hooter are fascinating creature know for their nocturnal habits , silent trajectory , and haunting calls . With over 200 specie worldwide , they vary greatly in size of it , appearance , and behavior . North America is particularly deep in owl multifariousness , home to some of the most iconic and well - loved metal money . From the gallant Great tusk Owl to the tiny Elf Owl , these birds are found in a variety show of habitats , ranging from dense forests to unfold comeupance .
In this article , we research 20 popular case of owls , including their identify features , habitats , and unique behaviors . Whether you ’re a birdwatcher or only curious about these enigmatic birds , this guide will help you recognize and appreciate the multifariousness of bird of night , especially those ascertain in North America .
Different Types of Owls
Northern Hawk Owl
The Northern Hawk Owl is a average - sized owl with a unique appearance and behaviour that resembles a hawk . It measures about 36 - 45 cm in length with a wingspread of 69 - 82 cm . It has a smoky white-hot nerve border in black-market , yellow centre , and a long , tapered tail . Its brown and white exclude feather provides in effect camouflage in its forested habitat . Unlike most owls , the Northern Hawk Owl is diurnal , hunting during the daytime with the agility and speed of a war hawk .
This owl is found in boreal forests of North America and Eurasia , peculiarly in Alaska , Canada , Scandinavia , and Siberia . It prefers open forest , bogs , and region with scattered trees , where it hunts small mammals and hoot from in high spirits rod . The Northern Hawk Owl is know for its surpassing sightedness , which help it blemish quarry from great distance . It nests in tree cavities or vacate woodpecker gob and remains in its northerly habitat year - pear-shaped , even last harsh winter condition .
Northern Pygmy-Owl
The Northern Pygmy - Owl is a minuscule yet fierce predator cognize for its yellow eyes and distinctive “ false eyes ” on the back of its head . These dark spots create the illusion of eyes to confuse predators . valuate about 16 - 18 cm in duration with a wingspan of 38 cm , it has a rounded head with no ear tufts and brown - gray-haired plumage streak with white-hot . Despite its petite size , this bird of Minerva is known for its bold demeanor and dauntless hunting style .
This owl is aboriginal to North America , primarily found in the westerly United States , Canada , and function of Mexico . It prefers cone-bearing and mixed forests , particularly in mountainous realm . Unlike most hooter , the Northern Pygmy - Owl is diurnal , hunting during the Clarence Day for low mammalian , dame , and insect . It nest in tree diagram cavum made by woodpecker and is often mobbed by songbirds that recognize its predatory nature . Its rapid , high - pitched tooting call is commonly heard echo through forested valleys .
Barn Owl
Barn hooter are found on every continent except Antarctica , making them one of the most widespread owl coinage . They are commonly go through in North America , Europe , Africa , Asia , and Australia . In North America , they are typically incur from southern Canada to the southern tip of South America . Their adaptability to various climates has allow them to expand in a wide range of environments .
These hooter opt undefendable habitat such as cultivated land , grasslands , marshes , and even suburban areas . They are often find in agricultural regions where they can easily hunt down rodent . Barn owls also nest in one-time buildings , barns , and hollow trees , which supply dependable shelter . Their front is more frequent in rural landscapes , but they can also adjust to urban interference fringe as long as there is enough open quad for hunting .
Barred Owl
Barred owl are aboriginal to North America and are primarily found in the eastern United States , southeasterly Canada , and theatrical role of the Pacific Northwest . Over the preceding C , they have boom their range westwards into British Columbia , Washington , Oregon , and California . Their ability to adapt to raw environments has bestow to their growing universe in these orbit .
These owls inhabit mature forests with dense foliation , particularly mixed woodlands of deciduous and coniferous trees . They are commonly found near river , swampland , and wooded ravine , where they can hound for small mammalian , birdie , and amphibians . bar owl are also known to reside in suburban areas with large trees , prepare them comparatively easy to spot in metropolis park and neighborhoods with fledged flora .
Boreal Owl
The circumboreal owl is primarily found in the northern regions of North America and Eurasia . In North America , they are usually project across Alaska , Canada , and the northern parts of the Rocky Mountains . In Europe and Asia , they inhabit boreal and subalpine woods from Scandinavia to Siberia . Their distribution is nearly join to cold , forested surround .
