According to numerous sources, including allaboutbirds.org and other reliable sources, there are types of owls in Arkansas that we can confirm have a range.
These species include the Northern Saw-whet Owl, Barn Owl, Eastern Screech-owl, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Long-eared Owl, and Short-eared Owl.
Let’s dive straight into this list of the types of owls in Arkansas.
1. Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owl is first on our list of types of owls in Arkansas. Because they appear in so many photos and seem photogenic, they are also what many of us imagine when we think of owls.
The distinctive characteristics of great horned types of owls in Arkansas include their huge stature, ear tufts, and bright eyes. The only bird known to kill and consume skunks consistently is this one.
They are also well recognized for being adversaries of Red-tailed Hawks and other raptors. In their area, these ferocious carnivores have virtually little to worry about.
2. Barred Owl
In all of Arkansas, there is a consistent population of barred owls. They are also renowned for being highly noisy, calling out, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?
They are not usually easy to see, like most owls. Compared to some other nocturnal-only types of owls in Arkansas.
The Barred Owl is frequently active during the day, providing you a higher chance to spot one.
These forest-dwelling non-migratory owls prefer to build their nests in nest boxes but will also use tree cavities.
3. Short-Eared Owl
Winter is the ideal time to see a short-eared owl in Arkansas because it is when they are not reproducing. Late November marks their arrival, and they depart by mid-March.
It will probably be around if you are fortunate enough to see one. When hunting, they are frequently spotted in open fields or brushy areas at dawn or dusk. In North America, they are widely distributed and can be found in every state.
4. Eastern Screech-Owl
The Eastern Screech-owl lives permanently throughout the whole state of Arkansas. These little types of owls in Arkansas, which resemble robins in size, eat a variety of insects, rodents, and songbirds.
Because of how well-camouflaged it is, you’re likely to see an Eastern Screechowl in one of the trees where it nests. An Eastern Screech-owl might be nearby when songbirds fuss and sound the alarm for predators. Screech-owl pairs are known to stay together for life and to accept nesting boxes if offered.
5. Barn Owl
Although they live all over Arkansas, barn owls are extremely elusive and infrequently seen. They are also among the types of owls in Arkansas with the greatest global distribution.
Barn owls have easily recognized thanks to their stunning plumage and heart-shaped faces. Their name comes from the fact that they nest in various man-made structures, including barns; however, in Arkansas, it is believed that their population is declining.
6. Long-Eared Owl
According to allaboutbirds.org, this medium-sized owl has a non-breeding, or winter, distribution in Arkansas. They move to the northern U.S. and Canada every year to breed there.
Long-eared Owls are exceptional nocturnal predators and covert flyers. They are easily recognized by their unusually long ears, as the name suggests. During the winter, they roost in great numbers, which facilitates finding them.
7. Northern Saw-Whet Owl
Lastly, on our list of types of owls in Arkansas is the Northern Saw-whet owl.
They are classified as threatened in Arkansas and have a “non-breeding (scarce)” range there.
Because they are nocturnal and extremely elusive, northern saw-whet owls are difficult to locate.
They are among the most prevalent woodland owls in northern North America.
They got their name from the perception that one of their sounds sounded like a saw being sharpened on a whetting stone.
Are you hoping to see one of these raptors more often? Think about using a spotting scope or some binoculars!
