Roaming the diverse landscapes of Colorado, from the soaring Rocky Mountains to the sweeping plains, one will find a captivating array of owls. Encompassing a wide range from the petite Northern Pygmy Owls to the impressive Great Horned Owls, each species is perfectly suited to its respective habitat, exhibiting intriguing behaviors and remarkable adaptability.
Colorado Owls
| Owl Species | Frequency in Colorado | Where to Find in Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | High | Red Rocks Park, Denver; Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs |
| Western Screech Owl | High | The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park; Jefferson County Open Space Parks |
| Northern Pygmy Owl | Moderate | Rocky Mountain National Park; Roosevelt National Forest |
| Eastern Screech Owl | Moderate | Cherry Creek State Park, Denver; Barr Lake State Park, Brighton |
| Flammulated Owl | Low | San Juan National Forest; Mueller State Park, Divide |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Moderate | Routt National Forest; Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge |
| Burrowing Owl | Moderate | Comanche National Grassland; Pawnee National Grassland |
| Boreal Owl | Common | Rocky Mountain National Park, San Juan National Forest |
| Barn Owl | Very Common | Eastern Plains, Boulder County Farmlands |
| Snowy Owl | Rare | Pawnee National Grassland, North Park area |
| Long-eared Owl | Common | Roxborough State Park, Pueblo County |
| Short-Eared Owl | Uncommon | Pawnee National Grassland, North Park area |
| Spotted Owl | Rare | San Juan National Forest, Mesa Verde National Park |
| Barred Owl | Uncommon | Front Range Foothills, Roosevelt National Forest |
Owl Species Found in Colorado
Where to Spot Colorado’s Owls
Rocky Mountain National Park: A haven for various owl species, including the Great Horned Owl, Northern Pygmy Owl, and the occasional Northern Saw-whet Owls. The varied ecosystems in the park, from montane forests to alpine tundra, provide diverse habitats that attract a variety of owls.
Boulder County Open Space: Areas like Rabbit Mountain and Hall Ranch are known for their population of Great Horned Owls and Barn Owls. The open spaces near Boulder provide ideal hunting grounds for these owls, making them great spots for owl spotting.
Pawnee National Grassland: Located in the eastern part of the state, this area is known for Burrowing Owls. The open grassland habitat is perfect for these ground-nesting owls, and their distinctive appearance makes them relatively easy to spot.
San Juan National Forest: This vast forest in southwestern Colorado is a good place to spot the elusive Spotted Owl. Its old-growth forests provide perfect habitat for this species.
Garden of the Gods: Located near Colorado Springs, this natural park’s juniper woodland and scrub habitat is known for attracting Western Screech Owls. You may also spot the occasional Great Horned Owl here.
Remember, owl spotting can require patience and several visits as these creatures are primarily active at night and can be elusive. Always respect the owls and their habitats during your birdwatching adventures. Other owls sometimes spotted in Colorado include the Mexican spotted owl.
| Neighboring State | Main Owl Watching Sites |
|---|---|
| Colorado Owls | Rocky Mountain National Park, Pawnee National Grassland |
| Kansas Owls | Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, Cimarron National Grassland |
| Nebraska Owls | Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, Niobrara Valley Preserve |
| Wyoming Owls | Yellowstone National Park, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest |
| Utah Owls | Bryce Canyon National Park, Fishlake National Forest |
| Arizona Owls | Grand Canyon National Park, Saguaro National Park |
| New Mexico Owls | Gila National Forest, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge |
| Oklahoma Owls | Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Black Kettle National Grassland |
Tips on How to Spot Owls in Colorado
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Time of Day: Owls are nocturnal, so your best chance of seeing one is either in the late evening or early morning. During these times, you’re more likely to hear their calls and see them hunting.
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Habitats: Different species of owls prefer different types of habitats. In Colorado, you’ll find owls in a variety of environments, including forests, plains, and riparian areas. Look for Great Horned Owls in deciduous forests and mixed woodlands, while the Burrowing Owl prefers open prairies and grasslands. The Flammulated Owl can be found in open, mixed-conifer forests, especially those with mature ponderosa pines.
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Seasons: Some owls are migratory, while others are residents. Pay attention to the seasons. For example, the Burrowing Owl is typically found in Colorado between April and October, while the Northern Saw-whet Owl migrates to the state for winter.
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Look for Signs: Look for signs of owls such as pellets (undigested parts of their food that they regurgitate), white wash (owl droppings), and feathers. These can often be found around their favorite roosting spots.
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Listen: Owls have distinctive calls, and often call back when they hear their own species’ call. Learning these calls and listening for them can be an effective way to locate owls. However, refrain from excessive use of playback calls, as it can stress the owls or disrupt their behavior.
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Silhouettes and Eye-shine: Look for the silhouette of an owl against the sky at dusk or dawn. Additionally, using a flashlight with a red filter can help spot the eye-shine of owls without disturbing them.
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Guided Tours and Local Birdwatching Groups: Join a guided tour or connect with local birdwatching groups in Colorado. They can share specific locations and times where you might have a better chance of spotting owls.
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Patience and Respect: Remember that owls are wild animals. Keep a respectful distance and avoid any behavior that might disturb them. It might take time and several tries to spot an owl, so patience is key.