“What varieties of owls are you able to see in america?”
The above query is widespread, so I assumed I’d assist by making a listing of all the person owl species that reside in america.
The temptation to intersperse this complete article with puns is nearly overwhelming. I may simply wing it and beak-off about these birds all day lengthy, however I actually do give a hoot, and shortly you’ll be talon me to cease it. Okay, quiet down as a result of that’s owl you get. ????
Beneath is a listing of the 18 owl species yow will discover in america.
Be certain to concentrate to the vary maps to see which owls reside close to you! For every species, I’ve tried to incorporate some pictures, together with their most typical sounds, that can assist you establish any owls that seem close to your house.
#1. Nice Horned Owl
Nice Horned Owls are widespread in america.
The truth is, these raptors can truly be discovered nearly anyplace in North America, from the Arctic south to the tropics. Its habitat is virtually limitless so long as there are bushes and rocky nesting websites obtainable. It’s exhausting to discover a fowl that may adapt higher than a Nice Horned Owl.
Nice Horned Owl Vary Map
These owls are fairly massive and look fierce! To establish, search for their lengthy tufts of feathers that resemble ears on their head. Additionally, take a look at their intimidating eyes. I do know I might not wish to have a staring contest with one!
Each sexes hoot, however males are lower-pitched than females. Males give territorial calls that may be heard just a few miles away at evening. I don’t assume there’s one other owl species that does hooting higher than a Nice Horned Owl!
Usually talking, these owls are inclined to eat bigger animals to maintain their larger our bodies. They search rabbits, geese, groundhogs, many species of birds, rats, and even different raptors! However, these owls additionally haven’t any downside consuming small prey, corresponding to frogs, bugs, invertebrates, reptiles, mice, and scorpions. Curiously, a Nice Horned Owls’ sense of scent is so weak that they even assault and eat skunks!
Size: 17-25 inches (43 – 64 cm)
Weight: 2.5 to 4 kilos (1134 – 1814 grams)
Wingspan: 3 – 5 toes (91-153 cm)
Scientific Title: Bubo virginianus
#2. Quick-eared Owl
This mid-sized tawny-brown mottled owl is broadly distributed throughout North America. These birds principally hunt within the daytime when voles, their favourite meal, are energetic. Curiously, they’re one of the widespread owls you possibly can see throughout daytime!
Quick-eared Owls are usually present in open nation. Your greatest probability to identify them in america is at nightfall or daybreak in fields, grasslands, meadows, and even airports.
Quick-eared Owl Vary Map
These owls construct their nests on the bottom in open areas. If obliged to flee its nest to attract off a predator, the mother or father will poop on the eggs so the scent will hold predators away. Just like a Kildeer, Quick-eared Owls additionally lure predators away from their nest by hopping away and pretending to be crippled.
Quick-eared Owls should not significantly vocal. However once they do make noises, these birds have a name, oddly sufficient, that sounds an terrible lot like a cat in search of a mate.
Size: 13–17 inches (34–43 cm)
Weight: 7.3–16.8 oz (206–475 grams)
Wingspan: 33.5-40.5 inches (85–103 cm)
Scientific Title: Asio flammeus
#3. American Barn Owl
Barn Owls (aka Church Owl, Ghost Owl, and Monkey-faced Owl) have a heart-shaped face that’s sandy-colored with a darkish brown edge. Curiously, the form of an owl’s face steers sound to their ears, which helps make them probably the most environment friendly hunter-by-sound ever examined. Their listening to is so good, they will find small animals underneath dense bush or snow with ease, they usually even hunt bats!
There are greater than 40 distinctive sorts of Barn Owls. The American (Tyto furcata) model is the biggest (555 grams/1 lb. 4 oz.), with the smallest species dwelling on the Galapagos Islands (260 grams/9.2 oz.).
American Barn Owl Vary Map
Barn Owls are non-migratory and are present in america year-round.
These nocturnal creatures are inclined to inhabit deserted barns (therefore the title). They’re significantly endangered in lots of elements of their vary. Nonetheless, farmers love them as a result of they hold surrounding property pretty rodent-free, defending different animals from the illnesses that mice and rats carry.
They don’t “hoot” within the classical vogue of different owls.
Their distinctive screechy sound is way extra paying homage to a red-tailed hawk. When exhibiting off for a feminine, males will typically clap their wings collectively a few instances whereas flying.
