From the mysterious depths of old-growth forests to open desert landscapes, owls captivate our imagination with their silent flight, haunting calls, and piercing eyes. The United States is home to a remarkable diversity of these nocturnal hunters, each species uniquely adapted to its environment. For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, spotting these elusive birds can be a thrilling yet challenging experience. This comprehensive guide explores 11 owl species native to the United States, detailing their distinctive characteristics, habitats, and the best locations to observe them in their natural surroundings. Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply curious about these enigmatic creatures, this article will help you identify and appreciate America’s diverse owl population.
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
The Great Horned Owl, often called the “tiger of the sky,” is one of North America’s most widespread and adaptable owl species. Recognizable by its prominent ear tufts (which aren’t actually ears but feather tufts), this powerful predator stands 18-25 inches tall with an impressive wingspan of 3-5 feet. Their plumage varies from grayish-brown to reddish-brown, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark, while their distinctive white throat patch contrasts sharply with the rest of their body.
Great Horned Owls can be found in nearly every habitat across the continental United States, from dense forests to desert canyons and urban parks. They’re particularly common in mixed woodlands with open areas for hunting. For the best chance of spotting one, visit forest edges at dusk in places like Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming), the Everglades (Florida), or even city parks with mature trees. Listen for their distinctive deep “hoo-h’HOO-hoo-hoo” call, which can be heard up to a mile away on still nights. These adaptable hunters are year-round residents throughout their range, making them accessible to observers in any season.
Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio)
The Eastern Screech-Owl is a small but charismatic species, measuring just 6-10 inches in length with a wingspan of 18-24 inches. Despite their name, these owls rarely screech; instead, they emit a haunting tremolo or whinny call that descends in pitch. They come in two distinct color morphs: rufous (reddish-brown) and gray, with the prevalence of each varying by region. Their exceptional camouflage allows them to blend seamlessly with tree bark, making them notoriously difficult to spot when perched motionless against a tree trunk.
Found throughout the eastern United States, from the Great Plains to the Atlantic coast, Eastern Screech-Owls thrive in deciduous and mixed woodlands, suburban areas, and even city parks with mature trees. They’re cavity nesters, making them frequent occupants of old woodpecker holes or nest boxes. Prime spotting locations include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina), Shenandoah National Park (Virginia), and Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio). Visit wooded areas with open understory at dusk, and listen carefully for their distinctive calls. These owls are year-round residents, though they’re most vocal during late winter and early spring breeding season.
Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii)
The Western Screech-Owl closely resembles its eastern cousin but is genetically distinct and occupies different territories. Slightly larger than the Eastern Screech-Owl, it typically measures 7-10 inches in length with a wingspan of 20-24 inches. Like its eastern counterpart, it comes in gray and rufous color morphs, though the gray morph is more common in most regions. Its call differs slightly from the Eastern Screech-Owl, consisting of a series of accelerating, hollow whistles that maintain the same pitch throughout.
This adaptable owl inhabits western North America from southern Alaska to Mexico, including most western states. They prefer riparian areas (lands adjacent to rivers and streams) with mature trees, though they also inhabit desert landscapes with saguaro cacti in the Southwest. Look for them in Olympic National Park (Washington), Yosemite National Park (California), and Coronado National Forest (Arizona). The best viewing opportunities come at dusk or dawn when they emerge from their daytime roosts in tree cavities. Western Screech-Owls are particularly responsive to call playback, though this technique should be used sparingly and responsibly to avoid stressing the birds. Like many owl species, they maintain their territories year-round, making them observable in all seasons.
Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
The Barn Owl stands apart from other American owls with its distinctive heart-shaped facial disk and golden-buff coloration. This medium-sized owl (13-16 inches long with a 3.5-4 foot wingspan) lacks the ear tufts common to many owl species and possesses disproportionately long legs that aid in catching prey in tall grass. Their white to cinnamon-colored underparts and pale, ghostly appearance have earned them nicknames like “ghost owl” and “white owl.” Unlike the hooting calls of many owls, Barn Owls produce a harsh, eerie screech that contributes to their association with abandoned buildings and folklore.
Barn Owls can be found throughout the lower 48 states, though they’re more common in the southern half of the country. True to their name, they frequently nest in abandoned barns, church steeples, and other human structures, though they originally evolved to use tree cavities and cliff faces. They prefer open habitats like grasslands, marshes, and agricultural areas where they hunt small mammals. Excellent locations for Barn Owl spotting include Point Reyes National Seashore (California), the Everglades (Florida), and agricultural regions of the Midwest. They’re most active just after dusk and before dawn, flying low over fields with distinctive, buoyant wingbeats. Conservation efforts including nest box programs have helped stabilize populations in many areas, creating additional viewing opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts.
