18 Owl Species That Dwell in america! (2023)
“What forms of owls are you able to see in america?”
The above query is widespread, so I believed I’d assist by making a listing of all the person owl species that stay in america.
The temptation to intersperse this complete article with puns is sort of 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, calm 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 stay close to you! For every species, I’ve tried to incorporate some images, together with their commonest sounds, that can assist you determine any owls that seem close to your private home.
#1. Nice Horned Owl
Nice Horned Owls are widespread in america.
Actually, these raptors can really be discovered nearly anyplace in North America, from the Arctic south to the tropics. Its habitat is virtually limitless so long as there are timber and rocky nesting websites obtainable. It’s arduous to discover a chook that may adapt higher than a Nice Horned Owl.
Nice Horned Owl Vary Map
These owls are fairly massive and look fierce! To determine, search for their lengthy tufts of feathers that resemble ears on their head. Additionally, try 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 a couple of 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 likely to eat bigger animals to maintain their greater our bodies. They search rabbits, geese, groundhogs, many species of birds, rats, and even different raptors! However, these owls additionally don’t have any drawback consuming small prey, reminiscent of frogs, bugs, invertebrates, reptiles, mice, and scorpions. Apparently, 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 Identify: 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 lively. Apparently, they’re one of the vital widespread owls you’ll be able to see throughout sunlight hours!
Quick-eared Owls are sometimes present in open nation. Your greatest likelihood 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 dad or mum will poop on the eggs so the scent will preserve 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 will not be notably vocal. However once they do make noises, these birds have a name, oddly sufficient, that sounds an terrible lot like a cat searching for 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 Identify: 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. Apparently, the form of an owl’s face steers sound to their ears, which helps make them essentially the most environment friendly hunter-by-sound ever examined. Their listening to is so good, they will find small animals below dense bush or snow with ease, and so they even hunt bats!
There are greater than 40 distinctive types of Barn Owls. The American (Tyto furcata) model is the most important (555 grams/1 lb. 4 oz.), with the smallest species residing 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 likely to inhabit deserted barns (therefore the title). They’re significantly endangered in lots of components of their vary. Nonetheless, farmers love them as a result of they preserve 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 much extra harking back to a red-tailed hawk. When exhibiting off for a feminine, males will generally clap their wings collectively a few occasions 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 Identify: Tyto furcata
#4. Northern Noticed-whet Owl
If you happen to see a tiny owl in america, there’s a superb likelihood it’s a Northern Noticed-whet Owl! Actually, this species is among the smallest owls on the planet.
Northern Noticed-whet Owls appear to favor dense coniferous or combined hardwood forests, with a river close by. Due to their want for mature timber, their numbers have been declining.
Northern Noticed-whet Owl Vary Map
Deserted woodpecker holes in deciduous timber are sometimes used for nests, however these owls will even use synthetic nesting containers. Apparently, females will breed indiscriminately with varied males in any given season, having multiple 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 commonest name occurs throughout the breeding season. It feels 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 Identify: 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 essentially the most within the wild. They’re extremely curious and inquisitive, and plenty of occasions will watch as you stroll previous them. Even when they get nervous as you strategy, they sometimes 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 basic sounds featured in films and scary Halloween tales.
It’s straightforward to acknowledge their name because it feels like they’re asking, “Who cooks for you?” Barred Owls will pontificate throughout sunlight hours too, and so they 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 Identify: Strix varia
#6. Japanese Screech-Owl
Screech-owls could remind you {of professional} wrestlers since they’re brief, stocky, and don’t have any necks! These owls can both be gray or purple, with a few third of all people being purple.
Japanese Screech-owls have “faux” ear-tufts on the highest of their head.
Pretend, after all, as a result of owls have REAL ears on the perimeters of their heads, beneath their feathers, in parallel with their eye line. The tufts could merely be camouflage to interrupt up their silhouette however can be moved to speak with different owls, reminiscent of “This can be a protected spot” to a mate or “Again off!” to a competitor.
