North American Owl Species
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Owl Species Found in North America: Owl Facts, Photos, and Information
There are a huge variety of North American owl species that are around us all and can likely be found right in your own backyard. After all, there are over 200 owl species in the world! With diets ranging from insects and small rodents all the way up to a skunk (yes, owls have a very weak sense of smell), raccoon or even larger! Whether it's pine trees, cactus, or the open grassland, all owls are perfectly adapted to their environments and have a unique bunch of features to help them survive, find food, thrive and procreate.
Jump to a section of this page to read about a particular North American owl species:
Elf Owl | Pygymy Owl | Northern Saw-whet Owl | Eastern Screech Owl | Boreal Owl | Barn Owl | Barred Owl | Burrowing Owl | Great Horned Owl | Snowy Owls | Great Gray Owl
Elf Owl
The tiniest owl species in the world!
A dispute has existed as to whether the Elf Owl or the Pygmy Owl is the smallest owl in the world.
The Elf Owl can be found in territories ranging from the Southwest United States to Mexico. These adorable creatures can be found nesting primarily in the cavities of cacti in April or May, and like some owls these birds depend on abandoned nests from other species, in this case mostly woodpeckers which also use the cavities for nesting space. Dinner of choice for the Elf Owl would be insects, due to their miniature size. On occasion they have also been known to take a small mouse.
Pygmy Owl
A small, beautiful owl species from the west coast
When setting up a nest between April and June, the Pygmy Owl will look for an abandoned pine tree cavity, similiar to the Elf Owl nesting in the cacti cavity.
The Pygmy Owl however is a bit more open when it comes to their diet. They like to enjoy insects, but also small mammals and birds, with the occassional small reptile snack.
Northern Pygmy Owl, Adult Looking out of Nest Hole in Sycamore Tree, Arizona, USA
Photographic Print
Who Needs a Brain Anyway?
Owls eyes are similar to light bulbs. What is visible to us on the outside of their bodies is the smaller part, and the larger part is in the back of their head... which doesn't leave much room for a brain!
Northern Saw-whet Owl
A North American owl species with a taste for everything from frogs to bugs
Northern Saw-whet Owls are unique in that they will cache food, similiar to American Kestrels.
What does it mean to cache food? When hunting it is possible that they may catch more food then they need to eat. The extra food will be "stored" and hidden away until the need arises. They will feed on insects, small mammals-mice being their favorite!, small birds and the occasional frog.
Northern Saw-whet Owl, photo by Brendan Lally
So What, Saw-Whet?
A childrens book on the Saw-Whet Owl
So What, Saw-Whet?
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 02/15/2012)
Teach your students, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews about the mysterious Saw-Whet owl, a popular owl found all over most of the United States, yet remains out of sight during most of the day. The beautiful photographs are accompanied by a rhyming pattern kids will love and learn from.
Sah-Whet Owl Framed Tile
Beautiful Sah-Whet owl artwork for your home
Framed Tile
Two saw-whet owls perched on a winter pine tree make the perfect decor for your home. Easy to hang framed tile.
Price:
They have crooked ears!
Owls have one ear higher than the other to help them here sound from all over...it gives them a wider hearing range!
Eastern Screech Owl
A plentiful owl that might be in your backyard!
Eastern Screech Owl at a Raptor Recovery Center Photographic Print
The Eastern Screech Owl is one of the most common owls in the Eastern US-in fact it would be very common to hae one living in your backyard and not even know it! They prefer woodland habitat and feed on insects and small rodents, along with the occassional small bird.
There are three color morphs for screech owls-red, brown and grey.
They are cavity nesters and will raise their young in an abandoned tree cavity or a nest box, and will start nesting between March and May. They can be found in Eastern US, parts of Cananda and parts of Mexico.
Boreal Owl
Occasionally there will be years of invasions--when species are found in areas in which they commonly do not reside.
