In Wyoming’s expansive landscapes, from its towering mountains and vast plains to its diverse forests and desert scrublands, a variety of owl species find their home. The owl species in Wyoming range from the diminutive Northern Pygmy-Owls to the impressive Great Horned Owls, each exhibiting distinctive behaviors and adaptations relevant to their specific habitats.
Wyoming’s Owls
| Owl Species | Frequency in Wyoming | Where to Find in Wyoming |
|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | High | Grand Teton National Park, Moose; Curt Gowdy State Park, Cheyenne |
| Western Screech Owl | Moderate | Sinks Canyon State Park, Lander; Shoshone National Forest |
| Barred Owl | Moderate | Near Casper, especially around Muddy Mountain |
| Barn Owl | High | Across agricultural lands near Cheyenne |
| Snowy Owl | Low (seasonal, winter) | In open fields and prairies in Sheridan area |
| Great Gray Owl | Low | Near Teton Range and Yellowstone National Park |
| Boreal Owl | Low | In forested areas in the Bighorn Mountains |
| Burrowing Owl | Moderate | Thunder Basin National Grassland, Douglas; Ayres Natural Bridge Park, Douglas |
| Northern Pygmy Owl | Low | Bridger-Teton National Forest; Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Moderate | Bighorn National Forest; Yellowstone National Park |
| Flammulated Owl | Low | Wind River Range; Star Valley |
| Long-eared Owl | Moderate | Guernsey State Park, Guernsey; Boysen State Park, Shoshoni |
| Short-eared Owl | Low | Casper Mountain Park, Casper; Buffalo Bill State Park, Cody |
Owl Species Found in Wyoming
Where to Spot Wyoming’s Owls
Yellowstone National Park: This iconic park hosts a variety of owl species, including Great Horned Owls, Northern Saw-whet Owls, and Great Gray Owls.
Grand Teton National Park: Located in northwestern Wyoming, this park is an excellent location for spotting Great Horned Owls, Northern Pygmy Owls, and Barred Owls among others.
Bighorn National Forest: Covering over a million acres, the forest is home to a number of owl species including Great Horned Owls, Northern Saw-whet Owls, and Flammulated Owls.
Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests: These forests stretch across Wyoming and Colorado, and provide habitat for numerous owl species, including Great Horned Owls, Northern Saw-whet Owls, and Eastern Screech Owls.
Shoshone National Forest: Known as the first national forest in the United States, this location provides ample opportunity to spot owls like Great Gray Owls, Northern Saw-whet Owls, and Barred Owls.
| State | Main Owl Watching Sites |
|---|---|
| Montana Owls | Glacier National Park, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge |
| South Dakota Owls | Black Hills National Forest, Badlands National Park |
| Nebraska Owls | Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, Niobrara Valley Preserve |
| Colorado Owls | Rocky Mountain National Park, Pawnee National Grassland |
| Utah Owls | Bryce Canyon National Park, Fishlake National Forest |
| Idaho Owls | Craters of the Moon National Monument, Sawtooth National Forest |
Tips on How to Spot Owls in Wyoming
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Locations: Diverse habitats in Wyoming offer opportunities to spot different species. Visit the Snowy Range, the Medicine Bow National Forest, or the vast prairies for the best chances to see a variety of owls.
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Time: Owls are primarily nocturnal, so the best time to spot them is at dusk or dawn. During the breeding season, male owls can be more vocal which can help you locate them.
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Listen for Calls: Learn the various owl calls before heading out. Each species of owl has its own unique call. Listening to these calls can often lead you to the bird before you spot it.
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Look for Signs: Look for signs like owl pellets at the base of trees, white droppings, or feathers that could indicate the presence of owls.
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Equipment: Carry a good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope for a better view. Use a flashlight with a red filter if you’re looking at night, as this is less disturbing to owls.
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Respect the Owls: Keep a safe distance to avoid disturbing the birds, especially during their nesting season. It’s also essential not to use recorded owl calls, as this can cause unnecessary stress to the birds.
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Join a Bird Watching Group: Consider joining a local bird watching group like the Wyoming Audubon Society. They often organize owl-spotting outings and provide a wealth of knowledge and experience.