Boreal owls favor dense coniferous forests , especially those dominated by spruce andfir trees . They expand in mountainous regions and high - altitude woodlands , where they can run small mammals like voles and shrewmouse . Due to their tightlipped nature and removed habitats , boreal owl are seldom seen by human beings , but their distinct calls can be hear in the still of northerly nights .
Burrowing Owl
The burrowing owl is a small , background - dwelling owl quantify 19 - 28 cm in distance with a wingspan of 50 - 61 cm . It has a dappled brown body stipple with white , a rounded heading , and striking chicken eye without ear tufts . Its long legs help oneself it move swiftly on the land , name it alone among owls . Unlike most owls , the tunnel owl is diurnal , meaning it run during the day as well as at morning and evenfall .
These owls are commonly found in clear landscapes such as grasslands , deserts , and farming field across North and South America . In North America , they are frequently seen in the western United States , Florida , Mexico , and Central America . They nuzzle in abandoned burrow made by animals like prairie dog or ground squirrel , forming colonies for beneficial trade protection . They are sleep together for their unusual defensive structure mechanism of mimicking rattler sounds to deter predators .
Eastern Screech-Owl
The Eastern Screech - Owl is a small , compact hooter valuate 16 - 24 cm in length with a wingspan of 48 - 61 centimetre . It has white-livered eyes and small auricle tufts that it can raise when brisk or camouflage when resting . Its feather diverge between two color morphs : carmine - brown or hoar , which helps it conflate seamlessly into tree barque , making it difficult to spot during the day .
This owl is aboriginal to eastern North America , wander from southerly Canada through the eastern United States to northern Mexico . It inhabit diverse habitats , including deciduous forest , orchards , parks , and suburban areas . Eastern Screech - Owls are mainly nocturnal , hunting insects , small mammal , and skirt . They are lone outside of the breeding season but are vocal , produce a variety of phone , admit trills , screaming , and soft hoots , especially during the coupling season .
Elf Owl
The Elf Owl is the world ’s smallest and lightest owl specie , measure only 12.5 - 14.5 cm in length with a wingspread of about 27 centimeter . It has a short tail , reddish - brown plumage , and miss ear tufts , giving it a rounded , frail appearance . Despite its midget size , the Elf Owl is known for its loud , high up - pitch yapping calls , which repeat through the nighttime .
These owls are primarily line up in desert habitats of the southwestern United States and Mexico , particularly in area with giant saguaro cacti and thorn scrubbing timberland . They nest in give up peckerwood holes in trees or cacti , which supply protection from piranha . Being nocturnal , they hunt insects such as scorpions , beetles , and grasshoppers . Their small-scale sizing and agile flight make them well - adapt to navigating dim vegetation in search of prey .
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl
The Ferruginous Pygmy - Owl is a minuscule , thickset hooter with cinnamon or gray plumage , accented by typical disastrous barroom on its reddish tail . It has a rounded chief without ear tufts and thrust yellow eyes , giving it a fierce and alive aspect . Despite its bantam size , this bird of night is known for its bluff and aggressive behavior , even attacking big birds to fight back its district .
These owls are primarily found in the southwesterly United States , Mexico , Central America , and parts of South America . They opt semi - open habitat such as spine forests , woodlands , and desert sharpness . Ferruginous Pygmy - Owls are diurnal hunters , active during the day and at dusk , preying on insects , small mammalian , and birds . They often nuzzle in tree cavities or cacti , forming strong twosome shackle with their Ilex paraguariensis and fiercely protecting their nuzzle sites from intruders .
Flammulated Owl
The Flammulated Owl is a small , nocturnal specie known for its saturnine eyes and small ear tufts . valuate 15 - 18 centimetre in length with a wingspread of 36 - 42 centimetre , this owl is well - camouflaged in its natural habitat . It make out in two color morphs : out of practice - crimson and hoary , which blend seamlessly with tree bark . Its soft , hoot call is often the only meter reading of its comportment in the wilderness .