Close up of a Boreal Owl
Photographic Print
It shares it's perching preference with the Saw-whet owl of roosting in low branches or next to the tree trunk. Nesting preferences are also shared as the Boreal Owl prefers old tree cavities and will also occassionally use a nest box which has been set up, and will nest January-April. Food preferences are primarily small rodents but will on occassion take a small bird.
Barn Owl
A distinct bird that spans continents!
The Barn Owl is one of the most unique owls in North America. With its brown eyes, prominent facial disk, petite body and long featherless legs, it is one of tthe most interesting owls around.
The vocalization of the Barn Owl can only be described as a hissing scream, almost something that belongs in every horror movie.
They reside in barns or in next boxes which are close to their favorite food-MICE!! Of which there are plenty of mice in old barns and the surrounding open fields. Barn Owls are also very unique in that they can nest anytime of year, whereas most owl nest during the end of winter. This is also one of the few owls which can be found on almost all continents!
Juvenile Barn Owl
Barred Owl
Look for large, dark eyes and the spotted appearance in the Barred Owl
A Barred Owl (Strix Varia) Wing at a Raptor Recovery Center
Framed Art Print
The Barred Owl with its brown eyes is a woodland owl who prefers small rodents, but who will also take larger mammals such as squirrels, opposums, and occasionally a bird.
They have an extended mating season which ranges from March through August.
They typically will nest in an abandoned hawk or crow nest, or in a tree cavity. They have a wide range of Eastern US, Nortwest US, parts of Cananda, and parts of Mexico.
Not to be confused!
The Barn Owl and Barred Owl are two different birds, though similar in appearance. The Barn Owl is a much more recognized bird for its unique appearance.
Burrowing Owl
It's rare to see owls on the ground like the Burrowing Owl...
Burrowing Owl
Framed Art Print
This unique owl species spends most of it time on the ground... well actually underground.
The Burrowing Owl will move into an abandoned tunnel or burrow its own tunnel for nesting purposes.
There are also some nest boxes which can be placed underground which the owls have taken to as well. Mating season can range from March through April and The birds, similiar to the Barn Owl, have long featherless legs. They prefer to dine on insects and small mammals. These owls live in parts of Cananda, the US, Mexico and South America.
The Best Way to Spot an Owl
Nikon Action Binoculars
Nikon 7216 Action 8x40mm Binoculars
Amazon Price: $79.00 (as of 02/15/2012)
List Price: $120.95
A great pair of binoculars will greatly enhance your birding experience. This pair features aspherical eyepiece lenses with multi-coated prisms and a quick central focus system so that there is never a delay in observation. With a field of view of over 420' at 1,000 yards, these particular models of the Action Series are a true "wide-view" binocular. For the discriminating and value-conscious outdoorsman, there is no finer binocular than the Action.
Great Horned Owl
One of the most common North American owl species
The Great Horned Owl is one of the most common woodland owls in North America. They got their name from the large ear tuffs on the top of their head which serve no function other than camouflage.
Great Horned Owls feed on a variety of prey including small rodents, and ranging up to larger prey items such as opposums, raccoons and even chickens!!!
A Captive Great Horned Owl is Perched in a Tree
Photographic Print
They will nest in January or February and prefer to take over an abandoned hawk or crow nest. While Great Horned Owls mate for life and return to the same area to raise their young year after year, they do not spend the entire year with their mate-only during the breeding season will they be together. This owl has a vast habitat range from parts of Cananda, the US, parts of Mexico and parts of South America.
Why don't I see them?
Most owls are nocturnal and usually high up in trees...you'll usually hear them before you'd ever see them.
Snowy Owls
The elusive Arctic owl - the Snowy Owl
Great Gray Owl
Gray Ghost Owl - a beautiful North American species
For a bird of their size, they feed on relatively smaller prey items-food of choice being voles.
Female Great Gray Owl and Her Three Babies
Photographic Print
They also will feed on other small mammals and the occasional bird. They will also take over a nest abandoned by a hawk or crow, during the period of March through May. Their habitat ranges from Alaska, northern Minnesota, Canda, Asia and Europe.
