Are There Barred Owls in Maine?
Yes, Barred Owls are common year-round residents throughout Maine. These medium-sized owls inhabit the state's extensive forests, particularly older woodlands and wetlands. Their distinctive hooting calls often echo through Maine's pine forests and swamps at night. While less commonly seen than heard, Barred Owls are regularly documented across the entire state.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 21, 2026.
- 21,780
- GBIF records
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Yes, barred owls are in Maine. Next you'll want:
Yes, Barred Owls are common year-round residents throughout Maine. These medium-sized owls inhabit the state's extensive forests, particularly older woodlands and wetlands. Their distinctive hooting calls often echo through Maine's pine forests and swamps at night. While less commonly seen than heard, Barred Owls are regularly documented across the entire state.
Where Barred Owls Live in Maine
Barred Owls are found throughout Maine in suitable forest habitat. They favor the older, dense woodlands that blanket much of the state, from the western mountains of Oxford County to the coastal regions. These owls are particularly common in the mixed conifer and hardwood forests of central Maine around Penobscot County and in the northern regions. Wetland areas including swamps along rivers like the Kennebec and Penobscot River systems provide ideal habitat. Barred Owls also inhabit forests near lakes and reservoirs throughout the state. VisitMaine wildlife habitatsto learn more about the state's forest ecosystems. The species is absent from developed urban centers but readily colonizes suburban areas with mature trees and forest patches. Seethe Barred Owl guide for Mainefor more.
Seasonal Patterns in Maine
Barred Owls in Maine are present year-round, though some populations shift slightly with winter conditions. They are most vocal during breeding season from late winter through spring when their distinctive calls announce territorial claims. Fall and winter are also good times to hear them as they become more vocal while establishing winter territories. In deeper winter, these owls remain active but may move to areas with better hunting conditions. Spring migration brings additional individuals northward from southern New England into Maine. Summer is quieter for vocalization but owls are actively hunting to feed fledglings. CheckMaine wildlife guidesfor seasonal activity patterns. Barred Owls show some migration behavior but most Maine individuals are permanent residents.
Identifying a Barred Owl
Barred Owls are large owls measuring 17 to 20 inches in length with a wingspan around 39 to 43 inches. They lack the ear tufts present on many other owl species, giving them a rounded head appearance. Plumage is dark brown and gray with distinctive barring on the wings and body, which gives them their name. The facial disc is cream to pale gray with dark eye rings. Their eyes are dark brown to black, contrasting with paler plumage. Barred Owls show virtually no sexual dimorphism in appearance. Their call is highly distinctive, a loud series of hoots that sounds like "who-cooks-for-you, who-cooks-for-you-all." The underparts are lighter with brownish streaking. Some Barred Owls appear more rufous brown while others are grayer.
Where to Encounter Barred Owls in Maine
Barred Owls concentrate in mature forest areas with substantial tree density and understory vegetation. They favor the large blocks of continuous forest in Maine's interior, particularly in Piscataquis and Somerset Counties. Swamp forests with dense conifers and old growth hardwoods are prime habitat. River valleys including areas around the Dead River and Carrabassett River often host resident owls. State Wildlife Management Areas and public forestlands provide reliable locations. Baxter State Park's mature forests contain healthy populations. The Maine National Estuarine Research Reserve near the coast also supports Barred Owls. Owls tend to concentrate near wetland areas where prey is abundant. Visitwildlife pagesto find information about protected areas. Early morning or evening hours offer best opportunities for observation.
Barred Owl Behavior and Diet
Barred Owls are primarily nocturnal hunters, becoming most active at dusk and throughout the night. They hunt from perches, watching and listening for movement below before swooping down to capture prey. Small mammals form the bulk of their diet, particularly rodents like mice, voles, and rats. They also hunt birds including robins, jays, and smaller species, especially during winter when rodent availability decreases. Occasionally they will catch crayfish and other aquatic prey. Barred Owls are relatively sedentary, often remaining in the same home territory for years. They typically roost during the day in dense tree cavities or under thick branch cover. Their hearing is exceptionally acute, allowing them to locate prey in complete darkness. They are adaptable hunters and adjust their diet seasonally based on prey availability.
Living Alongside Barred Owls
Barred Owls in Maine present no danger to humans. These are wild animals that actively avoid contact with people. Protect yourself by keeping distance if you observe an owl, allowing it freedom to flee. Never approach nests or fledglings. Barred Owls are protected under Maine's wildlife laws and cannot be harmed without permit. Leave dead trees standing when possible as they provide crucial roosting and nesting cavities. Protecting forest habitat supports healthy owl populations. Keep outdoor pet populations indoors at night, as owls may view cats as prey. Avoid using rodenticides, which can poison owls that eat contaminated prey. Do not use owl calls to lure owls within close range. Respect their space and observe from a distance.
Species Often Confused with Barred Owls
The Great Horned Owl is the most commonly confused species, but it is larger with prominent ear tufts and orange-yellow eyes rather than dark eyes. Shorter-eared Owls inhabit open grasslands and marshes rather than dense forests and lack the barred plumage pattern. The Spotted Owl is strictly western and is dramatically smaller. Long-eared Owls are rarer and prefer open forest edges and shrubby habitat rather than interior forests. Great Gray Owls are much larger with a different call and habitat preference. Some people confuse young Great Horned Owls without visible ear tufts for Barred Owls. Barn Owls are pale and heart-faced rather than round-headed. The distinctive hooting call of Barred Owls is the best identification feature and quickly separates them from other Maine owls. Visual characteristics like the dark eyes and barred plumage also help confirm identification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Barred Owl call sound like? The classic call is a series of loud hoots that sounds like "who-cooks-for-you, who-cooks-for-you-all." They also make other vocalizations including cackles and caterwauling sounds. Can I help Barred Owls? Protect forest habitat by preserving large trees and mature woodlands. Avoid rodenticides which poison owls. Keep cats indoors to protect birds that owls depend on. Do Barred Owls hunt during the day? While primarily nocturnal, Barred Owls occasionally hunt during daylight, especially in winter or when raising young. How long do Barred Owls live? In the wild, Barred Owls typically live 15 to 20 years. Some individuals in captivity have lived into their 40s. ExploreMaine wildliferesources to learn more about supporting local birds.
Plan your barred owl sighting in Maine
21,780 verified barred owl records have been logged in Maine, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Maine
- Acadia National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Saint Croix Island International Historic Site · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Frances Perkins National Monument · Find hotels
- Maine Acadian Culture · Find hotels
- Monhegan Island · 324 species recorded
- Biddeford Pool · 321 species recorded
- Acadia NP (please use more specific location if possible) · 294 species recorded
- Biddeford Pool--East Point Sanctuary · 289 species recorded
- Wells Reserve at Laudholm · 284 species recorded
- Stratton Island · 281 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Recent barred owl sightings
- Three Pines Bird Sanctuary, Bar Harbor · 2026-07-21 00:01 · 2 seen
- Morgan Meadow WMA · 2026-07-20 19:05 · 1 seen
- TLC · 2026-07-20 18:39 · 1 seen
- Birdsacre Sanctuary, Ellsworth · 2026-07-20 13:00 · 1 seen
- Indian Point Blagden Preserve (TNC) · 2026-07-20 07:23 · 1 seen
More wildlife in Maine