Where Do Barred Owls Live? (Habitat + Distribution)

One of the most common owls in the American urban landscape, the barred owl is a larger, brown-striped owl that is increasingly adapted to different habitats.

In this article, we’ll answer the question: What is the preferred habitat for the barred owl? Read on to find out where you’re most likely to see or hear.

One of the most common owls native to the eastern United States, the barred owl is also one of the most likely to be seen during the day and don’t always wait until dark to hunt. Barred owls remain in their territories year-round, and dense mixed forests provide ideal nesting and hunting grounds.

Previously restricted to southeastern Canada and the easternmost states of the United States, barred owls have expanded their range over the last century and are now further west into North America and are increasingly found in more developed urban landscapes as well as in their preferred forests environment, this provides shelter and camouflage while nesting and hunting.

To learn more about the landscapes that best meet the hunting, nesting and roosting requirements of the barred owl, follow us as we explore the year-round habitat needs of these highly territorial birds of prey.

The barred owl is one of the most common owl species in the eastern United States

What is the range of the barred owl?

The striped owl is found primarily in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, with a range as far west as Texas and the Pacific Northwest.

Previously concentrated only in the east, the barred owl’s range has expanded to the north and west during the 20th century due to extensive tree planting in the Great Plains.

The species is now distributed along corridors in southern Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, into Washington, Idaho, and Oregon, and even as far south as California.

Close up portrait of a resting barred owl

What is the habitat of the barred owl?

Old-growth boreal forests with dense foliage provide the ideal habitat for the barred owl to live, hunt and breed. Mixed or deciduous woodlands are popular with barred owl populations in the southern and southeastern parts of their range, while further north mature coniferous woodlands appear to be the preferred habitat for establishing territories, with typical nesting sites in alder, poplar, Oak, cedar, fir, spruce and pine.

Wooded marshlands and forested uplands are among the striped owl’s favorite landscapes, and more recently, successful breeding populations have been established in more suburban environments, perhaps thanks in part to prey Rodents.

Leafy forests are one of the striped owl’s favorite habitats

How rare are barred owls?

Although barred owls are nocturnal, they are unusual among owls as it is not uncommon to hear one hooting while it is still daylight.

Barred owls are fairly common across their geographic range, but their preference for dense boreal forest habitats makes them difficult to spot. Increasingly appearing in semi-open woodlands on the fringes of towns, they may be more likely to be seen now than ever.

When do barred owls come out?

After sunset, barred owls usually emerge from their roost for their first hunting trip of the night. While barred owls are generally nocturnal hunters, they are also opportunistic predators and may occasionally hunt during the day if an easy-to-catch hard-to-miss opportunity or a large food source arises.

One of the best times to spot barred owls is after sunset

Do barred owls stay in one place?

Barred owls are not migratory, and do tend to move away from their homes, often staying within 10 kilometers (6 miles) of their homes throughout the year. This species is very territorial, especially during the breeding season, but may have to forage a little further afield during winter if nearby food supplies become scarce.

Where do barred owls live in the United States?

The barred owl’s range was initially restricted to eastern North America, and most of their populations are found in the eastern United States. This species is found in the southwestern state of Texas and across all states from the southeastern border to Florida.

The barred owl has a wide range across the East Coast states, extending north from Florida to New York and into Vermont and New Hampshire.

Oklahoma, Kansas, parts of Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota form the general western boundary of the species’ main range, with a northwestward corridor extending into Washington, Idaho, and Oregon parts of the state.

Perched barred owl looking for prey

Where do barred owls live in Canada?

A stretch of southern Canada from British Columbia to Quebec provides suitable forest habitat for the barred owl. This species occurs in southern British Columbia, central Alberta, and Saskatchewan, as well as southern Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec, and is native to Nova Scotia and New Bruns in large numbers Rick Province.

The presence of this species in Canada is nothing new. An approximately 11,000-year-old striped owl fossil has been unearthed in Ontario.

Where Are Barred Owls Most Common?

Barred owls are common throughout their range, although their expansive territories mean no area feels particularly crowded. The Maritime Provinces of eastern Canada host a significant proportion of the country’s native pairings. In the U.S., Iowa, Tennessee, and Maryland have above-average numbers of barred owls.

Barred Owl perched on a log in Ontario, Canada

Where is the best place to see barred owls?

Dense woodlands with little open space, especially those with swamp-like topography, are the preferred roost for barred owls throughout their range and offer the best opportunity to see solitary barred owls roosting, roosting, or hunting.

They are territorial birds and animals of habit. If you find their favorite habitat or nest and are patient enough to watch from a distance, you might be lucky enough to see them.

A cataract of “whitewash” (owl droppings) on the trunk of a habitual perch is a sure sign that an owl may be camouflaged on a nearby branch, waiting to pounce on prey.

Barred owl sleeping on a branch

Where Do Barred Owls Live In Winter?

Under normal circumstances, spotted owls stay in the same territory all year round and do not migrate in winter. Evidence in support of this includes analyzes of banded birds, and at the time of examination, of a sample of 158 birds during the winter months, none had traveled more than 10 km (6.2 miles) from their original summer breeding range.

Where Do Barred Owls Live In Summer?

Barred owls generally do not migrate, and their summer territories are the same as their winter territories. There is some evidence to support the theory that northernmost populations, such as those breeding in Saskatchewan and Alberta, may migrate slightly southward in winter, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

Barred owl in flight

Where Do Barred Owls Live During The Day?

Common daytime habits of barred owls include hiding daytime hours in thick leafy branches at least 5 meters (16 feet) above the ground. Sometimes they will find a natural hollow tree to rest in, or less commonly they will perch near the trunk of a tree where there is less branch cover. A fledgling owl may be perched on the ground, covered by tall grass.