Great Gray Owl Phantoms
One of the best owl books available...
Great Gray Owl: Phantom of the Northern Forest (Nature Books)
Amazon Price: $11.42 (as of 02/15/2012)
List Price: $13.95
Don't be fooled because of this book's lack of a cover shot on Amazon! This is one of the best books you can find on any owl species. Written by the well-respected Robert Nero, you won't be disappointed by the in-depth clarity and interesting nature of this classic. Learn the habits and behavior of this amazing species in this excellent guide (you won't be disappointed!)
Womens Owl T-Shirt
Owl deco cap sleeve shirt - great gift idea for owl lovers!
Owl Deco Women's Cap Sleeve T-Shirt
A trendy owl deco cap sleeve womens t-shirt that you have to see to understand how great it looks!
Price:
Help Save the Pygmy Owl!
What you can do to help the Pygmy Owl...
- Pigmy Owl Help
- The Pygmy Owl was endangered until it was lobbied to be removed from the list by developers. It should be back on the endangered species list!
For Your Collection: A Recommended Owl Guide
One of the best owl guides ever written!
Owls of the United States and Canada: A Complete Guide to Their Biology and Behavior
Amazon Price: $21.15 (as of 02/15/2012)
List Price: $39.95
Overall, this book is extremely informative and presents the information in a way that everyone can relate to--by making comparisons between owls and humans. It also has an amazing bunch of photographs, and introductory guide to owls. Highly recommend, this book is one of the best owl guides out there!
Which Owls Have You Seen Lately?
Take this poll and tell everyone the owls you've seen in your local area...
We all know it can be hard to spot an owl in the wild...have you seen one? Be sure to vote!
Why does that Snowy Owl look so familiar?
The Snowy Owl has been featured in the Harry Potter movies as the owl "Hedwig," popularizing Snowy Owls and raising their profile!
Keep Track of Your Daily Plans with an Owl Journal!
Organize your day to day tasks, phone numbers, and events
owl journal
A small owl on the bottom of this unique journal makes it perfect for jotting things down and organizing your life!
Price:
Read More About Other Owl Species
Guides on North American owls on Squidoo
Well Known Owl Links
Owl resources (if you give a HOOT)
- Owl Pages
- Pages, links and photos of everything owls.
- Owl Pics & Facts
- Owl pictures and facts on the owl page from montereybay.com.
North American Owls
As you can see there are many more owl species to make up the over 200 species that exist today (that we know of so far!). This lens has focused on North American owls. Please check out our other lenses including our lens on Snowy Owls for more detail on these magnificient birds. If there is an owl you would like to see added to this lens, please add your suggestion to the guestbook below!
More Information on North American Bird Species
Kestrels, hawks, and songbirds
Have You Seen an Owl Lately?
What species have you seen? Where did you see them?
Owls A - Birds of Prey
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jimmyworldstar
Dec 3, 2011 @ 11:10 am | delete
- I wasn't aware so many owls existed! The barn owl was in that one recent 3D animated movie The Guardians of Ga'hoole and that Great Grey Owl just looks downright angry!
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PaulOnBooks
Aug 15, 2011 @ 7:40 am | delete
- Lovely lens on North American Owl Species - Angel Blessed.
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LOLteez
Feb 17, 2011 @ 9:18 am | delete
- Beautiful lens for a beautiful bird! I love owls! Lensrolled to Owl Shirts and Gifts.
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dustytoes
Feb 5, 2011 @ 9:33 am | delete
- I love the gorgeous photos and especially the Saw-Whet picture. I did not know that one ear is longer than the other, but owls are amazing creatures. You'd made a great lens and I am giving it a "blessing".
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JeremiahStanghini Feb 4, 2011 @ 4:54 am | delete
- I'm surprised this hasn't been awarded a purple star...
With Love and Gratitude,
Jeremiah
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spirituality
Aug 24, 2010 @ 10:58 am | delete
- I've seen a few owls in zoos, but never in the wild. They're too shy. Beautiful though. Great lens.
