Are There Barred Owls in Mississippi?
Yes, Barred Owls are very common year-round residents throughout Mississippi. These medium-sized owls are abundant in the state's extensive bottomland forests, swamps, and river corridors. Their distinctive hooting calls are frequently heard in Mississippi's forests and wetland areas. Barred Owls are among the most common owl species in the state.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 21, 2026.
- 7,915
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
Yes, barred owls are in Mississippi. Next you'll want:
Yes, Barred Owls are very common year-round residents throughout Mississippi. These medium-sized owls are abundant in the state's extensive bottomland forests, swamps, and river corridors. Their distinctive hooting calls are frequently heard in Mississippi's forests and wetland areas. Barred Owls are among the most common owl species in the state.
Where Barred Owls Live in Mississippi
Barred Owls are found throughout Mississippi in suitable forest habitats. They are particularly abundant in the extensive bottomland hardwood forests and swamps of the Mississippi River delta. The Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge area contains excellent populations. Swamp forests in the northern Mississippi delta region host numerous owls. Central Mississippi's pine-hardwood forests support healthy populations. Cypress swamps and tupelo swamps throughout the state provide ideal habitat. River valleys including those along the Pearl River, Mississippi River, and Pascagoula River contain abundant birds. Eastern upland forests host populations though they are more common in wetter bottomland areas. VisitMississippi wildlife habitatsto explore the state's forest ecosystems. Barred Owls are absent only from the most developed urban areas. Seethe Barred Owl guide for Mississippifor more.
Seasonal Patterns in Mississippi
Barred Owls in Mississippi are present year-round with activity patterns that shift seasonally. Winter and early spring bring the most intensive calling activity. February through April is peak vocalization season as breeding birds establish territories and court. Calling activity decreases during summer as owls focus on hunting for fledglings. Fall and early winter bring renewed vocalization as territories are reestablished. Most Mississippi Barred Owls are permanent residents remaining year-round. Some northern individuals may migrate into Mississippi during winter. Spring migration occasionally brings additional birds northward. Year-round activity makes Mississippi ideal for observing Barred Owls in all seasons. CheckMississippi wildlife guidesfor detailed seasonal information. Winter and early spring offer peak opportunities for hearing calling birds.
Identifying a Barred Owl
Barred Owls are large owls measuring 17 to 20 inches in length with wingspans around 39 to 43 inches. They are distinguished by their rounded head that lacks ear tufts present on some other owl species. Plumage consists of dark brown and gray tones with distinctive barring on the wings and body. The facial disc is pale cream to white with dark rings around the eyes. The eyes are large and dark brown to black. Underparts are pale with brown streaking and barring throughout. Females are typically larger than males but show identical plumage patterns. Plumage coloration varies among individuals from grayer to more rufous-brown. The stocky, useful body build is characteristic. The combination of rounded head, barred plumage, and dark eyes provides reliable identification.
Where to Encounter Barred Owls in Mississippi
Barred Owls concentrate in mature forest areas with dense understory vegetation and proximity to water. The Yazoo River delta swamps support abundant populations. Cache River National Wildlife Refuge contains excellent habitat. Tupelo swamps and cypress swamp forests throughout the state are prime locations. Delta National Forest and surrounding bottomland areas host healthy populations. Sunflower River bottoms and other major river valleys contain resident birds. Red River valley forests in northern Mississippi support owls. Black River swamps and surrounding areas provide excellent habitat. Visitwildlife pagesfor information about specific protected areas and refuges. Early April evenings in swamp forests offer excellent opportunities for locating calling territorial birds.
Barred Owl Behavior and Diet
Barred Owls are primarily nocturnal hunters, becoming most active at dusk and throughout the night. They hunt from elevated perches using their exceptional hearing to locate small movements. Small mammals comprise the bulk of their diet, particularly mice, voles, rats, and shrews. They also hunt various bird species including jays, robins, and other songbirds. Crayfish and other aquatic prey frequently supplement their diet in Mississippi's abundant wetlands. Barred Owls are relatively sedentary, often maintaining the same territory for many years. They roost during daylight in tree cavities or under dense branch cover. Their hearing is extraordinarily acute, allowing hunting in complete darkness. These highly adaptable hunters readily adjust diet based on seasonal prey availability. They are among the most successful predators in Mississippi's forest habitats.
Living Alongside Barred Owls
Barred Owls present no danger to humans and actively avoid contact with people. Maintain appropriate distance if you encounter an owl, allowing it to retreat freely. Never disturb nests, fledglings, or roosting owls. Barred Owls are protected under Mississippi wildlife regulations and cannot be harmed without special permits. Support populations by protecting mature trees and forest habitat. Preserve riparian forests and wetland areas that are crucial to owl survival. Avoid using rodenticides, which poison owls that consume contaminated prey. Keep outdoor cats indoors at night to protect bird populations owls depend on. Do not use recorded owl calls to attract owls into close ranges or stressful situations. Respect these wild animals and enjoy observing them from a distance using binoculars.
Species Often Confused with Barred Owls
The Great Horned Owl is most frequently confused with Barred Owls but is considerably larger with prominent ear tufts and orange-yellow rather than dark eyes. Short-eared Owls inhabit open grasslands and marshes rather than forests. Barn Owls have pale plumage, heart-shaped faces, and prefer open habitats and structures. Long-eared Owls are rarer, prefer open forest edges and shrubby areas, and have visible ear tufts. Eastern Screech-Owls are much smaller with different body proportions. Barn Owl species are pale rather than barred. Young Great Horned Owls occasionally lack visible ear tufts and may resemble Barred Owls. The distinctive hooting call is the most reliable identification feature. The combination of rounded head, barred plumage pattern, and dark eyes confirms identification in Mississippi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Barred Owl call sound like? Their classic call is a series of loud hoots sounding like "who-cooks-for-you, who-cooks-for-you-all." They also produce cackles and caterwauling sounds. Can I help Barred Owls? Preserve and restore bottomland forest habitat. Protect wetland and swamp areas. Avoid rodenticides. Keep cats indoors. Are Barred Owls common in Mississippi? Yes, they are very abundant and among the most common owls statewide. Why are Barred Owls especially common in Mississippi? The state's abundant swamp forests and bottomland wetlands provide ideal habitat. Visitwildlife resourcesto learn more about supporting local bird populations and habitat conservation.
Plan your barred owl sighting in Mississippi
7,915 verified barred owl records have been logged in Mississippi, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Mississippi
- Gulf Islands National Seashore · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Natchez Trace Parkway · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Shiloh National Military Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site · Find hotels
- Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument · Find hotels
- Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument · Find hotels
- Seaman Rd. Sewage Lagoons (restricted access) · 290 species recorded
- Grand Bay NWR/NERR · 263 species recorded
- Singing River Island (restricted access) · 261 species recorded
- Noxubee NWR (Noxubee Co.) (please consider using more specific location/hotspot) · 257 species recorded
- St Catherine Creek NWR · 254 species recorded
- Ansley · 253 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Recent barred owl sightings
- Big Sky Ranch · 2026-07-20 17:28 · 2 seen
- Central Waveland · 2026-07-20 03:41 · 6 seen
- Wilderness Trail, Starkville, Mississippi, US (33.294, -88.85) · 2026-07-19 16:00 · 3 seen
- Noxubee NWR--Bluff Lake · 2026-07-18 08:44 · 1 seen
- Sky Lake WMA--boardwalk · 2026-07-18 07:19 · 1 seen
More wildlife in Mississippi