Do you know how many different types of owls are found in the United States? Many of us enjoy watching these majestic creatures but are unaware of how many varieties there are. There are approximately 250 owl species in the world with 18 different species in the US.
So what are these different owl species and which are the best owls to spot? Owls are known for their silent flight so it can be difficult to spot them in the wild. Here are some of the different types of owls in the United States and how to identify them.
American Barn Owls
The American barn owl (Tyto Furcata) is the largest of the 40 varieties of barn owls weighing an average of 555g. As the name suggests, they tend to inhabit barns and are known for keeping farms rodent-free.
American barn owls do not have a “hoot” that is commonly associated with owls. Their call sounds more like a screech or harsh scream. They have a distinctive heart-shaped face with shorter wings and long legs.
Northern Long-Eared Owl
Also known as the lesser-horned owl or cat owl because of its cat-like features, the Northern long-eared owl is extremely difficult to spot. They are experts at camouflage and stunningly beautiful with long, feathered tufts on their heads. They can be found across Europe and North America in conifer groves and bushy thickets.
They are often confused with short-eared owls as their markings and wing structure are very similar. Long-eared owls are secretive and nocturnal, so you’ll have to brush up on owl spotting tips if you want to see one in the wild.
Snowy Owl
The snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) is very distinct with its beautiful white plumage and dark markings. They are large owls with no ear tufts and rounded heads. Their markings can vary depending on owl gender.
Snowy owls can be found in wide-open spaces such as agricultural fields and airfields. They can usually be seen perched upon a fence post or hay bale and will fly close to the ground. Female snowy owls have more dark markings than males with male snowy owls getting more white with age.
Great Horned Owl
The great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) can be found across Northern America in a variety of different habitats. They can adapt well to their surroundings which means they find their homes in trees, barns, or out in the open. Great horned owls are fast birds and can consume many different types of prey including snakes, squirrels, and frogs.
Their call is what you would expect from an owl and is usually a “who” sound. This can vary in length depending on the meaning behind the call.
Discover Different Types of Owls in the US
There are so many interesting types of owls in the United States. If you want to improve your chances of seeing one in the wild, then why not invest in an owl nesting box? Owls are excellent at keeping pests off your property and will feed on whichever rodents are available to them.
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