The barred owl is a medium-sized owl native to North America. With its distinctive brown and white vertical barring on the chest and belly, the barred owl is a familiar sight across much of the eastern United States and Canada. But just how common are these owls in the state of Missouri?
Barred Owl Habitat and Range
Barred owls are found across the eastern half of the United States and Canada. Their range stretches from the Atlantic coast west to eastern Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Texas. They are found as far north as central Alaska and across Canada to Nova Scotia.
Within their range, barred owls occupy mixed woodland habitats, especially near water sources like rivers, swamps, and lakes. They prefer dense, mature forests with a closed canopy. In the southeastern part of their range, they also inhabit wooded swamps and bottomland hardwood forests.
Missouri falls right in the middle of the barred owl’s range. The species can be found statewide, in suitable wooded habitat. Barred owls are considered a common, permanent resident throughout Missouri.
Barred Owl Population in Missouri
Barred owls are not threatened or endangered in Missouri. Their populations appear stable, though few detailed surveys have been conducted. Conservationists have expressed some concerns about potential declines in parts of their range due to habitat loss and competition with great horned owls.
One 1997 survey estimated 8,500 to 13,500 breeding pairs of barred owls in Missouri. More recent work by the Missouri Department of Conservation has found the species widespread across the state, but has not provided updated statewide population estimates.
Within Missouri, barred owl numbers tend to be higher in the southeastern corner of the state. This region contains more extensive forests preferred by the species. Densities appear lower in the prairie habitats of northern Missouri.
Table 1. Estimated barred owl breeding pairs by region of Missouri
| Region | Estimated Breeding Pairs |
|---|---|
| Southeast | 5,000 – 8,000 |
| South Central | 2,000 – 3,500 |
| Northeast | 750 – 1,250 |
| Northwest | 750 – 1,500 |
Barred Owl Behavior and Biology
Barred owls are highly territorial birds that establish permanent breeding territories. Though they don’t actually build nests, they typically use tree cavities or old stick nests built by other birds. In Missouri, barred owl nesting season runs from late January through mid April.
Female barred owls lay 2-4 eggs and incubate them for about four weeks. Chicks fledge four to five weeks after hatching. By six months old, the young owls will have dispersed to establish their own territories.
Barred owls have a broad diet including small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. They hunt mainly at night by waiting on a perch and swooping down on prey. During the day they roost quietly in dense cover.
The typical lifespan of a wild barred owl is around 10 years. Major predators include great horned owls and red-tailed hawks. Barred owls face no major threats in Missouri beyond habitat loss in some areas.
Where to Find Barred Owls in Missouri
Barred owls can be found in wooded areas across the state, but a few prime locations stand out for seeing and hearing these vocal birds:
- Hawn State Park – This state park in Ste. Genevieve County contains over 3,000 acres of forest attractive to barred owls.
- Lake of the Ozarks State Park – With over 17,000 acres of forested landscape, barred owls are common in this central Missouri park.
- Current River Conservation Area – The oak-hickory forests along the Current River harbor good numbers of barred owls.
- St. Francois Mountains – The extensive woodlands of Missouri’s St. Francois Mountains region provide ideal barred owl habitat.
The best way to find barred owls is to go out right before dusk and listen for their distinctive “who cooks for you” hooting call. This often elicits a response from other barred owls in the area. Barred owl calls can also be heard frequently right before dawn.
Conservation Status
The barred owl has a large range and stable populations across most of its territory. The IUCN Red List categorizes it as a species of Least Concern. Barred owls are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the U.S. and Canada.
While still common, barred owl numbers have likely declined locally in some areas due to habitat loss. Conservation efforts in Missouri should focus on protecting mature forests and limiting fragmentation, which reduces suitability for barred owls.
Due to their large territories, barred owl populations are also slow to rebound from declines. Sustainable forest management practices, like selective harvesting and prescribed burning, can help maintain barred owl habitat in Missouri forests.
Interactions with Humans
Barred owls adapt fairly well to human presence, as long as suitable wooded habitat remains. They can sometimes be enticed to use nest boxes. But direct feeding and baiting is not recommended, as owls may become aggressive or unhealthy.
Occasionally barred owls take up residence close to rural or suburban areas. Their nighttime hooting may disturb some people. But in general, these adaptable owls coexist well with humans.
Some Native American tribes consider barred owls symbolic guides that portend transitions and change. The barred plumage and mournful call certainly contributes to their mystique.
Overall, barred owls remain a widespread and iconic owl perfectly suited to Missouri’s mix of woodlands, forests, and wooded waterways. So next time you’re outdoors, listen for the hooting call of this charismatic resident!