Flammulated Owls inhabit hilly forests in western North America , particularly in areas dominated by pine and fir tree Tree . They are migrant birds , engender in the United States and Canada before wintering in Central America . These owls primarily Leigh Hunt insects such as moths and beetles , using a sit - and - time lag strategy from pole . They nest in abandoned pecker mess , name them extremely pendent on sizeable , matured woodland for survival .
Great Gray Owl
The Great Gray Owl is the largest owl coinage by duration , valuate 61 - 84 centimeter with an impressive wingspan of 137 - 153 cm . It has a classifiable round face with a declamatory facial disc , yellow optic , and no ear tussock . Its dense , grayish plume is streak with white , help it intermix into the snowy and wooded environs it inhabits . Despite its monumental size , this owl is surprisingly lightweight due to its downlike feathering .
These owls are mainly chance in dumb boreal forests of North America , including Alaska , Canada , and the northern United States , as well as role of northerly Europe and Asia . They are nocturnal hunters , relying on their prodigious hearing to locate small mammals beneath the nose candy . Great Gray Owls typically nest in abandoned raptorial bird nests or Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree cavities . They are hump for their silent flight and haunt calls , which echo through the cold , dense forest they call home .
Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl is a large and powerful hooter , know for its distinctive ear tufts and pierce yellow eye . Measuring 43 - 64 centimetre in distance with a wingspread of 91 - 153 cm , it has a broad chest and a deep , muscular material body . Its plume is a mix of grey , brown , and white , providing excellent camouflage in its wooded habitat . This owl ’s recondite , resonant hooting call is iconic and often heard resound through the night .
Great Horned bird of Minerva are highly adaptable and can be found throughout North and South America , from the Arctic treeline to the southern tip of South America . They live a across-the-board range of environments , including forest , deserts , wetland , and even urban area . Their varied diet includes little mammalian , birds , reptiles , and even other owls , showcasing their singular hunting skills . These bird of Minerva are also get it on to nestle in desert nests of other big birds , stool them a dominant predator wherever they reside .
Long-Eared Owl
TheLong - Eared Owlis a medium - sized bird of Minerva distinguished by its exceptionally long ear tufts and orange facial disc . Its slim body measure about 31 - 40 cm in length with a wingspan of 86 - 100 cm . It has yellow optic and brownish plumage with intricate streak and blackball , allow it to blend into tree diagram branches . This bird of Minerva ’s ear tufts are not for discover but are used for camouflage and communicating .
These owl are find across North America , Europe , and Asia , privilege semi - capable habitats like woodland sharpness , shrublands , and grasslands . They are primarily nocturnal hunters , using their splendid hearing to locate minor mammals like field mouse and mice in the darkness . During the wintertime , Long - Eared Owls often roost communally in dense foliage or cone-bearing trees , sometimes forming group of up to 20 individuals . They snuggle in abandoned spliff nest made by other bird , such as crows or hawks .
Whiskered Screech-Owl
The Whiskered Screech - Owl is a small , nocturnal bird of Minerva known for its grayish - browned plumage , golden eyes , and small ear tufts . It measures about 16 - 20 atomic number 96 in length with a wingspread of approximately 45 centimetre . Its feathers are streaked and mottled , furnish excellent camouflage against tree diagram barque . The hooter ’s name add up from the mulct , vibrissa - comparable feathers around its facial disc . Its distinctive call is a series of spaced notes , resemble Morse computer code , which can be heard echoing through thick forests at dark .
This hooter is found in the mountainous region of Mexico and the southwestern United States , especially in Arizona and New Mexico . It prefers dense , mature forests , including oak and pine woodlands , where it nest in tree diagram cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes . The Whiskered Screech - Owl is an insectivore , feeding mainly on moths , beetles , and other modest invertebrates . In some areas , it faces threats from habitat going and contention with other owl species . Conservation efforts are afoot to protect its natural habitat and control the survival of this singular and beautifully camouflaged metal money .
Northern Saw-Whet Owl
The northerly Saw - Whet Owl is a small , nocturnal bird of night , measure 17 - 21 cm in length with a wingspan of 42 - 56 cm . It has a round chief with no pinna tufts , bright yellow centre , and a distinctive blanched Y - shaped marking on its facial phonograph recording . Its brown plume is streaked with white , providing excellent camouflage among tree branches . This hooter ’s endearing appearance and small size make it a favorite among birdwatchers .
