Owls are among the most fascinating and mysterious birds found across North America. Known for their silent flight, forward-facing eyes, and remarkable hunting skills, these nocturnal predators play an important role in ecosystems. North America is home to more than 19 owl species—each with its own appearance, behavior, and preferred habitat.
This detailed guide explores the main owl species in North America, including identification tips, size, calls, hunting habits, and where you are most likely to spot each one. Whether you’re a beginner birdwatcher or an experienced wildlife enthusiast, this resource will help you understand and identify the incredible owls that live across the continent.
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
Overview
The Great Horned Owl is the most widespread and well-known owl in North America. Recognized by its prominent “horns” or ear tufts, this owl is powerful, adaptable, and able to live in nearly any habitat.
Identification
- Large body
- Yellow eyes
- Brown mottled feathers
- Feathered legs
- Distinct ear tufts
Size
- Length: 18–25 inches
- Wingspan: 3.5–5 feet
Habitat
Forest edges, deserts, grasslands, swamps, cities, and suburban neighborhoods.
Call
A deep hooting pattern: “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoooo.”
Hunting
Feeds on mammals, birds, reptiles, and even skunks—its sense of smell is weak, allowing it to eat strong-scented prey.
Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
Overview
One of the most beloved owls due to its striking white plumage, the Snowy Owl visits the northern U.S. during winter. It breeds in the Arctic tundra and is known for its daytime activity—unusual for owls.
Identification
- Bright white feathers with dark spots
- Large yellow eyes
- Rounded head with no ear tufts
Size
- Length: 20–28 inches
- Wingspan: 4.5–5.5 feet
Habitat
Arctic tundra, open fields, shorelines, airports, and snowy plains.
Call
Harsh croaking or barking sounds, unlike typical owl hoots.
Hunting
Feeds on lemmings in the Arctic; in winter, hunts waterfowl, rodents, and rabbits.
Barred Owl (Strix varia)
Overview
Known for its distinctive whooping call, the Barred Owl is one of the easiest owls to identify by sound alone.
Identification
- Dark eyes
- Horizontal bars on the chest and vertical streaks on the belly
- Rounded head
Size
- Length: 17–20 inches
- Wingspan: 3.5–4 feet
Habitat
Dense forests, swamps, riparian woodlands.
Call
Famous phrase-like call: “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?”
Hunting
Small mammals, amphibians, birds, fish, and occasionally insects.
Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
Overview
The Barn Owl is easily recognized by its heart-shaped face and ghostly white feathers. It is one of the most widely distributed owl species worldwide.
Identification
- Pale heart-shaped face
- Long legs
- Golden-brown and white plumage
- Dark eyes
Size
- Length: 12–15 inches
- Wingspan: 3.5–4 feet
Habitat
Barns, fields, farmlands, orchards, and grasslands.
Call
A long, eerie screech rather than a hoot.
Hunting
Feeds mainly on small rodents, making them farmers’ best friends.
Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio)
Overview
Despite the name, the Eastern Screech Owl is not very large; it’s a compact owl with excellent camouflage.
Identification
- Gray or reddish plumage
- Ear tufts
- Yellow eyes
Size
- Length: 7–10 inches
- Wingspan: 18–24 inches
Habitat
Urban parks, forests, orchards, and backyards.
Call
A soft whinny-like trill.
Hunting
Insects, small birds, frogs, and rodents.
Western Screech Owl (Megascops kennicottii)
Overview
Similar to the Eastern Screech Owl, but found throughout western North America.
Identification
- Grayish or brownish feathers
- Ear tufts
- Yellow eyes
Size
- Length: 8–10 inches
- Wingspan: 20–24 inches
Habitat
Deserts, mountains, coastal forests, and open woodlands.
Call
A series of accelerating hoots.
Hunting
Insects, mice, small birds, and reptiles.
Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa)
Overview
The Great Gray Owl is the tallest and one of the most majestic owls in North America. Despite its size, it weighs less than a Great Horned Owl due to its fluffy feathers.
Identification
- Large facial disk
- Gray mottled plumage
- Yellow eyes
- Long tail
Size
- Length: 24–33 inches
- Wingspan: up to 5 feet
Habitat
Boreal forests, meadows, and mountain valleys.
Call
Low “whoom” hoots.
Hunting
Specializes in voles and can detect prey beneath snow.
Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)
Overview
A small, ground-dwelling owl with long legs and a quirky personality.
Identification
- No ear tufts
- White eyebrows and throat
- Brown body with white spots
Size
- Length: 7–11 inches
- Wingspan: 20–24 inches
Habitat
Grasslands, deserts, open fields.
Call
Chirps, cooing sounds, and sometimes a rattlesnake-like hiss to deter predators.
Hunting
Insects, mice, reptiles, and even small birds.
Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)
Overview
One of the smallest owls in North America, often described as “cute” due to its round head and curious expression.
Identification
- No ear tufts
- Brownish feathers with white spots
- Big yellow eyes
Size
- Length: 7–8 inches
- Wingspan: 16–18 inches
Habitat
Forests, especially coniferous.
