Iowa's Owls

Did you know that out of approximately 250 owl species found worldwide, there are only 9 that call Iowa home? A majority — though not all — of these owls are nocturnal and live in the woods or prairies. Owls find their homes based on shelter, reliable food sources, mating opportunities and weather. They also move around as these circumstances change. For more information on Iowa’s 9 species of owls, keep reading!

 

American Barn Owl (Tyto furcata)

Barn owls prefer hollow trees but, as their name suggests, can make do with abandoned buildings and barns. They are medium sized and reach 16 inches tall when they mature. Unlike most other owls in Iowa, this species heavily relies on grasslands for habitat. Their main food sources are meadow and prairie voles. Though common globally, they’re not often seen in Iowa and sightings should be recorded.

 

 

 

Barred Owl (Strix varia) 

One of Iowa’s most common owl species and another year-round resident, they make their homes in hollow trees. Barred owls reach 21 inches tall and eat mice and other small rodents. They get their name from the bars (striping) across their chest.

 

 

 

 

Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) 

Burrowing Owls are unusual for lots of reasons — including their long legs! They live on the ground, often inhabiting abandoned burrows of other animals in prairies, deserts, grasslands, and agricultural fields. You’re only likely to see this species in far northwestern Iowa, which is on the very eastern edge of their range. They grow to 9.5 inches tall and primarily eat insects and small mammals. 

 

 

 

Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio)

Eastern Screech-Owls are small and grow to a height of 8.5 inches and come in gray and red morphs. They live in trees and eat a variety of songbirds. Unlike other owls on this list, this small bird stays year-round in Iowa. 

 

 

 

 

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

This owl is large — up to 22 inches tall. Like the Eastern Screech-Owl, they are a year-round Iowa resident. The Great Horned Owl has a diverse diet ranging from small prey like rodents and birds to much larger targets like waterfowl and other owls — including each other.  

 

 

 

 

Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) 

This fluffy-eared owl gets to be 15 inches tall and lives in wooded areas. They eat a variety of creatures including small rodents, bats, frogs, lizards and other birds. You’ll usually only see this species in Iowa during their nonbreeding season.

 

 

 

 

Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)

This owl lives in wooded areas and preys on mice. They are extremely petite – only 8 inches tall. Northern Saw-whet Owls eat their prey over several meals, unlike most owls who swallow their meals whole. We only see this species in the winter, and only with a very careful and patient eye. They’re more likely to sit still rather than fly off when spooked, making them difficult to spot amongst the tangly conifers where they prefer to perch.

 

 

 

Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) 

Similar to the Long-eared Owl, the Short-eared Owl reaches about 15 inches tall. Uncharacteristic of most owls, they nest on the ground in open grasslands. They eat meadow and prairie voles. These owls can also travel very long distances across the ocean! But their populations are currently in steep decline.

 

 

 

 

Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) 

Interestingly, males are whiter than females, who hold brown tint. When Snowy Owls are full grown, they reach about 2 feet tall! Their main prey are lemmings (small rodents). When lemmings are scarce in their preferred habitat, the tundra, they sometimes travel as far south as Iowa searching for food. Spotting one is a treat!   

 

 

 

 

Owls, along with other birds, are critical to Iowa’s ecosystem — they control the population of small rodents and other pests and support biodiversity across the ecosystem. The primary threats to owls are habitat destruction and loss of food resources — there are a few things you can do to help them thrive:

• Consider adding a nest box in areas that otherwise don’t have owl habitat. This could be especially useful for species like Barn Owls and Eastern Screech Owls.

• Keep your cats inside, as they are a threat to owls and their prey.

• Most importantly, you can help conserve Iowa’s natural areas. Consider supporting local or regional organizations who work to protect and steward sensitive habitats by volunteering, making a financial contribution, or speaking to your legislators about why you value natural spaces.

 

Note: All images are from allaboutbirds.org. Image credit is given in the alternative text of each image.