when they can be observed from late October through early March.
Northern Alabama is the only place where Short-eared Owl can be observed with regularity in the state. Here, look for them in open, low-lying areas adjacent to waterways. These owls of Alabama will seek out areas with plenty of grasses and wetland vegetation, while they’ll avoid a location if it has too many trees.
Although most owls hunt from perches, Short-eared Owls are different in their hunting habitats. These raptors fly around at dawn and dusk as they try to look for prey below.