Call
A repetitive “too-too-too” beeping.
Hunting
Small mammals and insects.
Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)
Overview
Named for its tall, narrow ear tufts, this owl is often heard before it’s seen.
Identification
- Long ear tufts
- Streaky brown and white feathers
- Bright orange eyes
Size
- Length: 14–16 inches
- Wingspan: 36–40 inches
Habitat
Dense forests with nearby open fields.
Call
Low hoots spaced evenly.
Hunting
Mice, voles, and other small mammals.
Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)
Overview
A rare daytime hunter, Short-eared Owls are often seen flying over open fields.
Identification
- Small, almost invisible ear tufts
- Yellow eyes
- Pale facial disk
Size
- Length: 13–17 inches
- Wingspan: 38–42 inches
Habitat
Grasslands, marshes, tundra.
Call
Harsh barks or hoots during breeding.
Hunting
Voles, rabbits, and other small mammals.
Flammulated Owl (Psiloscops flammeolus)
Overview
A tiny owl with a soft, flame-like pattern on its feathers.
Identification
- Grayish-brown plumage
- No ear tufts
- Small size
Size
- Length: 6–7 inches
- Wingspan: 14 inches
Habitat
Mountain pine forests.
Call
A soft, low “hoot.”
Hunting
Insects, especially moths.
Elf Owl (Micrathene whitneyi)
Overview
The smallest owl in North America, often nesting inside cactus cavities.
Identification
- Small size
- Brownish-gray feathers
- No ear tufts
Size
- Length: 5–6 inches
- Wingspan: 9–11 inches
Habitat
Deserts, especially areas with saguaro cacti.
Call
A chattering, high-pitched series of notes.
Hunting
Insects and small reptiles.
Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula)
Overview
An owl that behaves much like a hawk—active during the day, fast-flying, and visually hunting prey.
Identification
- Long tail
- Rounded head
- Black outline on facial disk
Size
- Length: 14–18 inches
- Wingspan: 27–30 inches
Habitat
Boreal forests.
Call
High-pitched whistles.
Hunting
Small mammals and birds.
Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus)
Overview
A secretive owl that prefers cold forests.
Identification
- White-spotted brown feathers
- Square head
- Yellow eyes
Size
- Length: 8–11 inches
- Wingspan: 20–24 inches
Habitat
Northern boreal forests.
Call
A series of clear hoots.
Hunting
Rodents and small birds.
Whiskered Screech Owl (Megascops trichopsis)
Overview
Found mainly in the southwestern United States.
Identification
- Small, with ear tufts
- Grayish or reddish plumage
- “Whisker-like” feather patterns
Size
- Length: 7–8 inches
- Wingspan: 18 inches
Habitat
Woodlands and canyons.
Call
A series of whistles.
Hunting
Insects and small vertebrates.
Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida)
Overview
A subspecies of the spotted owl with distinctive pale spots.
Identification
- Large, dark eyes
- Brown feathers with white spots
Size
- Length: 17–19 inches
- Wingspan: 45 inches
Habitat
Canyons, forests, and rocky areas.
Call
Multi-note hoots.
Hunting
Rabbits, mice, and other small animals.
Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis)
Overview
Found in old-growth forests along the west coast.
Identification
- Brown plumage
- White spots
- Dark eyes
Size
- Length: 18 inches
- Wingspan: 40 inches
Habitat
Mature forests.
Call
Baritone hoots.
Hunting
Small mammals, especially flying squirrels.
Barrow’s Golden-eye Owl (rare reports)
Overview
A little-known or debated species reported in northern regions; possibly a variation of another owl species. The Barrow’s Goldeneye is actually a type of duck, not an owl. It’s known for its striking golden eyes.
Identification
Sparse or uncertain.
Habitat
Isolated northern regions.
How to Identify Owls in the Wild
Look at size and shape
Large owls like Great Horned or Great Gray are easier to spot.
Check ear tufts
Presence or absence helps narrow species.
Observe behavior
Day-active owls (Short-eared, Northern Hawk Owl) break typical patterns.
Listen for calls
Most owls are heard before they’re seen.
Where You’re Most Likely to See Owls in North America
- Forest edges
- Deserts
- Marshlands
- Agricultural fields
- Urban parks
- Suburban backyards
- Mountain forests
- Arctic tundra
Each species has specific requirements, but many adapt surprisingly well to human habitats.
Final Thoughts
North America is home to a remarkable diversity of owls—from the tiny Elf Owl hiding in desert cacti to the mighty Great Gray Owl haunting northern forests. Each species plays an important ecological role and brings its own beauty, behavior, and mystery. Whether you’re spotting the ghostly Snowy Owl in winter or hearing the eerie call of the Barred Owl at night, learning about these species helps deepen your connection to the natural world.
Hi, There and Welcome to BirdsNews.com, is here to help you learn and care about pet birds. and this blog is a journal of everything I’ve learned.