Japanese 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.
Japanese Screech-owls make varied hoots, calls, and songs, however their hottest is an excellent pitched trill, typically referred to as a tremolo. The tremolo is utilized by pairs to maintain involved with one another and lasts between 3 to six seconds. I feel this tremolo name sounds quite a bit like mating toads, and I generally 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 Identify: 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 wonderful camouflage, these owls are EXTREMELY arduous to identify in america!
As you’ll be able to 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 stay in clusters and even share roosts!
Since Lengthy-eared Owls could be extremely arduous to see, one of the best ways to find them is to pay attention! Through the mating season, males are fairly talkative. Their typical name is repeated anyplace from 10 to 200 occasions and feels 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 Identify: Asio otus
#8. Snowy Owl
Snowy Owls are one of the vital gorgeous 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. Apparently, people appear to get whiter with age.
Snowy Owl Vary Map
Snowy Owls migrate with the altering seasons. Throughout summer time, 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 plenty of extra birds than regular migrate south.
When defending their territory or trying to find 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) embody 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 Identify: Bubo scandiacus
#9. Burrowing Owl
In contrast to most different owl species in america that spend their time in timber, Burrowing Owls stay underground! They both excavate their houses themselves or, fairly incessantly, take over underground shelters from bigger rodents. These underground dens present a whole lot of house to assemble meals. They’ve been recognized to have lots of 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 attention-grabbing 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 reveals as much as acquire 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 feels 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 Identify: Athene cunicularia
#10. Western Screech-Owl
As soon as upon a time, Western Screech-Owls have been regarded as the identical chook because the Japanese 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 typically 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 major meals embody rats, mice, and birds. However they’re opportunistic hunters and also will eat fish, amphibians, and invertebrates, reminiscent of crayfish, bugs, earthworms, and slugs. Apparently, they’ve been recognized to often 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 will not be “screechy.” The most typical sound is a quite quiet, nice trill (“hoo-hoo-hoo” or “cr-r-oo-oo-oo”), which hastens on the finish however maintains a continuing 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 Identify: Megascops kennicottii
#11. Northern Pygmy-Owl
The Northern Pygmy-Owl is a small, diurnal (daytime) chook. 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 typically favor open coniferous forests or combined forests at greater altitudes, primarily pine with a couple of deciduous timber.
The chook’s name is quite plain. It sounds quite a bit 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 would tackle birds which can be 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 Identify: Glaucidium californicum
#12. Flammulated Owl
A chook is named “flammulated” when it has flame-shaped markings. If you happen to look intently on the Flammulated Owl, you’ll be able to see the place it will get its title. The feathering seems like an ash-covered log in a campfire the place flecks of ember present via. It’s a ravishing coloration, nevertheless it additionally makes this small owl notably arduous to identify within the western United States.
Flammulated Owl Vary Map
Flammulated Owls stay 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 combo. 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 completely 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 feels like a a lot bigger chook. Individuals seldom see these owls, however you’ll be able to hear its surprisingly 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 Identify: Psiloscops flammeolus
#13. Nice Grey Owl
Nice Grey Owls are one of many largest owls in america!
If you happen to’re fortunate sufficient to see one, they’re gorgeous raptors. Many individuals assume they appear to be they’re sporting a gray go well with with a bowtie round its neck!
These owls cowl a whole lot of territory for his or her vary, however they like to stay in a forest close to a clearing. It’s instrumental within the wintertime, as they want a whole lot of space for listening to rodents operating beneath the snow to allow them to crash via and catch lunch! As a result of they’re so large, they require a whole lot of meals, consuming as much as 7 rodents every single 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 in opposition to black bears!
