Are There Barred Owls in New Hampshire?
Barred owls are common year-round residents throughout New Hampshire's forests. These forest owls thrive in hardwood and mixed habitats, hunting nocturnally for small mammals and birds. Found from the seacoast to the White Mountains, barred owls are one of the state's most vocal owl species. Their distinctive laughing call often betrays their presence in wooded areas.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 21, 2026.
- 18,907
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
Yes, barred owls are in New Hampshire. Next you'll want:
Barred owls are common year-round residents throughout New Hampshire's forests. These forest owls thrive in hardwood and mixed habitats, hunting nocturnally for small mammals and birds. Found from the seacoast to the White Mountains, barred owls are one of the state's most vocal owl species. Their distinctive laughing call often betrays their presence in wooded areas.
Where in New Hampshire the Barred Owl is Found
Barred owls inhabit forests throughout New Hampshire, from coastal regions inland to the highest elevations of the White Mountains. They are particularly common in the state's extensive hardwood forests, including the forests of the Lakes Region and the upper Connecticut River valley. Barred owls occupy the mixed forests along the Merrimack River valley and throughout the Granite State's interior woodlands. They prefer mature forests with significant understory coverage and are found in both public lands and private woodlots. The state's abundant forest habitat, from the seacoast to the mountain passes, supports healthy barred owl populations. Visit/wildlife/new-hampshirefor information on other state species. Seethe Barred Owl guide for New Hampshirefor more.
Season and Timing
Barred owls are present year-round in New Hampshire. Unlike many migratory birds, barred owls do not leave the state in winter, remaining in their territories throughout the year. They are most vocal during late autumn and winter months when they begin establishing breeding territories. February and March bring intense calling activity as pairs reaffirm bonds and compete for nesting sites. Spring and summer are quieter months for barred owls as they raise young. Barred owls can be heard calling almost any night of the year in appropriate habitat, though late fall and early spring offer the best opportunities to hear their loud, laughing calls. Seethe New Hampshire wildlife guidefor more.
How to Identify a Barred Owl
Barred owls are large forest owls, approximately sixteen to twenty-five inches in length, with stocky builds and rounded heads lacking ear tufts. Their plumage is predominantly brown and gray with heavy barring across the breast and belly, and vertical streaking on the flanks. The facial disk is nearly circular with dark eyes set forward-facing, unlike the yellow eyes of great horned owls. Barred owls often appear darker than other owl species. Their call is their most distinctive feature: a series of loud hoots that sounds like 'who-cooks-for-you, who-cooks-for-you-all,' often rendered as wild laughter or cackling. Females are consistently larger than males.
Where Sightings Concentrate in New Hampshire
Barred owls are widespread and can be encountered in appropriate forest habitat throughout the state. However, they are most frequently heard and observed in the extensive forests of the White Mountain National Forest and surrounding areas. The Saco River valley, the Connecticut River floodplain forests, and the lowland forests of the southeastern coastal plain all support good barred owl populations. Urban and suburban woodlots, parks, and green spaces with mature trees also host barred owls. Birders seeking barred owls should visit/wildlife/new-hampshire/barred-owlfor location guidance and listen during evening hours in forested areas.
Typical Behavior
Barred owls are strictly nocturnal hunters, remaining hidden in dense forest during daylight hours. They hunt by perching silently and watching for movement below, then gliding silently to capture prey. Small mammals, particularly mice, voles, and rats, comprise the majority of their diet, though they also hunt birds, insects, crayfish, and amphibians. Barred owls are relatively sedentary, establishing territories that they may occupy for many years. They are highly vocal compared to other owl species, calling frequently from dusk through the night. Pairs often call together, with the female giving higher-pitched hoots than the male. Their hunting technique and vocal nature make them reasonably detectable even though they are nocturnal.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Barred owls are completely protected under federal law and pose no danger to humans. They avoid people and remain active during darkness when encounters are unlikely. Very rarely, a barred owl might strike a window at night, drawn by indoor lights and insects, but such incidents are uncommon. Barred owls do not attack humans and are not aggressive toward people. If you hear a barred owl calling near your home, this is a sign of healthy forest habitat. Maintaining older trees with cavities and dense understory vegetation supports barred owls and many other wildlife species. Consult/wildlifefor wildlife-friendly land management practices.
Common Species People Confuse with Barred Owl
In New Hampshire, barred owls might be confused with great horned owls, though great horned owls have prominent ear tufts and yellow eyes, while barred owls lack ear tufts and have dark eyes. Long-eared owls, less common in the state, are smaller and have vertical streaking rather than barring. Short-eared owls, found in open habitats, are much lighter and have yellow eyes. Saw-whet owls are tiny by comparison. The barred owl's large size, dark eyes, rounded head, and distinctive barring pattern make it relatively easy to identify once you are familiar with it. Their loud, distinctive call is usually the most reliable identification feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are barred owls so loud at night? A: Barred owls are highly vocal birds compared to other owl species. They use loud calls to establish territories and communicate with mates, especially during fall and winter. Q: Are barred owls dangerous to pets? A: Barred owls occasionally hunt small pets, though this is uncommon. Keep cats and small dogs indoors at night and supervise small outdoor pets. Q: Where can I hear barred owls in New Hampshire? A: Barred owls are found in forests throughout the state. Evening visits to forested areas in fall and winter offer the best chances to hear them calling. Q: What does a barred owl eat? A: Barred owls primarily eat small mammals like mice and voles, but also hunt birds, insects, and other small animals.
Plan your barred owl sighting in New Hampshire
18,907 verified barred owl records have been logged in New Hampshire, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in New Hampshire
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Odiorne Point SP, Rye · 315 species recorded
- New Hampshire Coast (consider using a more specific location) · 314 species recorded
- Isles of Shoals (NH) · 308 species recorded
- Isles of Shoals--Star Island, Rye · 290 species recorded
- Hampton-Seabrook Marsh · 272 species recorded
- Rye Harbor SP (Ragged Neck) · 254 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Recent barred owl sightings
- Camp Wanocksett · 2026-07-20 23:18 · 2 seen
- Corporation Hill Rd, N.Sutton, NH · 2026-07-20 20:20 · 2 seen
- River Road · 2026-07-20 19:32 · 1 seen
- Eagle's Rest, 236 Dame Hill Rd, Orford US-NH 43.89400, -72.08934 · 2026-07-20 09:00 · 1 seen
- Elm Brook Recreation Area, Hopkinton · 2026-07-20 07:52 · 1 seen
More wildlife in New Hampshire