Alabama has about 10 owl species, though only 5 are native. Alabama has one of the hottest summers in the US, along with mild winters with relatively little snow. Despite the hot climate, owls remain common as the number of pine and coniferous forests is higher than in the rest of the country, serving as suitable homes for these birds. Some of the most commonly seen owls in the state are the Barn Owl, the Barred Owl, and the Eastern Screech-owl.
List of Owls in Alabama
Name with Sounds
Average Size
Status
Where Do They Live in the State?
Mating Season
Small Owls
Eastern Screech-owl
Length: 6-10 inches Wingspan: 18-24 inches
Native
Common in wooded habitats across Alabama, including forests, parks, and suburban areas. Often observed in cities like Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa
Late winter to early summer (February to June)
Burrowing Owl
Length: 9-11 inches Wingspan: 21-24 inches
Accidental
Rare in Alabama, but prefers open grasslands, prairies, and agricultural areas. Other locations include coastal regions, fields, and pastures
Late winter to early spring (February to August)
Flammulated Owl
Length: 6.5-7.5 inches Wingspan: 12-15 inches
Accidental
Extremely rare, occasionally spotted in coniferous forests in the northern part of the state
Late spring to early summer (mid-April to July)
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Length: 7 – 8 inches Wingspan: 17-22 inches
Accidental
Rare visitor to the state during winter
Spring (March to April)
Large Owls
Barn Owl
Length: 12-16 inches Wingspan: 42-43 inches
Native
Extremely common, with sightings regularly occurring in all 67 counties
Year-round, with peaks in late winter and spring (March to June)
Great Horned Owl
Length: 18-25 inches Wingspan: 40-60 inches
Native
Common in Alabama in both rural and urban areas. It is often seen in cities like Birmingham, Huntsville, and Montgomery
Late fall to early winter (November to January)
Barred Owl
Length: 16-24 inches Wingspan: 16-24 inches
Native
Common throughout Alabama, with sightings in Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and other cities
Late winter to Spring (February to April)
Snowy Owl
Length: 20-27 inches Wingspan: 49-58 inches
Accidental
Very rare in the state, mostly here due to irruptions. Occasionally shows up in southern Alabama
Varies by region and based on prey availability (any time between May and September)
Long-eared Owl
Length: 13-16 inches Wingspan: 24-40 inches
Accidental
Rare but seen occasionally during the colder months in wooded areas
Late winter to Spring (February to April)
Short-eared Owl
Length: 13-17 inches Wingspan: 33-43 inches
Native
Migratory, seen in Alabama during winter months in open grasslands and marshes
Varies, often in early spring (March to September)
Where Can You See Owls in Alabama
In northern Alabama, Monte Sano State Park has several owls, such as the Eastern Screech Owl, the Great Horned Owl, and the Barred Owl. These owls are also observable in Oak Mountain State Park. The Burrowing Owl can be seen in the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center at Auburn University.
