Prepare for a night-time adventure as we swoop into the world of these nocturnal marvels. With 19 diverse species to be found across the length and breadth of the United States, owls provide a fascinating insight into the nation’s rich and varied ecosystems. From the adorable Elf Owl, the smallest species, to the imposing Great Horned Owl, there’s an enchanting tale behind each species’ existence.
So, are you ready to immerse yourself in the captivating, often mysterious lives of these night-time predators? Let’s explore the 19 types of owls that call the United States home!
Types of Owls in the United States
| Owl Species | Description | States Found In | Breeding Grounds | Other Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | Large, ear tufted owl with mottled grey-brown plumage. | Throughout the U.S. | Trees, cliffs, buildings, and man-made platforms. | Most widely distributed owl in the Americas. |
| Preferably in man-made structures like barns and silos, but also in tree cavities. | Medium-sized owl with a heart-shaped, white face and pale, golden-brown body. | Throughout the U.S. | Preferentially in man-made structures like barns and silos, but also in tree cavities. | Known for its eerie, raspy call and excellent rodent-hunting abilities. |
| Barred Owl | Medium-sized owl with brown and white striped plumage. | Eastern U.S, Pacific Northwest. | Mature forests near water. | Known for its distinctive "Who cooks for you?" call. |
| Eastern Screech Owl | Small, ear tufted owl with grey or reddish brown plumage. | Eastern U.S. | Tree cavities. | Very adaptable, often found in suburban and urban areas. |
| Western Screech Owl | Small, ear tufted owl with grey or brown plumage. | Western U.S. | Tree cavities. | Closely related to the Eastern Screech Owl. |
| Snowy Owl | Large, white owl. | Northern states, particularly in winter. | Arctic tundra. | Highly nomadic, often moving in response to prey availability. |
| Burrowing Owl | Small, long-legged owl with brown and white mottled plumage. | Western U.S. and Florida. | Ground burrows, often those abandoned by prairie dogs or ground squirrels. | One of the few owls that is active during the day. |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Small owl with brown and white plumage. | Northern states and Appalachians. | Mature, dense forests. | Named for its call, which sounds like a saw being sharpened. |
| Great Gray Owl | Large owl with grey plumage and distinctive facial disks. | Northwestern states, particularly in dense forests. | Nests in trees, often using abandoned raptor nests. | Despite its size, it feeds mostly on small mammals. |
| Long Eared Owl | Medium-sized owl with long ear tufts and orange facial disks. | Throughout the U.S., though more common in the West. | Trees, often in dense stands. | Known for its catlike appearance and eerie, mournful calls. |
| Short-eared Owl | Medium-sized owl with short ear tufts and yellow eyes. | Throughout the U.S., though less common in the Southeast. | Ground nests in grasslands or marshes. | One of the most widely distributed owls in the world. |
| Northern Pygmy Owl | Very small owl with brown and white plumage. | Western U.S. | Tree cavities. | Known for its fierce hunting skills, often taking prey larger than itself. |
| Boreal Owl | Small owl with white-spotted grey plumage. | Northern states. | Tree cavities. | Often heard but seldom seen due to its nocturnal habits and remote habitat. |
| Northern Spotted Owl | Medium-sized owl with brown and white spotted plumage. | Pacific Northwest. | Old growth forests. | Considered threatened due to habitat loss. |
| Elf Owl | Very small, greyish-brown owl with no ear tufts. | Southwestern U.S. | Cacti, trees, and buildings. | The world's lightest owl, weighing less than 2 ounces. |
| Flammulated Owl | Small, grey owl with flame-colored patches. | Western U.S. | Tree cavities in coniferous forests. | A migratory owl, moving south for the winter. |
| Whiskered Screech Owl | Small owl with dark plumage and ear tufts. | Arizona and New Mexico. | Tree cavities. | Despite its name, its call is more of a trill than a screech. |
| Ferruginous Pygmy Owl | Small, reddish-brown owl with no ear tufts. | Southern Texas and Arizona. | Tree cavities, often in woodpecker holes. | Notable for its false eyes on the back of its head. |
| Northern Hawk Owl | Medium-sized owl with a hawk-like appearance. | Northern states. | Trees in open areas. | Named for its hawk-like hunting behavior and long tail. |
| Mexican Spotted Owl | Medium-sized owl with brown and white spotted plumage. | Southwestern U.S. | Rocky canyons and mature forests. | A subspecies of the Spotted Owl, also considered threatened due to habitat loss. |
US Owls Photo Guide
Other well known owls but not native to the US include the eurasian eagle owl, the eurasian pygmy owl, the tawny owl, polar owl and the striped owl.
Owl Watching Tips
Owl watching, or “owling,” can be a rewarding experience, bringing one closer to these magnificent and elusive creatures. Here are some tips for those keen on observing owls in their natural habitats:
Research and understand the owl species in your area, their habitats, and habits. Some owls are more active at dusk and dawn, known as being crepuscular, while others are strictly nocturnal.
Use a good field guide and familiarise yourself with owl calls, which can often be more helpful in locating owls than trying to see them. Numerous apps and websites offer recordings of owl calls.
Bring binoculars for clear viewing and a flashlight with a red filter, which is less likely to disturb the owls.
Finally, respect the owls and their environment. Keep a respectful distance, do not disturb them or their habitats, and remember that their well-being is more important than a photo or close-up view.