Florida is dwelling to a various raiment of owl species , totaling eleven , which encompass the Burrowing Owl , Northern Saw - Whet Owl , Barn Owl , Short - Eared Owl , Eastern Screech - Owl , Barred Owl , and Great Horned Owl , among others .
Although many of these specie have establish mating and migratory home ground , if you materialize to come across an unfamiliar owl species in Florida , enjoy the consequence and apprize the rare opportunity to witness the wonders of nature .
Different Types of Owls in Florida
Barred Owl
The average - sized Barred Owl ( genus Strix varia ) is a species of bird of Minerva secernate by its unusual barricaded plumage design and eerie call . These magnificent bird have a remarkable wingspread of 39.0 to 43.3 inches ( 99 - 110 centimeter ) , and they rate in length from 16.9 to 19.7 column inch ( 43 - 50 cm ) and weight from 16.6 to 37.0 ounces ( 470 - 1050 g ) . According to eBird , their natural event frequency is 3.77 % .
The panhandle , Second Earl of Guilford - centralFlorida , or the Tampa Bay region are just places to look if you ’re desire to see these entrancing animals . check that you have large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with plenty of roosting and nesting locations if you require to draw them to your property . Providing a water source , like as a pool or creek , can also draw them more . Above all , prove to keep human and favourite disruptions to a lower limit as these can scare off bird of Minerva .
Barred Owls are line up in forest , woodlands , and wetland in North , Central , and South America . These environments are their natural habitats . Small specieslike rat , coney , snakes , insects , and Pisces make up the bulk of their varied food , which make them essential to their habitats . The meeting with a Barred Owl , whether it be softly glide through the dark or learn phone in the deep wood , is always an unforgettable experience that unites us with the natural knockout of the world .
Great-horned Owl
In the world of birds , the Great - horned Owl ( Bubo virginianus ) is a symbol of majesty and subdued power . These terrible animate being have a length of 18.1 to 24.8 inch ( 46 - 63 cm ) and a weight of 32.1 to 88.2 ounces ( 910 - 2500 g ) . They also have an amazing wingspan of 39.8 to 57.1 inches ( 101 - 145 cm ) . With a oftenness of natural event of 1.76 % , their comportment , though comparatively rare , interpenetrate the wilderness with an air of mystery and baron .
splendid places to watch these breathtaking hunters are along the St. John ’s River , in the Everglades National Park , and in the Ocala National Forest . If you want to eviscerate them to your area , you may place a nest box or leave a intellectual nourishment supplying , like live snare filled with squealer or mice . take in out for their characteristic dark , shot - shaped dung , which indicate when they are closelipped .
In keeping with their predatory tendencies , great - horn owls primarily hunt small mammal such as rabbits , rabbit , and rats , but they also devourbirds , reptilian , and amphibian . Because of their flexibility , they can survive well in a variety of environment , including urban setting , timberland , and deserts , confirming their position as the top predatory animal in both North and South America .
Eastern Screech Owl
Despite its little size , the Eastern Screech Owl ( Megascops genus Asio ) is a common sight in the park and woodland of eastern North America . These modest hunters are hit with a wingspan of 18.9 to 24.0 in ( 48 - 61 cm ) and a distance of 6.3 to 9.8 inches ( 16 - 25 cm ) and weight of 4.3 to 8.6 oz. ( 121 - 244 g ) . Even though their frequency of occurrence is very low ( 0.8254 % ) , birdwatchers and wildlife fancier like treasure seeing them .
Go into these elusive beast ’ preferred home ground in Florida to get a great deal of them , especially in the domain of Gainesville ’s Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and the southerly shores of Lake Kissimmee . There are plenty of opportunities to see them stealthily floating in pursuance of prey or rest in trees in these venue .
Installing a nest corner in a sheltered sphere with dimensions of about 10×12 inch and a 6 - column inch opening is a in force way to pull in Eastern Screech Owls to your garden . you’re able to also attract them by draw a roosting position out of heap branch . Adding a consistent source of food for thought for insect , small mammals , birds , and reptiles to your landscape also helps to draw these awing creature to your area . Whether it ’s in your backyard or out in the state of nature , the Eastern Screech Owl never fails to delight with its unequalled call and cunning hunting technique .
Burrowing Owl
Among its nocturnal cousins , the Burrowing Owl ( Athene cunicularia ) is distinguished by its distinct riding habit and best-loved environment . This owl is minor , weighing around 5.3 ounce ( 150 g ) and measure between 7.5 and 9.8 inch ( 19 - 25 centimetre ) in length , yet it has a wingspan of about 21.6 inches ( 55 curium ) . Even though it only take place on occasion ( 0.5084 % of the prison term ) , seeing one of these charismatic birds is a grand experience for any birdwatcher .
