Midwest · Mississippi Flyway
Are There Barred Owls in Illinois?
Yes, but uncommon — Barred Owls occur in Illinois year-round in small numbers. Strix varia · Strigidae
Is the Barred Owl Found in Illinois?
Barred Owls do occur in Illinois, but they are considered uncommon. Encountering one requires patience and the right habitat.
Where to see them instead: the nearest states where Barred Owls occur regularly are Indiana (about 160 miles away), Missouri (about 200 miles away) and Iowa (about 250 miles away).
Barred Owl is a North American backyard bird.
In Illinois, this species is classified as uncommon. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months.
Monthly Activity — Barred Owl in Illinois
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Barred Owl in Illinois
Other birds in Illinois
Birds you might also encounter in Illinois.
Barred Owl in other states
Barred Owl in Illinois: Quick Facts
The Barred Owl (Strix varia) is an uncommon bird in Illinois. It is classified as a year-round resident in the state, falling within the Midwest region and the Mississippi Flyway migration corridor.
For birders in Chicago and throughout Illinois, knowing the seasonal patterns of Barred Owl can help plan birding trips and backyard feeding strategies.
Use the monthly activity chart above to plan your birding outings, and explore other bird species found in Illinois using the related birds section.