According to numerous sources, including allaboutbirds.org and other reliable sources, we can confirm that there are types of owls in Arkansas that 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 owls in Arkansas include their huge stature, ear tufts, and bright eyes. This is the only bird known to kill and consume skunks consistently.
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
There is a consistent population of barred owls in Arkansas. 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, giving 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. They arrive in Late November and depart by mid-March.
It will probably be around if you are fortunate enough to see one. They are frequently spotted in open fields or brushy areas at dawn or dusk when hunting. They are widely distributed in North America 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’ll likely see an Eastern Screech owl 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 elusive and infrequently seen. They are also among the types of owls in Arkansas and have the greatest global distribution.
Barn owls are 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. Every year, it moves to the northern U.S. and Canada to breed there.
Long-eared Owls are exceptional nocturnal predators and covert flyers. As the name suggests, they are easily recognized by their unusually long ears. 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.
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!