19 Owl Species in the US: Facts, Photos, and Habitats

When people hear about the “19 Owl Species in the US,” two things often come to mind: the thrill of spotting a mysterious owl in the wild, and the curiosity about just how many unique owls call America home. From the tiny Elf Owl, barely bigger than a sparrow, to the majestic Great Gray Owl with its haunting stare, these birds are as diverse as the landscapes they inhabit. Whether you’re a pet owner worried about nighttime visitors, a backyard birdwatcher hoping for a rare sighting, or simply fascinated by wildlife, learning about these 19 owl species in the US can open your eyes to a hidden world after dark. 

In this guide, you’ll discover fascinating facts, stunning photos, and practical tips for identifying each species. We’ll explore where these owls live, what makes their calls so unique, and how you can spot them safely and responsibly. You’ll also learn about the conservation challenges they face, from habitat loss to environmental threats, and find expert advice on how to support owl-friendly environments right in your neighborhood. Get ready to explore the wild world of the 19 owl species in the US.

Section 1: Quick Facts About Owls in the US

Total Number of Species and Their Range

• There are 19 different owl species found in the United States.
• These owls range in size from the tiny Elf Owl (the smallest) to the large Great Gray Owl (the biggest by length).
• Owls live all over the country, from Alaska’s cold forests to the warm deserts of Arizona and the grassy plains of the Midwest.

General Owl Characteristics

• Nocturnal: Most owls are active at night. They hunt and call when it’s dark.
• Hunting Skills: Owls are skilled hunters. They have sharp talons, strong beaks, and excellent eyesight and hearing. These help them catch mice, insects, and other small animals.
• Calls: Each owl species has its own unique call. Some hoot, others screech, whistle, or even bark.

Conservation Concerns

• Habitat Loss: Many owls lose their homes when forests are cut down or land is developed.
• Endangered Species: Some owls, like the Spotted Owl, are endangered or threatened because their habitats are shrinking.
• Why It Matters: Owls are important for healthy ecosystems. Protecting them helps keep nature in balance.

Owls are amazing birds with special skills and play a big role in nature. But they need our help to survive and thrive!

Section 2: Why Are Owls Important to Ecosystems?

Role as Birds of Prey and Impact on Rodent Populations

• Owls are top predators, also called birds of prey or raptors. They hunt and eat other animals, mostly at night.
• Their main food includes rodents like mice, rats, and voles. Some owls also eat insects, birds, or even small mammals and reptiles.
• By eating so many rodents, owls help keep these populations under control. This is important because too many rodents can damage crops, spread disease, and cause problems for people and other wildlife.
• For example, a pair of Barn Owls can eat over a thousand rats in a year, making them natural pest controllers. This reduces the need for harmful chemicals and helps farmers and the environment.

Unique Adaptations

• Silent Flight: Owls have special feathers that let them fly almost silently. The edges of their wing feathers are soft and comb-like, which breaks up the sound of air as they fly. This helps them sneak up on prey without being heard.
• Night Vision: Owls have large eyes packed with cells that help them see in very low light. They can spot tiny movements in the dark, making them excellent night hunters.
• Amazing Hearing: Many owls have ears set at different heights on their heads. This helps them pinpoint exactly where a sound is coming from, even if it’s a mouse moving under snow or leaves.
• Flexible Necks: Owls can turn their heads up to 270 degrees. This helps them look all around without moving their bodies.

Relevance to Birdwatchers and Nature Lovers

• Owls are mysterious and beautiful birds that many people love to watch. Their secretive habits and haunting calls make seeing an owl a special experience.
• Birdwatchers often travel far just to catch a glimpse of rare owls. This interest supports local economies and helps raise awareness about the importance of protecting nature.
• Owls are also seen as symbols of wisdom and good luck in many cultures. Their presence in an area is a sign of a healthy ecosystem.
• For nature lovers, learning about owls and seeing them in the wild can inspire a deeper respect for wildlife and the need to protect their habitats.

Owls are not just fascinating birds—they are vital to keeping nature in balance. Their special skills and important role as hunters make them a key part of healthy ecosystems, and they bring joy and wonder to everyone who gets to see or hear them.

Section 3: List of the 19 Owl Species in the US

Here is a simple and friendly guide to the 19 owl species in the US. Each owl is special and has something unique about it!

Barn Owl

Scientific name: Tyto alba

• Physical description: Medium size, white heart-shaped face, golden-buff back, pale belly.
• Habitat and range: Open fields, farmlands, barns; found across most of the US.
• Diet and hunting behavior: Hunts mainly small mammals like mice and voles, gliding low over fields at night.
• Conservation status: Least Concern, but local declines due to loss of old barns and fields.
• Fun fact: Known for its spooky screech, not a hoot.