Size: 11–17 inches (29–44 cm)
Weight: 1 lb. 4 oz. (555 grams)
Wingspan: 39–49 inches (1–1.25 meters)
Scientific Title: Tyto furcata
#4. Northern Noticed-whet Owl
When you see a tiny owl in america, there’s an excellent probability it’s a Northern Noticed-whet Owl! The truth is, this species is likely one of the smallest owls on the planet.
Northern Noticed-whet Owls appear to choose dense coniferous or combined hardwood forests, with a river close by. Due to their want for mature bushes, their numbers have been declining.
Northern Noticed-whet Owl Vary Map
Deserted woodpecker holes in deciduous bushes are usually used for nests, however these owls will even use synthetic nesting containers. Curiously, females will breed indiscriminately with varied males in any given season, having a couple of clutch of eggs. As quickly because the chicks have feathers, she leaves to search out one other mate whereas Dad tends to this batch of chicks.
These owls get their title from the sound they make when alarmed, which resembles the whetting (sharpening) of a noticed. However their most typical name occurs throughout the breeding season. It seems like a “too-too-too,” emitted at about two notes per second.
Size: 6.5–9 inches (17–23 cm)
Weight: 1.9–5.3 oz. (54–151 grams)
Wingspan: 16.5–22.2 inches (42–56.3 cm)
Scientific Title: Aegolius acadicus
#5. Barred Owl
Barred Owls (aka the Hoot Owl) are an unthreatened, nocturnal owl present in america. The title “barred” derives from the horizontal stripes of alternating gentle brown and darkish brown on the wings, again, and tail.
Barred Owls are the species that I’ve noticed probably the most within the wild. They’re extremely curious and inquisitive, and lots of instances will watch as you stroll previous them. Even when they get nervous as you strategy, they usually simply fly off to a different tree to proceed observing.
Barred Owl Vary Map
Since these owls are comparatively massive, they’re on the high of the meals chain. Their solely predators Nice Horned Owls and dangerous people!
Barred Owls depend on mice and different small rodents however eat absolutely anything product of meat! They are going to readily seize rats, rabbits, bats, squirrels, moles, minks, weasels, opossums, quite a lot of birds, frogs, snakes, fish, turtles, and can even hunt round your nightly campfire to catch some candy, juicy bugs.
And talking of classical noises, their hoots are the traditional sounds featured in films and scary Halloween tales.
It’s simple to acknowledge their name because it seems like they’re asking, “Who cooks for you?” Barred Owls will hold forth throughout daytime too, they usually mate for all times.
Size: 16–25 inches (40–63 cm)
Weight: 1–2.75 kilos (500–1250 gr)
Wingspan: 38–49 inches (96–125 cm)
Scientific Title: Strix varia
#6. Jap Screech-Owl
Screech-owls might remind you {of professional} wrestlers since they’re quick, stocky, and haven’t any necks! These owls can both be gray or crimson, with a couple of third of all people being crimson.
Jap Screech-owls have “pretend” ear-tufts on the highest of their head.
Faux, after all, as a result of owls have REAL ears on the perimeters of their heads, under their feathers, in parallel with their eye line. The tufts might merely be camouflage to interrupt up their silhouette however may also be moved to speak with different owls, corresponding to “This can be a secure spot” to a mate or “Again off!” to a competitor.
Jap Screech-Owl Vary Map
These small owls will settle in nearly any wooded space within the mid to the japanese United States. Screech-owls keep away from areas populated by different bigger owls, most notably the Nice Horned Owl. They don’t appear to thoughts folks an excessive amount of as they’re comfy nesting on high of streetlamps, subsequent to busy roadways/highways, or inside areas in populated buildings.
Jap Screech-owls make varied hoots, calls, and songs, however their hottest is a good pitched trill, typically known as a tremolo. The tremolo is utilized by pairs to maintain involved with one another and lasts between 3 to six seconds. I believe this tremolo name sounds so much like mating toads, and I typically get the 2 confused!
Size: 6.3– 9.8 in (16–25 cm)
Weight: 4.2–8.6 oz. (120–244 g)
Wingspan: 18–24 in (46–61 cm)
Scientific Title: Megascops asio
#7. Lengthy-eared Owl
Lengthy-eared Owls are often known as the Northern Lengthy-Eared Owl, Lesser Horned Owl, or Cat Owl due to their catlike facial options. They’re secretive and roost in very dense foliage. Mixed with their glorious camouflage, these owls are EXTREMELY exhausting to identify in america!
As you possibly can see, these owls get their title from the lengthy tufts of feathers on their heads. These ear tufts resemble exclamation factors, so Lengthy-eared Owls typically appear to be they’ve a shocked look on their face.