Their name is fairly distinctive, daring, and deep, sounding like “whooooo, woo, woo, woo.” In addition they have a smooth 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 Identify: Strix nebulosa
#14. Noticed Owl
Sadly, Noticed Owl populations proceed to say no because of habitat loss and competitors with Barred Owls. Noticed Owls solely stay in mature forests within the western United States. So when the big timber that these owls favor are minimize down, the habitat can’t get replaced for probably lots of of years.
Noticed Owl Vary Map
Like many different owls, this species doesn’t construct its nests. As an alternative, Noticed Owls take over nests that have 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 all 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 collection of four-note smooth hoots. This name is given by each sexes and used to defend and mark their territory, though it can be heard when males ship meals to females. Another sounds you could hear embody 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 Identify: Strix occidentalis
#15. Boreal Owl
The Boreal Owl is an extremely small owl present in america.
They are often difficult to determine as a result of they’ve quite a lot of colours (from reddish-brown to grey) and patterns, regardless that it’s genetically the identical owl. They’ll possess both dots or streaks, and generally each on the highest or backside of the physique.
Boreal Owl Vary Map
Boreal Owls stay within the boreal forests and could be seen in stands of aspen, poplar, spruce, fir, and birch timber. Due to their distant areas, these owls are comparatively unusual and arduous to check and see, and never a lot is thought about their inhabitants developments.
These owls wish to perch low in coniferous forests and alpine areas and tilt their heads backwards and forwards 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 major meals.
Their name is a small collection of whistled toots that will get progressively louder. Males sometimes 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 Identify: Aegolius funereus
#16. Northern Hawk Owl
Because the title suggests, Northern Hawk Owls are likely to act extra like hawks than owls! These owls sit solitary in tall timber and hunt throughout the day, that are uncommon traits in owls.
Northern Hawk Owl Vary Map
These owls favor northern climates and the boreal forest.
Northern Hawk Owls generally feed on voles since they are often eaten entire and are typically plentiful. In addition they will eat child hares, purple squirrels, mice, rats, and lemmings. Smaller songbirds match into their food plan, too, reminiscent of robins, jays, starlings, grackles, finches, and sparrows.
Males make a rolling, low “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo” sound repeated 10 to 200 occasions. Females have comparable calls, nevertheless it’s shorter and hoarser.
Males make a rolling, low “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo” sound repeated 10 to 200 occasions. Females have comparable calls, nevertheless 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 Identify: Surnia ulula
#17. Elf Owl
This species is the smallest owl present in america!
Elf Owls are solely the dimensions of sparrows, and so they like to boost their younger in outdated 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 achieve them. Sadly, greater 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 have to be silent when it flys. This trait is extraordinarily uncommon amongst owl species.
These small owls subsist nearly completely on bugs, reminiscent of moths, centipedes, and beetles. Apparently, they will even eat scorpions, however they be certain that to take away the stinger earlier than consuming. Elf Owls have tailored to people by looking clouds of bugs which were drawn to brilliant, synthetic lights!
Lastly, a enjoyable truth about Elf Owls is that they have stolen a trick from opossums! If threatened, the owl will play useless quite than struggle!
Size: 4.9–5.7 in (12.5–14.5 cm)
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 grams)
Wingspan: 10½ inches (27 cm)
Scientific Identify: Micrathene whitneyi
#18. Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl
Apparently, “ferruginous” really 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, reminiscent of mesquite thickets, making it simpler for them to hunt. These owls additionally favor lowlands as an alternative 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 referred to 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 realized 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 world. 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 occasions with no pause!
Size: 6 inches (15cm)
Weight: 14.5 – 16 inches (37–41 cm)
Wingspan: 39–49 inches (1–1.25 meters)
Scientific Identify: Glaucidium brasilianum
Do you want further assist figuring out owls?
Listed below are a couple of books and assets you should buy that may present help! (Hyperlinks beneath take you to Amazon)
To study extra about different raptors close to you, try these guides!
Which owls have you ever seen earlier than in america?
Depart a remark beneath!