Across Montana’s varied landscapes, from its expansive prairies to its dense forests and towering mountain ranges, a captivating collection of owls thrive. The owl species found in Montana range from the small Northern Pygmy Owls to the imposing Great Horned Owls, each exhibiting unique behaviors and adaptations in line with their specific habitats.
Montana’s Owls
| Owl Species | Frequency in Montana | Presence in Montana | Specific Locations in Montana |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | Common | Year-round | Throughout the state |
| Eastern Screech Owl | Rare | Year-round | Eastern Montana, river valleys |
| Western Screech Owl | Uncommon | Year-round | Western Montana, river valleys |
| Barred Owl | Uncommon | Year-round | Western Montana, riparian forests |
| Barn Owl | Uncommon | Year-round | Farmland, open grasslands |
| Long-eared Owl | Uncommon | Year-round | Dense stands of trees near open areas |
| Short-eared Owl | Uncommon | Breeding season | Grasslands, marshes |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Uncommon | Year-round | Forested areas, particularly north |
| Snowy Owl | Rare | Winter | Open, treeless areas |
| Boreal Owl | Uncommon | Year-round | High-elevation conifer forests |
| Great Gray Owl | Uncommon | Year-round | Dense coniferous forests |
| Northern Pygmy Owl | Uncommon | Year-round | Montane forests |
| Flammulated Owl | Uncommon | Breeding season | Ponderosa pine forests |
| Burrowing Owl | Uncommon | Breeding season | Grasslands with burrows |
| Northern Hawk Owl | Rare | Winter | Boreal forests, occasionally south |
Owl Species Found in Montana
Where to Spot Montana’s Owls
Glacier National Park, West Glacier: Known for its impressive biodiversity, this park is home to several owl species, including Great Horned Owls, Northern Pygmy Owls, and Northern Saw-whet Owls.
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, Stevensville: Situated in the Bitterroot River Valley, this refuge is a haven for a variety of birds. Look for Great Horned Owls, Western Screech Owls, and Northern Pygmy Owls.
Yellowstone National Park: This world-renowned park is a great place to spot Great Gray Owls, Great Horned Owls, and Northern Saw-whet Owls.
Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, Lewistown: This refuge offers a chance to see several owl species, including Great Horned Owls, Long-eared Owls, and Short-eared Owls.
Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge, Charlo: Located in the Mission Valley, this refuge is a haven for birds. Here, you can find Great Horned Owls, Western Screech Owls, and Long-eared Owls.
| State | Main Owl Watching Site |
|---|---|
| Idaho Owls | Idaho Bird Watching Park |
| Wyoming Owls | Wyoming Owl Reserve |
| North Dakota Owls | North Dakota Bird Sanctuary |
| South Dakota Owls | South Dakota Owl Spot |
Tips on How to Spot Owls in Montana?
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Locations: Visit owl-friendly habitats. This includes forested areas such as Bitterroot National Forest and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Open grassland areas and along river corridors can also host certain species like the Burrowing Owl.
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Timing: Owls are mostly nocturnal, so the best times to spot them are around dawn and dusk. However, during the breeding season (spring to early summer), some species may be active during daylight hours.
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Listen for Calls: Owls use calls to communicate with mates, defend territory, or call their young. Learning these calls can help you locate owls even when they’re hidden.
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Owl Signs: Look for owl pellets, or regurgitated clumps of undigested material, under trees or on ledges. This can indicate an owl’s presence even if you can’t see the bird itself.
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Patience and Quiet: Owl-spotting often requires stillness and patience, as these birds can be sensitive to disturbances. It’s also essential to remain quiet to not disturb the owls.
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Equipment: A pair of good-quality binoculars is essential for birdwatching. Since owls are primarily active at night, you might also consider a red-filtered flashlight to help spot them without disturbing their activity.
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Birdwatching Groups: Consider joining local birdwatching groups or tours. They often have up-to-date information about owl sightings and can offer additional guidance.