Lengthy-eared Owl Vary Map
Amongst owls, these guys are nearly distinctive by being fairly sociable. They’re recognized to reside in clusters and even share roosts!
Since Lengthy-eared Owls could be extremely exhausting to see, one of the best ways to find them is to hear! In the course of the mating season, males are fairly talkative. Their typical name is repeated anyplace from 10 to 200 instances and seems like a low “hoo,” evenly spaced each few seconds.
Size: 31 and 40 cm (12 and 16 in)
Weight: 288 g – 327 g (10.2 oz – 11.5 oz)
Wingspan: 86 to 102 cm (34 in to 40 in)
Scientific Title: Asio otus
#8. Snowy Owl
Snowy Owls are one of the beautiful animals on the planet! Their white plumage stops nearly everybody of their tracks, each birders and non-birders alike! Though they’re principally white, they’ve horizontal darkish traces throughout their our bodies besides the face and breast. Curiously, people appear to get whiter with age.
Snowy Owl Vary Map
Snowy Owls migrate with the altering seasons. Throughout summer season, they mate and breed in northern Canada on the tundra. However when winter arrives, these birds come south.
You by no means know the way far south Snowy Owls will journey.
Most years, Snowy Owls solely seem as far down because the northern USA. However some years, there’s an “irruption” of Snowy Owls, and lots of extra birds than regular migrate south.
When defending their territory or looking for a mate, males make a loud “hoo, hoo.” This hoot is so loud that it may be heard as much as 7 miles away on the tundra! Females hardly ever hoot, however different noises (for each sexes) embrace cackles, shrieks, hissing, and invoice snapping.
Size: 20.7–25.2 inches (52.5–64 cm)
Weight: 3.2–4 lb. (1,465–1,800 gram)
Wingspan: 48–60 inches (1.2–1.5 meters)
Scientific Title: Bubo scandiacus
#9. Burrowing Owl
Not like most different owl species in america that spend their time in bushes, Burrowing Owls reside underground! They both excavate their houses themselves or, fairly continuously, take over underground shelters from bigger rodents. These underground dens present loads of area to collect meals. They’ve been recognized to have a whole lot of mice in storage in case of a meals scarcity!
Burrowing Owl Vary Map
Since Burrowing Owls are prairie dwellers and inhabit areas with little vegetation, they’ve developed an fascinating technique to assist discover meals. Consider it or not, these owls will collect the waste of different animals and unfold it out like a welcome mat across the entrances to their den.
Now, who exhibits as much as accumulate all of that poop?
Dung beetles and different juicy bugs! It’s similar to you inserting a name to the pizza store for supply, sizzling contemporary, and proper to the door!
Whereas Burrowing Owls could make all kinds of sounds, they don’t seem to be particularly vocal. The most typical is a two-syllable that seems like “who-who” or “coo-coo-roo,” which is primarily made by males throughout mating and defending territories.
Size: 7.5–11.0 in (19–28 cm)
Weight: 5–8.5 oz. (147–240 gr)
Wingspan: 20–24 inch (51–61 cm)
Scientific Title: Athene cunicularia
#10. Western Screech-Owl
As soon as upon a time, Western Screech-Owls had been regarded as the identical fowl because the Jap Screech-Owl, however analysis has decided that they’re distinct species. These owls have an nearly bluish-gray, grey, or darkish brown feathering, with females being usually bigger than males.
Western Screech-Owl Vary Map
Western Screech-Owls are present in all kinds of habitats in america and are widespread of their vary.
Their main meals embrace rats, mice, and birds. However they’re opportunistic hunters and also will eat fish, amphibians, and invertebrates, corresponding to crayfish, bugs, earthworms, and slugs. Curiously, they’ve been recognized to sometimes pluck a trout out of the water at evening or tackle one thing as massive as a duck or rabbit.
Regardless of their title, Western Screech-Owl sounds should not “screechy.” The most typical sound is a somewhat quiet, nice trill (“hoo-hoo-hoo” or “cr-r-oo-oo-oo”), which hastens on the finish however maintains a relentless pitch.
Size: 7.5–10 inches (19–28 cm)
Weight: 3.5–11 oz. (100–300 grams)
Wingspan: 22–24 inches (55–62 cm)
Scientific Title: Megascops kennicottii
#11. Northern Pygmy-Owl
The Northern Pygmy-Owl is a small, diurnal (daytime) fowl. Its chest is white with vertical black stripes, whereas the rest is medium to darkish brown with spots. Search for two false eyes on the again of the top to dissuade assaults from behind.