Barred Owl

Scientific name: Strix varia

• Physical description: Large, round head, dark eyes, brown and white bars on chest.
• Habitat and range: Forests and swamps in the eastern and northwestern US.
• Diet and hunting behavior: Eats small mammals, birds, and amphibians; hunts at night.
• Conservation status: Least Concern.
• Fun fact: Famous for its call, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”

Boreal Owl

Scientific name: Aegolius funereus

• Physical description: Small, round head, yellow eyes, brown with white spots.
• Habitat and range: Dense northern forests in Alaska and the Rocky Mountains.
• Diet and hunting behavior: Hunts small mammals, mostly at night.
• Conservation status: Least Concern, but hard to spot.
• Fun fact: More often heard than seen!

Burrowing Owl

Scientific name: Athene cunicularia

• Physical description: Small, long legs, bright yellow eyes, brown with white spots.
• Habitat and range: Open grasslands and deserts in the West and Florida.
• Diet and hunting behavior: Hunts insects and small animals, often during the day.
• Conservation status: Threatened in some states due to habitat loss.
• Fun fact: Lives in burrows underground, sometimes with prairie dogs!

Eastern Screech-Owl

Scientific name: Megascops asio

• Physical description: Small, with ear tufts, gray or reddish color, yellow eyes.
• Habitat and range: Woodlands, parks, and suburbs in the eastern US.
• Diet and hunting behavior: Eats insects, small mammals, and birds; hunts at night.
• Conservation status: Least Concern.
• Fun fact: Comes in two colors—gray and red!

Elf Owl

Scientific name: Micrathene whitneyi

• Physical description: Tiny, about the size of a sparrow, gray-brown, big yellow eyes.
• Habitat and range: Deserts and canyons in the Southwest, especially Arizona and Texas.
• Diet and hunting behavior: Hunts insects, especially moths and beetles, at night.
• Conservation status: Near Threatened.
• Fun fact: The smallest owl in the world!

Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl

Scientific name: Glaucidium brasilianum

• Physical description: Very small, rusty-brown color, yellow eyes.
• Habitat and range: South Texas brushlands and woodlands.
• Diet and hunting behavior: Eats insects, small birds, and mammals; hunts by day and night.
• Conservation status: Near Threatened in the US.
• Fun fact: Has “false eyes” on the back of its head to confuse predators.

Flammulated Owl

Scientific name: Psiloscops flammeolus

• Physical description: Tiny, short ear tufts, gray-brown with reddish tones, dark eyes.
• Habitat and range: Mountain pine forests in the West.
• Diet and hunting behavior: Eats mostly insects, especially moths.
• Conservation status: Least Concern.
• Fun fact: Migrates long distances to Central America for winter.

Great Gray Owl

Scientific name: Strix nebulosa

• Physical description: Very large, round face with white “bow tie,” gray overall, yellow eyes.
• Habitat and range: Boreal forests and mountain meadows in the northern Rockies and Alaska.
• Diet and hunting behavior: Hunts small mammals, often by listening for prey under the snow.
• Conservation status: Least Concern, but rare in the US.
• Fun fact: The largest owl in North America by length.

Great Horned Owl

Scientific name: Bubo virginianus

• Physical description: Large, with ear tufts, yellow eyes, mottled brown and gray.
• Habitat and range: Found almost everywhere in the US—forests, deserts, cities.
• Diet and hunting behavior: Eats many animals, from mice to skunks; hunts at night.
• Conservation status: Least Concern.
• Fun fact: Known as the “tiger of the sky” for its powerful hunting.

Long-eared Owl

Scientific name: Asio otus

• Physical description: Medium-sized, long ear tufts, orange face, streaked chest.
• Habitat and range: Dense forests and grasslands across the northern US.
• Diet and hunting behavior: Hunts small mammals at night.
• Conservation status: Least Concern.
• Fun fact: Roosts in groups in winter!

Northern Hawk Owl

Scientific name: Surnia ulula

• Physical description: Medium-sized, long tail, round head, yellow eyes, gray-brown.
• Habitat and range: Boreal forests in Alaska and northern Canada.
• Diet and hunting behavior: Hunts by day, mainly small mammals and birds.
• Conservation status: Least Concern.
• Fun fact: Hunts more like a hawk than an owl!

Northern Pygmy-Owl

Scientific name: Glaucidium californicum

• Physical description: Tiny, round head, no ear tufts, brown with white spots.
• Habitat and range: Forests in the West and Northwest.
• Diet and hunting behavior: Hunts small birds and mammals, often during the day.
• Conservation status: Least Concern.
• Fun fact: Very active during the day, unlike most owls.

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Scientific name: Aegolius acadicus

• Physical description: Small, round head, big yellow eyes, brown with white spots.
• Habitat and range: Forests across the northern US and mountains.
• Diet and hunting behavior: Eats mainly small rodents; hunts at night.
• Conservation status: Least Concern.
• Fun fact: Named for its call, which sounds like a saw being sharpened.

