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Owls in Ohio: 8 Species with Pictures to Spot in the Buckeye State

MC Marcus Chen Tech Editor August 13, 2026 2 min read № 018
Owls in Ohio: 8 Species with Pictures to Spot in the Buckeye State

Ohio provides the perfect habitat for predatory birds, thanks to its vast forestlands and 40,000 miles of water streams. That’s why bird-watching is a must if you’re staying in the Buckeye State for a while. Out of the400 bird speciesthat live in Ohio, there are eight owl breeds you may like to see during your time in the state. Some of them stay in the state for the whole year, and some only pass through it during their migration season. In all cases, you’re bound to see a lot of owls during your visit to the state. Here’s a complete roundup of everything you may want to know about the eight species of owls in Ohio. The 8 Species of Owls in Ohio There’s a nice variety of owls in Ohio. Although there are only eight species, they all have different living styles and feeding habits. Read on to find out more about how each species lives in Ohio. Scientific Name: Tyto furcata Length: 13–15 inches Weight: 1–1.3 pounds Wingspan: 42–43.3 inches Barn Owls are widespread in all the US, so it’s no wonder their populations are large in Ohio too. Although the species is classified asendangeredin the Buckeye state, some counties have abundant numbers. Author Note:Barn Owls are otherwise called ghost owls because of their hunting habits. They watch their prey silently, then swoop down on it without warning. Other theories have it that the name comes from how their white faces look in the night. These owls mostly live in abandoned barns and under bridges, explaining their name. They hide their nests, so it’s hard to locate them. Not only that, but they’re also strictly nocturnal, rarely making an appearance when the sun is out. The main threat to Barn Owls in Ohio is their fellow species, Great

Ohio provides the perfect habitat for predatory birds, thanks to its vast forestlands and 40,000 miles of water streams.