Barred Owl (Strix varia)
The Barred Owl is a large, round-headed owl without ear tufts, measuring 16-25 inches in length with a wingspan of about 44 inches. Their name comes from the distinctive vertical barring pattern on their chest, which contrasts with horizontal barring on their belly – giving rise to the mnemonic phrase used to describe their call: “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” Their dark brown eyes (unusual among owls, which typically have yellow eyes) give them an inquisitive expression, and their overall plumage is a mottled brown and white that provides excellent camouflage in deciduous forests.
Historically confined to eastern forests, Barred Owls have expanded their range westward in recent decades, now occupying forested regions across much of North America. They prefer mature mixed forests, especially near water bodies like swamps and riparian zones. Prime viewing locations include the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (Georgia), Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (Virginia/North Carolina), and increasingly, forests throughout the Pacific Northwest. Unlike many owl species, Barred Owls are sometimes active during daylight hours, particularly on cloudy days. They’re also among the most vocal owls, making them easier to locate by sound. Their territorial calls are most frequent during late winter and early spring breeding season, though they vocalize year-round. Conservation concerns have arisen where Barred Owls have expanded into the range of the threatened Northern Spotted Owl in the Pacific Northwest.
Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is one of North America’s smallest owls, measuring just 7-8 inches in length with a wingspan of about 17 inches – roughly the size of a robin. These diminutive hunters have oversized heads with no ear tufts, yellow eyes, and brown plumage with white streaking. Their name derives from their call, which early settlers thought resembled the sound of a saw being sharpened on a whetstone. Despite their abundance across much of the United States, Northern Saw-whet Owls remain one of the least frequently encountered owl species due to their small size, nocturnal habits, and exceptional camouflage.
Northern Saw-whet Owls inhabit dense coniferous and mixed forests across most of the United States, with higher densities in the northern states. During migration and winter, they may appear in unexpected locations, including suburban parks and coastal thickets. They nest in tree cavities, particularly those excavated by woodpeckers. Excellent locations for spotting them include Acadia National Park (Maine), Superior National Forest (Minnesota), and Mount Rainier National Park (Washington). The best viewing opportunities come during fall migration (October-November) when research stations conduct banding operations, sometimes offering public demonstrations. During breeding season (March-May), males call persistently through the night with a monotonous series of toots, providing another opportunity for detection. Daytime sightings typically occur when sharp-eyed observers spot them roosting in dense evergreens, often betrayed by scolding songbirds that have discovered their hiding place.
Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)
The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl (13-17 inches long with a wingspan of 33-43 inches) with small, often-invisible ear tufts that give them a rounded-head appearance. Their streaked brown plumage with buff undertones provides excellent camouflage in their grassland habitats. In flight, they show distinctive black wrist patches on their buffy wings, making them identifiable even at a distance. Unlike most owls, Short-eared Owls are frequently active during daylight, especially late afternoon, giving birdwatchers ample opportunities to observe their moth-like, buoyant flight as they quarter low over open fields.
These ground-nesting owls inhabit open landscapes across North America, including prairies, coastal marshes, tundra, and agricultural fields. Their populations are nomadic, moving in response to rodent abundance, which makes their presence in any location somewhat unpredictable from year to year. During winter, they often form communal roosts, sometimes gathering in groups of 10-20 birds. Prime locations for spotting Short-eared Owls include Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (Delaware), Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge (Iowa), and Skagit Wildlife Area (Washington). Winter (November-March) typically offers the best viewing opportunities in the lower 48 states, especially in the hour before sunset when they emerge to hunt. Their population has declined significantly in recent decades due to habitat loss, making conservation of grassland and wetland habitats vital for their survival.
Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)
The Long-eared Owl is a medium-sized, slender owl (13-16 inches long with a 36-42 inch wingspan) named for its prominent ear tufts that stand erect like exclamation marks. Their cryptic plumage features intricate patterns of brown, buff, and black that provide remarkable camouflage when they roost in dense vegetation. Their orange-yellow eyes set in facial disks bordered by black give them a perpetually surprised expression. Extremely secretive, these owls are masters of concealment, often pressing their bodies against tree trunks and elongating their posture to enhance their camouflage during daylight hours.
Long-eared Owls favor dense forests adjacent to open hunting grounds throughout much of the United States, though they’re more common in the northern and western states. During winter, they form communal roosts in dense evergreen trees or shrubs, sometimes gathering in groups of 20 or more birds. These roosts typically form in the same locations year after year if left undisturbed. Notable viewing locations include Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (New Mexico), Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Michigan), and Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge (Utah). Winter (December-February) provides the best opportunity to find them at communal roosts, while spring nights bring vocal breeding displays including wing-clapping and their low, repeated “hoo” calls. The presence of whitewash (droppings) and pellets (regurgitated fur and bones) beneath dense conifers often reveals their daytime hiding spots.
Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
The Snowy Owl stands as one of North America’s most distinctive and charismatic owl species. Large and powerful (20-28 inches tall with a wingspan of 4.5-5 feet), they’re the only American owl with predominantly white plumage. Males can be nearly pure white, while females and immature birds display variable black barring. Unlike most owls, Snowy Owls are diurnal, hunting throughout the day in their Arctic homeland where summer brings continuous daylight. Their striking appearance, daytime activity, and occasional dramatic southern migrations (called “irruptions”) make them among the most sought-after birds for wildlife enthusiasts.
Though their breeding range lies in the Arctic tundra, Snowy Owls regularly winter in the northern United States, with periodic irruptions bringing them much farther south in some years. During winter, they favor open landscapes resembling their Arctic home, including coastal dunes, airports, agricultural fields, and frozen lakes. Their visits to the Lower 48 states are unpredictable, driven by fluctuations in lemming populations on their breeding grounds. When they do appear, popular viewing locations include Boundary Bay (Washington), Plum Island (Massachusetts), and the Great Lakes shorelines of Michigan, Wisconsin, and New York. The best time to search is from December through March, with birds typically returning northward by April. During irruption years (occurring roughly every 4-5 years), Snowy Owls may appear as far south as Oklahoma and Virginia, creating exceptional viewing opportunities for southern birdwatchers.
Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)
The Burrowing Owl defies typical owl stereotypes with its long legs, ground-dwelling habits, and partially diurnal lifestyle. These small owls (8-10 inches tall with a wingspan of about 21 inches) have brown plumage with white spotting, bright yellow eyes, and notably lack ear tufts. Their name comes from their habit of nesting in underground burrows, typically those abandoned by prairie dogs, ground squirrels, or tortoises. Unlike most owls, Burrowing Owls are often active during daylight hours, standing erect at their burrow entrances or on nearby low perches, bobbing up and down when alarmed.
In the United States, Burrowing Owls inhabit open landscapes across the western states, with isolated populations in Florida. They favor grasslands, deserts, and agricultural areas with sparse vegetation and available burrows. Their numbers have declined significantly due to habitat loss and the eradication of burrowing mammals whose homes they depend on. Prime viewing locations include the Imperial Valley (California), Pawnee National Grassland (Colorado), and Cape Coral (Florida), which hosts a notable urban population. Year-round residents in the southernmost parts of their range, Burrowing Owls are most easily observed during breeding season (April-July) when they become territorial and more visible while feeding young. Conservation efforts including artificial burrow installation have helped stabilize some populations, creating reliable viewing opportunities at managed sites like the Zanjero Park Burrowing Owl Habitat in Gilbert, Arizona.
Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina)
The Northern Spotted Owl is a medium-sized woodland owl (16-19 inches long with a wingspan of about 42 inches) with dark brown plumage mottled with white spots, no ear tufts, and dark eyes. This subspecies of the Spotted Owl has become one of America’s most famous birds due to its role in conservation controversies surrounding old-growth forest management in the Pacific Northwest. Highly specialized, Northern Spotted Owls require mature and old-growth forests with complex structure, large trees, and closed canopies that create the cool, moist conditions they prefer for nesting and hunting.
Northern Spotted Owls inhabit ancient forests from northern California through western Oregon and Washington into British Columbia.
Conclusion:
From the towering evergreens of the Pacific Northwest to the vast grasslands of the Midwest and the sunbaked deserts of the Southwest, the United States offers a diverse array of habitats that support an equally diverse community of owl species. These twelve native owls—ranging from the ghostly Barn Owl to the regal Great Horned Owl and the elusive Northern Spotted Owl—each have unique adaptations that reflect their environments and ecological roles. Whether active at night or surprisingly visible during the day, they contribute to the health and balance of ecosystems across the country.
Observing owls in the wild is a deeply rewarding experience that fosters a greater appreciation for nature’s quiet mysteries. As you explore forests, marshes, and open plains, understanding the behaviors, calls, and preferred habitats of these nocturnal raptors can greatly enhance your chances of spotting them. More importantly, recognizing the challenges some species face—from habitat loss to climate change—underscores the importance of conservation efforts. These remarkable birds are not just symbols of wilderness but indicators of its well-being—and their continued presence depends on our awareness and stewardship.
As a little kid, I fell in love with nature, wildlife, and animals. Living in the USA, South Africa, Italy, China and Germany gave me the opportunity to discover the world's Wildlife. My favorite animals are Mountain Gorillas, Siberian Tigers, and Great White Sharks.
I'm a certified PADI Open Water Diver, went to Everest Base Camp and Trekked Gorillas in Uganda. I hold a Master of Science in Economics and Finance.
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