Visit well - known sites like the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge , the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge , or the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park if you need to see tunnel owls in their native surroundings . These places extend the ideal foraging and bringing up environment , which are critical to these owls ’ survival of the fittest .
Establishing a suitable ecosystem is substantive if you want to take in Burrowing Owls to your demesne . find out that there are open outer space for breeding and foraging , as well as some shelter from the sun and predators . you could emulate these intriguing birds ’ natural habitat bygrowing aboriginal shrubs and treeson your holding and leaving component of your lawn unmowed . This will make your home more appealing to them .
Because of their special adaptation , burrowing owls can be found in wide space from Alaska and Canada to Central America . They live in the western states of the US , all the elbow room east to Kansas and Texas . Numerous undetermined environments , such as grasslands , prairie , agricultural land , desert scrub , and wetlands let in Marsh and riparian zona , are home to them . By using their own underground burrows or those of other species , such as basis squirrels or prairie frank , these industriousbirdsexhibit their awful electrical capacity for environmental adaption and flourishing .
Barn Owl
Within thebirdkingdom , the Barn Owl ( Tyto alba ) is a representation of quiet beauty and cunning military capability . With a length of 12.6 to 15.8 inches ( 32–40 cm ) and a weight of 14.1 to 24.7 apothecaries' ounce ( 400–700 thou ) , these impressive animals draw attention . Their wingspread is between 39.4 and 49.2 inches ( 100–125 cm ) . Even though these mysteriousbirdsonly occur occasionally—0.2740 % of the prison term — spotting one is a treasured second for everyone who enjoy the outdoors .
Explore places along the Gulf Coast , the Florida Keys , wetlands , marshes , and farming realm to see Barn Owls in their aboriginal home ground . These nocturnal hunters have plenty of hunt grounds thanks to these varied environments .
A good nesting billet and a reliable food for thought source are necessity if you require Barn Owls to bring down your belongings . This can let in artificial nest boxes placed thoughtfully throughout your property or by nature occurring tree holes . Although they will not hesitate to eat insects , lizards , or snort , their pet nutrient is primarily rodent . you could further attract rodents to settle in the area by place rat twit close to their food source or nesting place .
Barn Owls can be found all over North America in farming region , forest tolerance , and next to wetlands . Their heart - shaped font and pallid plume help them blend in with their surroundings . They contribute to the delicate balance of the habitats they live in by softly hunting their fair game under the cover of wickedness thanks to their over-the-top good sense of auditory modality . With their telling wingspan and silent flying , Barn Owls exemplify the ravisher and adaptability of nature ’s aerial predators .
Short-eared Owl
With its sleek physical body and surreptitious flight of steps , the dead - eared Owl ( Asio flammeus ) is thebirdkingdom ’s embodiment of thanksgiving and agility . These amazing birdie have a length of 13.4 to 16.9 inches ( 34–43 cm ) and a weight of 7.3 to 16.8 ounces ( 206 - 475 g-force ) . Their wingspread is 33.5 to 40.5 inches ( 85–103 centimetre ) . Even though they are extremely rare — frequently occurring only 0.0254 % of the metre — fleck one of these closemouthed owls is a treasured experience for birdwatchers .
to see Short - eared Owls inFlorida , you should visit area like the Everglades , the Panhandle , and the Gulf Coast . These wide-ranging environments allow idealistic lot for roosting and hunting .
Give abruptly - eared Owls plenty of food source and a good position to roost if you want them to claver your property . A full nesting site can be made out of a 12 - column inch - diameter , deep metallic element garbage can with a wire engagement - hatch initiative on top . check that the environment admit broad spaces like fields , prairies , hayfield , and agricultural lands and wetlands , where they can find many of their preferred prey , such as mice , vole , coney , birds , amphibious vehicle , reptiles , andinsects .
The effective time of day for Short - eared Owls to hunt are at fall and morning . They apply their acute hearing and vision to locate their quarry , which they ofttimes recognise light on telephony poles or fence Wiley Post , calmly wait for the right opportunity to attack . The Short - eared Owl is a predatory birdie of target that lends a mysterious quality to the environments it inhabits with its unequalled ethereal aerobatics and sneak sailplaning .
Snowy Owl
The magnificent appearance and remarkable white feather of the Snowy Owl ( Bubo scandiacus ) make it an enthralling icon of the Arctic tundra . With a wingspan of 49.6 to 57.1 inches ( 126 - 145 centimetre ) , these amazing birds catch attending . They range in length from 20.5 to 27.9 inches ( 52 - 71 curium ) and weigh between 56.4 and 104.1 ounces ( 1600 - 2950 g ) . Even though these Arctic wanderers are extremely rare — oftentimes occurring at just 0.0084%—coming across one is an awing experience for birdwatchers .
