Across Texas’ vast and varied landscapes, from its desert and chaparral areas to its coastal wetlands, piney woods, and sprawling prairies, a remarkable spectrum of owls thrives. The owl species present in Texas vary from the small Elf Owls of the desert to the grandeur of the Great Horned Owls, each showcasing unique behaviors and adaptations in line with their specific environments.
Texas’ Owls
| Owl Species | Frequency in Texas | Specific Locations in Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | High | Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon; Brazos Bend State Park, Needville |
| Eastern Screech Owl | High | Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, Houston; Guadalupe River State Park, Spring Branch |
| Barred Owl | Moderate | Caddo Lake State Park, Karnack; Big Thicket National Preserve, Kountze |
| Long-eared Owl | Low | Caprock Canyons State Park, Quitaque; Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Salt Flat |
| Short-eared Owl | Low | Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge, Eagle Lake; Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Anahuac |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Very Low | Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Salt Flat; Davis Mountains State Park, Fort Davis |
| Snowy Owl | Extremely Rare | Padre Island National Seashore, Corpus Christi (very rare sighting) |
| Barn Owl | Moderate | Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Angleton; Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Alamo |
| Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl | Uncommon | Lower Rio Grande Valley |
| Western Screech Owl | Common | West Texas, especially around El Paso |
| Spotted Owl | Very Rare | Pine forests in East Texas |
| Elf Owl | Common | Desert areas, Big Bend National Park |
| Flammulated Owl | Rare | Davis Mountains |
Owl Species Found in Texas
Where to Spot Texas’ Owls
Big Bend National Park, Brewster County: The park’s vast wilderness provides excellent habitats for various owl species. You may encounter the Elf Owl, Western Screech-Owl, and the rare Flammulated Owl.
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Cameron County: Located near the southern tip of Texas, the refuge is home to several owls such as the Eastern Screech-Owl and Great Horned Owl.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Salt Flat: The mixed woodland and desert landscapes of the park are home to several owl species, including the Western Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, and Northern Pygmy Owl.
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Mission: Known as a birdwatcher’s paradise, you can spot the rare Ferruginous Pygmy Owl and Eastern Screech-Owl here.
Cibolo Nature Center, Boerne: A short drive from San Antonio, this nature center is a great place to spot Eastern Screech-Owls and Barred Owls.
| State | Main Owl Watching Sites |
|---|---|
| New Mexico Owls | Gila National Forest, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge |
| Oklahoma Owls | Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Ouachita National Forest |
| Arkansas Owls | Ozark National Forest, Arkansas Post National Memorial |
| Louisiana Owls | Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, Kisatchie National Forest |
Tips on How to Spot Owls in Texas
-
Locations: Big Bend National Park is known for its diverse bird population and is a great spot for viewing Elf Owls. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and the Rio Grande Valley - particularly the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, are also excellent places for owl spotting.
-
Time: Owls are predominantly nocturnal creatures, so the best times to spot them are in the early morning or late evening. In certain seasons, you may also spot them during the day.
-
Calls and Sounds: Understanding owl calls is an essential part of spotting them. Each species has distinct vocalizations. There are many online resources to familiarize yourself with these calls.
-
Nests and Roosting Spots: Look for nests in tree cavities, on the ground for burrowing owls, or in old buildings for barn owls. During the day, you might spot owls resting in their roosts.
-
Equipment: A good pair of binoculars is necessary. If you plan to go spotting at night, consider a red flashlight to help you see without disturbing the wildlife.
-
Guided Tours and Birding Groups: Consider joining a local bird watching group or taking a guided tour. Experienced birders can provide valuable knowledge and help you spot these elusive creatures.
-
Patience and Observation: Finding owls requires patience and careful observation. Look for movements, listen for sounds, and pay attention to signs like owl pellets at the base of trees.
Remember, it’s important to respect these beautiful creatures and their habitats. Do not disturb nests or roosting birds, and observe from a respectful distance. The use of recorded owl calls to attract them is generally frowned upon in the birding community and can be harmful to the owls, so it’s better to rely on your own observations and patience.