Where Do Barn Owls Live? (Habitat + Distribution)

barn owl (white grass) is the most widespread owl in the world. These beautiful and enigmatic birds are very common in suitable habitats, although they have declined in some areas due to changing farming practices and habitat destruction. So where exactly do barn owls live?

Barn owls live near areas of open and low vegetation such as grasslands, scrub, pastures, semi-arid scrub and open woodlands. They use these areas to hunt small animals such as mice, which they capture by swooping down from low altitudes or perches. They generally avoid urban areas, alpine landscapes, very dry deserts and dense forests.

Barn owls roost during the day in dry, sheltered hollow trees, cliff crevices, and man-made structures such as barns. These are the same locations they use for nesting, and a pair of owls may stay in the same neighborhood year-round.

Read on to learn more about where barn owls live and where you can see these graceful birds in person.

Barn owls live in a range of different habitats, but open woodlands are probably one of the best places to spot them

What is the range of the barn owl?

The barn owl is the most widespread of all owl species. Their many subspecies are found on every continent except Antarctica. They range from the tropics to the temperate climates of:

• Much of North America from southern Canada to Panama
• Much of South America, from Colombia in the north to Argentina and Chile in the south
• Widely distributed in Europe, extending to West Asia
• Widely distributed in Africa from the Mediterranean to South Africa
• Indian subcontinent and most of Southeast Asia
• Australia and surrounding areas

Read on to learn more about barn owls’ favorite habitats and where you’re most likely to see them.

What’s the Barn Owl’s Habitat?

Barn owls are adaptable birds with many habits. Their ability to thrive in some human-altered habitats, such as farmlands and sometimes even suburban fringes, makes them one of the most familiar owl species. In general, barn owls prefer relatively open habitats, from sea level to about 13,000 feet (4000 m). They avoid densely wooded areas and forests.

Closeup of a perched barn owl

How rare is it to see a barn owl?

Barn owls range from common to very rare, depending on where you live. Even where these birds are most common, they are still rarely seen due to their nocturnal habits. However, barn owls are vocal birds, and their piercing calls are more common than people see.

When do barn owls come out?

Barn owls are primarily nocturnal, although they occasionally hunt during the day, especially in winter. They are usually active from about an hour after sunset to an hour before sunrise the next morning. However, they are efficient hunters and therefore spend relatively little time actively hunting.

One of the best times to see barn owls is sometime after sunset

Do barn owls stay in one place?

Barn owls often migrate great distances from where they were born. They can travel more than 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) in any direction from their nests to suitable habitat. However, not all barn owls disperse so widely, with some young birds migrating less than a mile.

Adult barn owls are generally non-migratory, although limited migrations have been recorded. Most adult barn owls are sedentary and stay in the same area year-round. They often nest in the same place each year and even sleep at the nest site outside of the breeding season.

Where in the United States do barn owls live?

American Barn Owl (T. alba pratincola) are widely distributed throughout most of the United States. They are very common in some states but have declined dramatically in others, such as Michigan.

In the United States, barn owls are most commonly found along the coast of the Pacific Northwest from California to Washington state, inland areas of Idaho and Utah, and southern Texas. They span the Southeast, as far south as Florida and as far north as New York State. Barn owls can be seen over a wide range of areas in the interior of the United States, although they tend to be less common and more localized.

Close up of an American Barn Owl in flight

Where do barn owls live in Canada?

American Barn Owl (Ta Platinkola) extends into the southernmost provinces of British Columbia and Ontario in Canada. The barn owl is critically endangered in Canada, where its population is very small. The climate in southern Canada is only marginally suitable for barn owls, and unfortunately much of the available prairie habitat has been destroyed by farming practices.

Where do barn owls live in the UK?

The western barn owl (T. a. alba) is found in Wales and most of England and parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and the neighboring Republic of Ireland.

They are most common in low-lying areas of rural England, but tend to be rare or absent in the highlands and mountainous areas. They do especially well in farmland areas with rough grass and suitable nesting sites such as old barns and nest boxes.

Barn owl flying at dusk in Norfolk, UK

Where do barn owls live in Australia?

Australian Barn Owl (Ta Delicate) are very common in Australia. They occur from coast to coast, provided suitable hunting habitat and nesting sites are available. Although absent in the driest desert regions, they can be found throughout the Australian outback.

Perched Australian Barn Owl

Where Are Barn Owls Most Common?

Barn owls are most commonly found in low-lying areas where there are short, open roosts suitable for hunting with suitable dens. These could be undisturbed wilderness areas with nearby cliffs, or even heavily converted agricultural areas with fallow land and pastures for hunting, and old barns for nesting.

Barn owls are most common in the following landscapes:

• wetlands
• River bank
• farmland and pasture
• grassland
• grassland
• semi-arid area
• open woodland

Where is the best place to see barn owls?

The best place to see barn owls is near areas they are known for nesting, roosting and hunting. At night, keep an eye out for their eerie screeches as they fly over open habitat. You can often spot them when they fly silently on a still moonlit night.

Barn owls prefer to hunt on grassy roadsides and can often be seen on evening or pre-dawn drives through rural areas.

Unfortunately, this habit puts them at great risk of speeding traffic, so be vigilant. Watch out for these birds flying low over roads or perching on fence posts and road signs. A quiet walk in the right habitat can be just as productive.

Silhouette of a barn owl hunting in the countryside at dusk

Where Do Barn Owls Live During The Day?

Barn owls sleep in a standing position during the day. They choose a roost that is quiet and out of sight, but sometimes they are visible if you know where to look. Barn owls typically sleep in burrows, such as small holes and crevices, tree holes, and man-made structures such as barns, roofs, and nest boxes.

Where Do Barn Owls Live In Winter?

Barn owls tend to roost in the same areas during summer and winter, although some birds from the northern United States are thought to be partially migratory.

Barn Owl Flying Low

Where Do Barn Owls Live In The Summer?

Most barn owls are sedentary and can be seen in the same area throughout the year.