Midwest · Mississippi Flyway
Are There Barred Owls in Iowa?
Yes, but uncommon — Barred Owls occur in Iowa year-round in small numbers. Strix varia · Strigidae
Is the Barred Owl Found in Iowa?
Barred Owls do occur in Iowa, 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 Missouri (about 250 miles away), Wisconsin (about 250 miles away) and Illinois (about 250 miles away).
Barred Owl is a North American backyard bird.
In Iowa, this species is classified as uncommon. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months.
Monthly Activity — Barred Owl in Iowa
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Barred Owl in Iowa
Other birds in Iowa
Birds you might also encounter in Iowa.
Barred Owl in other states
Barred Owl in Iowa: Quick Facts
The Barred Owl (Strix varia) is an uncommon bird in Iowa. 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 Des Moines and throughout Iowa, 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 Iowa using the related birds section.