Eastern and southern Paraguay, south-eastern Brazil (from Minas Gerais to Rio Grande do Sul) and extreme north-eastern Argentina (Misiones).
 
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010) and decreasing.
Status NT
Habitat destruction and degradation through logging and burning is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Rusty-barred Owl (Strix hylophila) [XC432216]
by Odirlei Vieira da Fonseca from Serra Negra, S\u00e3o Paulo, Brazil (song)
Rusty-barred Owl (Strix hylophila) [XC753354]
by Ricardo Jos\u00e9 Mitidieri from Itoror\u00f3 Eco Lodge, Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (call, song)