Snowy Owls are unusual to see inFlorida , but they can occasionally be see in unlikely places including the northern panhandle near Pensacola , the key realm of the state around Lakeland and Orlando , and even as far south as Miami . Although they usually live on in cold areas like as Canada and the northern United States , Snowy Owls occasionally migrate south to warm regions such as Florida .
Having a logical source of food is essential if you want Snowy Owls to visit your home . A alluring talent could be live fair game like mice or rats , or owl pellets . It will also increase the likelihood of attracting these gorgeous birds if you produce a rod in an assailable plaza with a clear view of the surround and provide cover .
Because of their natural adjustment to the rough Arctic mood , snow-white bird of night rely on their acute hunt abilities to convey down a blanket range of prey , include little animals , birds , fish , and carrion . They are among the most recognizablebirds in North Americadue to their hardiness and peach , capturing masses ’s attending wherever they go .
Long-eared Owl
Among nocturnal hunters , the Long - eared Owl ( Asio otus ) is the mannequin of stealth and adaptability . These elusive birds are between 13.8 and 15.8 inches ( 35 - 40 cm ) long and weigh between 7.8 and 15.3 ounces ( 220 - 435 g ) . Their wingspread is between 35.4 and 39.4 inches ( 90 - 100 cm ) . Even though these owls are extremely rare — they only seem once in a thousand years — make out one is a precious mo for anyone who enjoy view birds .
In Florida , open spaces abundant in prey , such Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park , Ocala National Forest , and Everglades National Park , are often visited by Long - eared Owls . Increasing the likelihood of line these elusive birds to your dimension can be carry out by offering a secure landing area , a rich supply of live mouse or rats for food for thought , and tribute from the weather condition .
Geographically distributed throughout North America , Europe , and Asia , long - eared owls favor deep woods with stack of trees and understory for hunt and roosting . They also live in open spaces with sporadic trees or scrub , where they hunt for small mammals like mice , voles , and rabbits throughout the day and at night , in addition to birds like songster and duck . With their keen hunting skills and adaptable nature , Long - eared Owls exemplify the resiliency and sweetheart of nature ’s avian predators .
Flammulated Owl
Despite its petite size , the Flammulated Owl ( Otus flammeolus ) lend a sense of whodunit to North American woodlands . These elusive raspberry are between 5.9 and 6.7 column inch ( 15 - 17 cm ) long and consider between 1.5 and 2.2 ounces ( 43 - 63 g ) . Their wingspread is between 15.9 and 16.1 inches ( 40.5 - 41 cm ) . For bird aficionados , see one of these elusive owls is a highly sought - after experience , even though its oftenness of natural event is a minuscule .
In Florida , the Panhandle and Big Bend regions are commonly home to Flammulated Owls . make a habitat that nearly resemble the born habitat of these elusive birds will help you pull back them to your emplacement . authoritative elements include open spaces for hunting , tall trees for light , and protection for hiding during the daylight . Mimicking their best-loved surroundings , a miscellany of fields , meadows , shrub , and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree should be created .
ironical , open woodland and timber are ideal for the flourishing of Flammulated Owls , who tip mostly on small mammals such as mouse , rats , and voles . They sum up birds , insects , and other tiny prey to their diet as well .
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Despite its lilliputian height , the Northern Saw - whet Owl ( Aegolius acadicus ) add up a magical component to North American timber . These elusive birds are between 7.1 and 8.3 inches ( 18 - 21 cm ) long and count between 2.3 and 5.3 apothecaries' ounce ( 65 - 151 g-force ) . Their wingspan is between 16.5 and 18.9 inches ( 42 - 48 cm ) . They survive better in wooded region close to reference of water ; they are mostly found in the Panhandle and northernFlorida , and they are most dynamic at dark .
to draw Northern Saw - whet Owls to your backyard , you must build an appropriate surroundings . These hooter thrive in dense woodland with plenty of tree for roosting and nesting . Evergreens , birch tree , and blackcherry treesare examples of shrubs and tree that can be implant to provide nuance and resemble their natural habitat . build nesting boxes also gives them a unafraid sphere in which to procreate and rise up their unseasoned .
northerly Saw - whet Owls quarry principally on belittled mammals such as mice , stinkpot , and rabbit , supplemented with insects . Providing bird feeders with owl pellets can also lure them with a readily available food source . Despite their lilliputian size of it , these owls trifle a important role in controlling rodent populations and hold the balance of their woods ecosystem across Canada , the United States , and Mexico .