Northern Pygmy-Owl Vary Map
These owls usually choose open coniferous forests or combined forests at increased altitudes, primarily pine with just a few deciduous bushes.
The fowl’s name is somewhat plain. It sounds so much like a one-note tin whistle (“too-too-too”)!
However don’t let the unimpressive hoots idiot you as a result of the Northern Pygmy-Owl is a strong little raptor. It’s going to tackle birds which are greater than twice its measurement. Consider it or not, it has even been recognized to feast on chickens!
Size: 6½ inches (16cm)
Weight: 2.2-2.5 ounces(62–72 gr)
Wingspan: 15 inches (38 cm)
Scientific Title: Glaucidium californicum
#12. Flammulated Owl
A fowl known as “flammulated” when it has flame-shaped markings. When you look intently on the Flammulated Owl, you possibly can see the place it will get its title. The feathering appears to be like like an ash-covered log in a campfire the place flecks of ember present by means of. It’s a gorgeous coloration, however it additionally makes this small owl significantly exhausting to identify within the western United States.
Flammulated Owl Vary Map
Flammulated Owls reside on the very high of the forest, particularly coniferous forests. They will even nest in deciduous forests, so long as there are some conifers as a part of the combination. Tree cavities are at all times used for nesting, with no lining supplies, which have to be fairly uncomfortable for his or her infants!
Due to their small measurement, Flammulated Owls hunt nearly solely for bugs (butterflies, moths, crickets, and beetles) and invertebrates. However sometimes, small rodents are taken and eaten.
Flammulated Owls have a really massive windpipe. This adaptation permits them to make a deep base hoot that seems like a a lot bigger fowl. Individuals seldom see these owls, however you possibly can hear its unusually deep name from among the many treetops.
Size: 6 inches (15 cm)
Weight: 1.8–2.3 oz. (50–65 grams)
Wingspan: 14 inches (36 cm)
Scientific Title: Psiloscops flammeolus
#13. Nice Grey Owl
Nice Grey Owls are one of many largest owls in america!
When you’re fortunate sufficient to see one, they’re beautiful raptors. Many individuals assume they appear to be they’re carrying a gray go well with with a bowtie round its neck!
These owls cowl loads of territory for his or her vary, however they like to reside in a forest close to a clearing. It’s instrumental within the wintertime, as they want loads of space for listening to rodents working beneath the snow to allow them to crash by means of and catch lunch! As a result of they’re so large, they require loads of meals, consuming as much as 7 rodents day by day.
Nice Grey Owl Vary Map
Gray Grey Owls NEVER construct nests. They simply use ones that different large birds made. Discuss being environment friendly! Nevertheless, as soon as they declare a used nest, these owls will defend it courageously, even towards black bears!
Their name within reason distinctive, daring, and deep, sounding like “whooooo, woo, woo, woo.” Additionally they have a comfortable double hoot that’s used when offering meals to their infants or defending a territory.
Size: 24 – 33 inches (61–84 cm)
Weight: 1.5 – 4 lb (580–1,900 grams
Wingspan: 5 toes (1.5 meters)
Scientific Title: Strix nebulosa
#14. Noticed Owl
Sadly, Noticed Owl populations proceed to say no as a result of habitat loss and competitors with Barred Owls. Noticed Owls solely reside in mature forests within the western United States. So when the big bushes that these owls choose are minimize down, the habitat can’t get replaced for probably a whole lot of years.
Noticed Owl Vary Map
Like many different owls, this species doesn’t construct its nests. As a substitute, Noticed Owls take over nests that had been made by different birds in years previous, or they only use a broken-off treetop or hole tree cavity. They’re monogamous, however they don’t breed yearly. Like every long-term couple, they’re comfy spending lengthy intervals aside and customarily solely meet up throughout the mating season.
The most typical sound {that a} Noticed Owl makes is a sequence of four-note comfortable hoots. This name is given by each sexes and used to defend and mark their territory, though it may also be heard when males ship meals to females. Another sounds it’s possible you’ll hear embrace grunts, chatters, groans, and varied different hooting noises.
Size: 17 inches (43 cm)
Weight: 1.3 lbs (600 grams)
Wingspan: 39–49 inches (1–1.25 meters)
Scientific Title: Strix occidentalis
#15. Boreal Owl
The Boreal Owl is an extremely small owl present in america.
They are often difficult to establish as a result of they’ve quite a lot of colours (from reddish-brown to grey) and patterns, despite the fact that it’s genetically the identical owl. They will possess both dots or streaks, and typically each on the highest or backside of the physique.