Short-eared Owl

Scientific name: Asio flammeus

• Physical description: Medium-sized, short ear tufts, yellow eyes, streaked chest.
• Habitat and range: Grasslands, marshes, and open fields across the US.
• Diet and hunting behavior: Hunts mainly at dusk, flying low over fields for small mammals.
• Conservation status: Least Concern, but declining in some areas.
• Fun fact: Often seen flying during the day, especially in winter.

Snowy Owl

Scientific name: Bubo scandiacus

• Physical description: Large, white with black spots, yellow eyes.
• Habitat and range: Arctic tundra; winters in northern US, open fields, and coasts.
• Diet and hunting behavior: Eats lemmings and other small mammals; hunts during the day.
• Conservation status: Vulnerable.
• Fun fact: One of the few owls active in daylight.

Spotted Owl

Scientific name: Strix occidentalis

• Physical description: Medium-sized, dark eyes, brown with white spots.
• Habitat and range: Old-growth forests in the West.
• Diet and hunting behavior: Hunts small mammals at night.
• Conservation status: Threatened due to habitat loss.
• Fun fact: Needs large, old forests to survive.

Western Screech-Owl

Scientific name: Megascops kennicottii

• Physical description: Small, ear tufts, gray or brown, heavily barred and streaked.
• Habitat and range: Woodlands, deserts, and suburbs in the West.
• Diet and hunting behavior: Eats insects, small mammals, and birds; hunts at night.
• Conservation status: Least Concern.
• Fun fact: Looks very similar to the Eastern Screech-Owl.

Whiskered Screech-Owl

Scientific name: Megascops trichopsis

• Physical description: Small, gray-brown, fine streaks, white “whiskers” near beak.
• Habitat and range: Mountain forests in southern Arizona and New Mexico.
• Diet and hunting behavior: Eats insects and small animals; hunts at night.
• Conservation status: Least Concern, but rare in the US.
• Fun fact: Has a soft, musical call.

These 19 owl species in the US show just how diverse and amazing owls can be. Each one has its own story and special place in nature!

Section 4: Owl Habitats Across the United States

Overview of Major Habitat Types

Owls in the US live in many different places. The main types of habitats are:

• Forests: Thick woods, old trees, and mixed forests.
• Grasslands: Open fields, meadows, and prairies.
• Deserts: Dry areas with scrub brush and cacti.
• Tundra: Cold, treeless regions in the far north.

Which Owls Are Found in Which Habitats

Here are some examples of where you can find different owl species:

• Forests:
  • Barred Owl: Prefers mature, old-growth forests and woodlands.
  • Great Horned Owl: Found in forests next to open fields.
  • Spotted Owl: Needs old-growth western forests.
  • Boreal Owl and Great Gray Owl: Live in northern and mountain forests.
  • Eastern Screech Owl, Western Screech Owl, and Northern Saw-whet Owl: Like mixed or deciduous woods.
• Grasslands:
  • Barn Owl: Lives in grasslands, crop fields, and open farmland.
  • Burrowing Owl: Found in grassy meadows, prairies, and open areas.
  • Short-eared Owl: Prefers prairies, marshes, and dunes.
• Deserts:
  • Elf Owl: Lives in desert areas with scrub brush and trees.
  • Ferruginous Pygmy Owl: Found in dry forests and brushy deserts.
• Tundra:
  • Snowy Owl: Lives in the arctic tundra and visits open fields in the north during winter.

How Habitat Loss Affects Different Species

• Habitat loss is a major threat to all owls. When forests are cut down or grasslands are turned into cities or farms, owls lose their homes and places to hunt.
• Some owls, like the Spotted Owl, are especially at risk because they need old, dense forests to survive. Logging and development have caused their numbers to drop quickly.
• Grassland owls, like the Burrowing Owl, are losing ground as prairies are plowed and prairie dogs are removed.
• Even common owls, like the Barred Owl, can be affected if too many old trees are lost.
• When habitats shrink, owls face more danger from cars, power lines, and competition from other animals.

Owls need healthy habitats to live and raise their young. Protecting forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundra is important for keeping all 19 owl species in the United States safe and thriving.

Conclusion

Why Protecting the 19 Owl Species Matters

• Owls are important for healthy ecosystems. They help control rodents and insects, which benefits farms and cities.
• Each of the 19 owl species in the US is unique. From the tiny Elf Owl to the majestic Great Gray Owl, they all play a special role in nature.
• Some owls, like the Northern Spotted Owl and Burrowing Owl, are in trouble because of habitat loss, climate change, and other threats.
• Protecting owls also means protecting forests, grasslands, and open spaces that many other animals need.

How You Can Help

• Share what you’ve learned about owls with friends and family. The more people know, the more support there is for conservation.
• Get involved with local conservation groups or citizen science projects. Even simple actions, like reporting owl sightings or planting native trees, can make a difference.
• Support efforts to protect owl habitats and reduce the use of harmful chemicals in your community.

Owls are amazing and valuable birds. By working together, we can help keep all 19 US owl species safe for future generations.
Let’s celebrate these wonderful birds, share their story, and take action to protect them and the wild places they call home.

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