Where to Find Owls in Florida’s Diverse Habitats
If you are not familiar with Florida, after reading about the Burrowing Owls of Florida, you might think it is the only owl we have living here. Florida is over 500 miles long from north to south and anywhere from 60 -160 miles wide. So as you can imagine we have a wide climate and habitat range. Florida has quite a remarkable variety of owls, each one adapting to the state’s diverse habitat. We have dense forest, as well as densely populated areas, and we have prairie-like habitat and suburban neighborhoods. The owls that live in Florida play an essential role in maintaining a balanced eco system. We have seven species of owls that call Florida home, and an occasional stray that makes a surprise visit. As you might have surmised, the most popular owl living here is the Burrowing Owl, (Athene Cunicularia Floridana). These charismatic little owls are the jewel of the state. While most owls are nocturnal, Burrowing Owls, to the delight of visitors, are easily seen during the day. They are year-round residents (who would want to leave Florida?) and are mostly found in Cape Coral, one of the largest urban populations in the state. The second most common owl found in Florida is the Great Horned Owl, the largest found in the state. It is found throughout Florida, and even densely populated Cape Coral. It is one of the most familiar owls with its tufts of feather on top of its head. If you hear an owl hooting, it is a Great Horned Owl. Found mostly in the forested areas is the Barred Owl with its distinctive “Who cooks for you?” call. It is more often found northern and central Florida. Then there is the Eastern Screech-Owl, small owl often confused with a Burrowing Owl. These little guys like to nest in hollowed out trees and are a master of camouflage. It is found throughout the bastate and even on porch lights in Cape Coral. The Barn Owl, with its unusual iconic heart-shaped face likes the open fields and agricultural areas of the state. Less often seen are the Short-eared Owl and the Northern Saw-whet Owl, which make an occasional visit to the state. Getting to see any of these owls is a special treat, From the largest to the smallest they are reminders of one part of the natural beauty found in Florida.