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BigGirlBlue
Apr 20, 2009 @ 1:26 pm | delete
- An amazing lens. Owls are incredibly beautiful creatures and the varieties are captivating. I have never seen one (other than in pictures) but DH has seen a few.
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EverythingMouse
Feb 20, 2009 @ 8:03 pm | delete
- As always an excellent informative lens. Squid Angel Blessings to you
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WindyWinters
Dec 17, 2008 @ 12:31 am | delete
- Nice owl lens. I love owls. I enjoy reading & learning about the different kinds of owls. Lens rolling to my Owl Collectibles and Owl Collections lens. http://www.squidoo.com/owlcollectibles Cheers:)
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Shelly
Dec 10, 2008 @ 9:40 pm | delete
- Enjoyed this as well as your Snowy Owl lens, am glad you stopped over at Tipi's so I could discover you. A couple years ago we had one of those unusually large owl migrations from Canada to Wisconsin due to unusual weather conditions. It was great to see them all but sadly many were killed by cars as they would swoop across roads while hunting, drivers were cautioned to be on alert for them.
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Cari_Kay
Nov 19, 2008 @ 9:27 pm | delete
- What an awesome page! I absolutely love the photos I've enjoyed looking this one over.
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naturegirl7
Oct 30, 2008 @ 5:44 pm | delete
- Welcome to the Naturally Native Squids group. Don't forget to add your lens link to the appropriate plexo and vote for it.
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aidenw
Oct 29, 2008 @ 12:53 am | delete
- Owls are fascinating creatures. This is a wonderful lens with beautiful pictures. Definitely deserves more recognition. 5*
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poddys
Oct 28, 2008 @ 9:28 pm | delete
- This is a really nice resource on Owls, it deserves 5*** Another great effort.
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chefkeem
Oct 28, 2008 @ 4:26 pm | delete
- Blessed by a Booster Angel!
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BFuniv.com
Oct 28, 2008 @ 1:08 pm | delete
- I've seen owls as I saunter about, but have never classified them - I just enjoy watching them. Strolling at dusk has been a good time to see them flying.
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naturegirl7
Oct 24, 2008 @ 8:51 am | delete
- I loved this lens. Owls are one of my favorite birds. Please consider joining my new (and first) group Naturally Native Squids. The Naturally Native Squids group welcomes lenses about nature, animals (both wild and rescued), native plants, gardening (especially ecologically healthy gardening), green living including recycling and all things natural.
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NewRiver
Jul 21, 2008 @ 7:34 pm | delete
- Cool! I have crooked ears too :)
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ElizabethJeanAllen
Jul 19, 2008 @ 7:12 pm | delete
- Thanks for the info on the giant squid logo. I'll deal with it when I get home. (I'm still on the road traveling home from Minnesota)
Lizzy
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ElizabethJeanAllen
Jul 19, 2008 @ 7:10 pm | delete
- I love it! I don't know a lot about the lesser known owls such as the Pygmy Owl. Your lens gave me a great place to start.
5* and roll to my owls
Lizzy
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Owl T-Shirts
Get yourself or the owl lover in your life a unique owl t-shirt!
Night Owl Kids Light T-Shirt
A cute kids night owl t-shirt, available in different sizes and colors!
Price:
70's Owl Women's Light T-Shirt
A 70's theme owl retro design that looks great on this womens t-shirt.
Price:
Night Owl Dark T-Shirt
Are you a nocturnal soul, like the owl? Stay away from morning light and get this t-shirt so everyone will know!
Price:
Plush Owls Toys for Kids
Unique lifelike owl toys!
These unique owl toys are a great gift for kids and adults alike. Whether you're an avid birder or your children have an interest in these owls, these make great gifts!
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Thanks for Stopping By!
by kiwisoutback
Owls are a cool bunch of birds. Each different species has adapted in a different way to better suit their environment. Be sure to read our more »
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