Boreal Owl Vary Map
Boreal Owls reside within the boreal forests and could be seen in stands of aspen, poplar, spruce, fir, and birch bushes. Due to their distant places, these owls are comparatively unusual and exhausting to check and see, and never a lot is thought about their inhabitants tendencies.
These owls prefer to perch low in coniferous forests and alpine areas and tilt their heads forwards and backwards to scan for prey sounds with their extraordinarily directional listening to. As soon as they’ve a goal, they swoop in, and dinner is served. Since Boreal Owls are small, voles, bats, frogs, beetles, birds, and child squirrels are their main meals.
Their name is a small sequence of whistled toots that will get progressively louder. Males usually solely hoot throughout the breeding season to draw a feminine.
Size: 9–10.5 inches (22–27 cm) lengthy
Weight: 3.2–7 oz. (90-200 gr)
Wingspan: 20–24 inches (50–62 cm)
Scientific Title: Aegolius funereus
#16. Northern Hawk Owl
Because the title suggests, Northern Hawk Owls are inclined to act extra like hawks than owls! These owls sit solitary in tall bushes and hunt throughout the day, that are uncommon traits in owls.
Northern Hawk Owl Vary Map
These owls choose northern climates and the boreal forest.
Northern Hawk Owls generally feed on voles since they are often eaten entire and are usually plentiful. Additionally they will eat child hares, crimson squirrels, mice, rats, and lemmings. Smaller songbirds match into their eating regimen, too, corresponding to robins, jays, starlings, grackles, finches, and sparrows.
Males make a rolling, low “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo” sound repeated 10 to 200 instances. Females have comparable calls, however it’s shorter and hoarser.
Males make a rolling, low “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo” sound repeated 10 to 200 instances. Females have comparable calls, however it’s shorter and hoarser.
Size: 14.2–17.75 inches (36–45 cm)
Weight: 11–12 oz (300–340 grams)
Wingspan: 31–35 inches (77–89 cm)
Scientific Title: Surnia ulula
#17. Elf Owl
This species is the smallest owl present in america!
Elf Owls are solely the dimensions of sparrows, they usually like to lift their younger in previous woodpecker nests situated in cacti and poplars. Constructing a nest in a cactus makes it harder for predators such because the ringtail, bobcat, or coyote to succeed in them. Sadly, larger owls are one of many largest risks to the Elf Owl.
Elf Owl Vary Map
Because it ONLY hunts bugs, the Elf Owl doesn’t must be silent when it flys. This trait is extraordinarily uncommon amongst owl species.
These small owls subsist nearly solely on bugs, corresponding to moths, centipedes, and beetles. Curiously, they will even eat scorpions, however they make certain to take away the stinger earlier than consuming. Elf Owls have tailored to people by searching clouds of bugs which were drawn to shiny, synthetic lights!
Lastly, a enjoyable truth about Elf Owls is that they have stolen a trick from opossums! If threatened, the owl will play lifeless somewhat than battle!
Size: 4.9–5.7 in (12.5–14.5 cm)
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 grams)
Wingspan: 10½ inches (27 cm)
Scientific Title: Micrathene whitneyi
#18. Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl
Curiously, “ferruginous” truly means “rust-colored,” however the coloration ranges from grey-brown with a black-and-white barred tail to a vibrant rust coloration with a uniform rusty tail.
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls are present in semi-open wooded areas, corresponding to mesquite thickets, making it simpler for them to hunt. These owls additionally choose lowlands as a substitute of upper altitudes within the southwest United States.
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Vary Map
These owls even have two black spots on the again of their head/neck known as “false eyes” that perform to discourage some birds from attacking from behind.
Why is that this essential?
This owl raids the nests and tree holes of many songbirds. Many of those species have discovered to acknowledge its name, and when that occurs, many of those small birds will attempt to assault the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl to drive it out of the realm. The “false eyes” assist scare any birds that attempt to sneak up from behind!
The decision of a Ferruginous Owl is a speedy, repeated, and monotonous hooting, which sounds prefer it’s saying “puk-puk-puk.” It’s not unusual to listen to the sounds repeated as many as 100 instances with no pause!
Size: 6 inches (15cm)
Weight: 14.5 – 16 inches (37–41 cm)
Wingspan: 39–49 inches (1–1.25 meters)
Scientific Title: Glaucidium brasilianum
Do you want further assist figuring out owls?
Listed below are just a few books and assets you should buy that can present help! (Hyperlinks under take you to Amazon)
To be taught extra about different raptors close to you, take a look at these guides!
Which owls have you ever seen earlier than in america?
Go away a remark under!