These bird of Minerva are found throughout North America , from southerly Canada to central Mexico . They prefer dense coniferous woodland , include spruce , fir tree , and cedar Sir Henry Joseph Wood . Northern Saw - Whet Owls nest in old woodpecker hole or rude tree diagram tooth decay . They are primarily nocturnal hunters , feeding on little mammalian like mouse and shrews . Their name comes from their unique , high - pitched “ claxon ” call , which resembles the sound of a saw being sharpen . This distinctive call can be hear during the breeding time of year , echoing through the quiet forest night .
Short-Eared Owl
The Short - Eared Owl is a intermediate - sized owl known for its round head , big yellow eyes , and short , scarce seeable auricle tuft . It assess about 34 - 43 cm in length with a wingspan of 85 - 110 cm . Its plume is blotch tawny to brown with run , which help it blend into its grassland and marsh home ground . It is recognized by its erratic , moth - similar trajectory figure , often observed while hunting miserable over undefended field .
This metal money is happen on every continent except Antarctica , have it one of the most widespread owl mintage . In North America , they inhabit open landscapes such as grasslands , Marsh , prairies , and agricultural fields . Unlike most owls , the Short - Eared Owl is crepuscular , being combat-ready during the sidereal day at first light and dusk , as well as at night . They in the main feed on small mammals , especially voles . These bird of night nest on the ground in shallow scratch line with grass and feather . In winter , they may spring light communal roosts , gather in group to perch and conserve warmth .
Snowy Owl
TheSnowy Owlis one of the most beautiful and well recognisable owl species , recognise for its dramatic white feather . grown males are almost pure white-hot , while females and juvenile have ignominious scoring scatter across their feather . It is a declamatory bird of night , measuring 52 - 71 atomic number 96 in length with a wingspread of 125 - 150 atomic number 96 . Its rounded brain , yellow eye , and feathered feet make it well - adapt to its cold , open habitats .
Snowy Owls are aboriginal to the Arctic tundra of North America , Europe , and Asia , but they often migrate south in the winter , reaching Canada , the northerly United States , and even parts of Europe . They opt open areas such as tundra , coastal dune , and grassland , where they trace during the 24-hour interval , especially in the continuous daylight of Arctic summer . Their elemental quarry is lemmings , but they also track down small mammals and birds . Snowy Owls are known for their peregrine behavior , move great distances depending on nutrient availability .
Spotted Owl
The Spotted Owl is a intermediate - sized bird of night recognized by its dark chocolate-brown plumage adorned with white spotlight . It has a circular header , benighted brownish eyes , and no auricle tufts , return it a gentle and wondering formulation . measure about 43 - 48 cm in distance with a wingspan of 114 cm , it is a relatively large , compact owl that moves gracefully through dense forest canopies .
These bird of night are native to North America , specifically in the honest-to-goodness - growth forests of the westerly United States and Mexico . They inhabit mature coniferous forest with slow canopy cover , where they snuggle in cavity of tall Tree , broken - topped snags , or abandoned raptor nests . The Spotted Owl is primarily nocturnal , hunt belittled mammal such as vanish squirrel and woodrats . unluckily , their population is declining due to habitat loss from logging and increased contender with the more aggressive Barred Owl . Conservation effort are on-going to protect their critical habitat .
Western Screech-Owl
The Western Screech - Owl is a humble , nocturnal owl native to North and Central America . It measures 19 - 25.5 cm in distance with a wingspread of about 55 curium . This hooter is characterise by its striking feathered ear tufts , yellow eyes , and a wan facial disc border by dark marking . Its plumage varies from gray-haired to brownness , providing in force disguise among tree bark and subdivision .
Western Screech - Owls prefer a variety of forested home ground , including deciduous , coniferous , and mixed woodlands , as well as urban parks and suburban areas . They snuggle in natural Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree caries or old woodpecker jam , making them dependant on healthy forest ecosystems . These owl are known for their classifiable calls , which include a series of rapid tinker’s damn and trills . As opportunist Orion , they run on small mammal , birds , insects , and even fish . They meet an important ecological role as both predatory animal and fair game , contributing to the balance of their forest habitat .
