Meet the Owls of North America: 14 Fascinating Species to Know

North America is family to a remarkable variety of owl species , each with its own discrete characteristics and appeal .

From the haunt call of the Great horn Owl to the subtle presence of the Barn Owl , these bird of target fascinate the imagination of bird enthusiast and chance percipient alike .

In this blog post , we ’ll explore 14 riveting owl species found across the continent , offering perceptiveness into their alone conduct , habitats , and appearances .

Whether you ’re an avid birder or just singular about these puzzling creature , this guide will provide an engaging glimpse into the world of North American hooter .

1. Great Horned Owl

The Great tusk Owl control care with its striking appearing and brawny presence . acknowledge for its distinctive ear tussock , this owl inhabits a range of environments , from woodlands to urban areas .

Its adaptability is unmatched , make it one of the most widespread owl mintage in North America . principally nocturnal , the Great Horned Owl is an peak predator , preying on mammalian , birds , and reptile .

Its call , a series of deep Bronx cheer , is a conversant sound in the nighttime . This hooter ’s force and versatility ensure its prominence in the avian world .

Great Horned Owl

© National Geographic Kids

2. Barn Owl

With its touch - like show and silent flight of steps , the Barn Owl is a master of stealth . This hooter ’s heart - form brass aid in site prey , making it a formidable hunter of gnawer .

Typically institute in open habitats like domain and meadows , Barn Owls are make out for their eerie , raspy calls . They nuzzle in barns and abandon buildings , often close to human settlements . Their power to thrive in various environments foreground their adaptability .

3. Snowy Owl

The Snowy Owl bewitch with its stunning white plume and pierce yellow eyes . aboriginal to the Arctic regions , it is a symbolization of the tundra ’s wild looker . Unlike many bird of night , the Snowy Owl is often active during the Clarence Day , especially in wintertime months .

Its diet mainly consists of lemmings and small mammals , reflect its Arctic adaptation . The Snowy Owl travels great distances , sometimes appearing far from its common range of mountains .

Its gallant presence and adaptability to harsh mood make it a entrancing depicted object for bird lover .

Barn Owl

© American Bird Conservancy

4. Eastern Screech-Owl

The Eastern Screech - Owl is a small yet feisty bearing in North America ’s woodlands . Its ability to blend into tree bark instance its remarkable disguise skills . Despite its size , it is a skilled hunter , feed primarily on insects and small vertebrates .

Known for its trilling birdcall , the Eastern Screech - Owl varies in people of colour from gray to reddish - brown . Its adaptability to urban and rural orbit pee it a intimate sight to many . This little hooter ’s charm rest in its resilience and versatility .

5. Western Screech-Owl

The Western Screech - Owl thrives in the waterless landscape painting of the western United States . Its compact sizing and cryptical coloration provide splendid disguise in bouldery terrains . This owl ’s dieting includes insect , small mammal , and wench , showcasing its opportunistic alimentation habits .

Its soft , descending pennywhistle is a usual sound in its range . The Western Screech - Owl ’s adaptability to various habitats , from deserts to suburban areas , illustrates its pertinacity . Its insidious knockout and enigmatic presence make it a favorite among birdwatchers .

6. Barred Owl

The Barred Owl enchants with its soulful eyes and haunt call . ordinarily find in fledged forests , its presence is often announced by a serial of hoots and cackles . Its name derives from the distinctive blackball patterns across its chest .

This hooter ’s dieting is diverse , include belittled mammals , raspberry , and amphibian . The Barred Owl ’s adaptability to changing landscapes has allowed it to expand its range . Its mysterious allure and outspoken repertoire make it a beloved species among nature partizan .

7. Northern Saw-whet Owl

The northerly Saw - whet Owl , with its flyspeck size and magic demeanor , captures the hearts of those who encounter it . Primarily nocturnal , it relies on its discriminating hearing and vision to hunt small rodent . Its gentle , repetitious claxon call echoes through the forest at night .

find in dense timber and thickets , this owl ’s problematical nature sum up to its allure . The Northern Saw - whet Owl ’s endearing appearance and secretive habits make it a delightful discovery for bird lover .

8. Burrowing Owl

The Burrowing Owl defies convention among owls by live on in surreptitious tunnel . find in open prairies and grasslands , its long leg enable it to sprint across the ground in pursuit of quarry .

alive during the day , especially at aurora and dusk , this owl feeds on insect and small mammals . Its burrows , often shared with prairie dogs , provide shelter and trade protection . The Burrowing Owl ’s distinctive lifestyle and snappy antics make it a gripping gain to any birdwatching inclination .

9. Long-eared Owl

The Long - eared Owl is cognize for its striking ear tuft and thin silhouette . opt dense forests and grove , it perch in thick foliation by day and hunts by night . Its dieting primarily consists of small mammal , which it captures with remarkable agility .

The Long - eared Owl ’s call , a series of down in the mouth shit , can be heard echoing through the woods . Its closelipped nature and refined appearing make it a sought - after sight for birdwatchers .

10. Short-eared Owl

The Short - eared Owl ’s agile flight and peachy visual sense make it a unnerving vulture in open landscapes . Found in grasslands and fen , it is one of the few bird of Minerva active during daylight . Its diet include rodents and birds , appropriate in spectacular aerial pursuits .

The Short - eared Owl ’s classifiable , moth - similar wingbeat is a spectacle to behold . Its adaptability to various environments and unique hunting flair make it an intriguing metal money for nature enthusiasts .

11. Northern Hawk Owl

The Northern Hawk Owl combine the cutthroat gaze of a hawk with the enigmatic demeanor of an bird of Minerva . Found in boreal woodland , it is primarily diurnal , hunting during the day . Its diet consist of low mammalian and birds , captured with swift precision .

The Northern Hawk Owl ’s tenacious rump and swift flight resemble that of a hawk , adding to its unique appeal . Its striking show and northern home ground make it a prized sighting for birdwatchers .

12. Great Gray Owl

The Great Gray Owl , with its impressive size and royal front , is the ‘ Phantom of the North . ’ Inhabiting boreal timber , it is bed for its slap-up hunt skills and understood flight .

Its large facial platter enhances its hearing , leave it to find prey beneath deep snow . The Great Gray Owl ’s striking appearance and elusive nature make it a revered metal money . Its power to pull round in harsh northern mood is a will to its resiliency .

13. Elf Owl

The Elf Owl , the smallest owl in North America , is a marvel of adaptation . Inhabiting deserts and scrubland , it nests in cactus hollow or abandoned woodpecker holes .

Primarily insectivorous , it feeds on moths and beetles , showcasing its nimble hunting attainment . Despite its size , the Elf Owl ’s comportment is finger through its cheerful calls at dusk . Its tiny height and desert habitat make it a unique gemstone among owl coinage .

14. Flammulated Owl

The Flammulated Owl , with its unpretentious elegance , is a master of camouflage . establish in montane forests , it is named for the flame - like patterns on its plumage . in the main insectivorous , this owl ’s gentle tinker’s damn often go unnoticed by passersby .

Its migration habits take it across immense length , reflecting its resilience . The Flammulated Owl ’s insidious charm and discerning mien make it an challenging subject for those seek a deeper connexion with nature .

Snowy Owl