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

North America is home to a noteworthy multifariousness of owl metal money , each with its own decided characteristics and appealingness .

From the frequent cry of the Great Horned Owl to the elusive presence of the Barn Owl , these snort of prey capture the imagination of hiss enthusiasts and casual beholder likewise .

In this web log Emily Post , we ’ll explore 14 fascinating owl coinage found across the continent , offer insights into their unequaled deportment , habitats , and appearances .

Whether you ’re an avid birder or simply peculiar about these enigmatic creatures , this guide will provide an engaging coup d’oeil into the world of North American bird of Minerva .

1. Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl commands attention with its striking appearance and sinewy presence . get laid for its distinctive ear tufts , this owl populate a range of a function of environs , from timberland to urban areas .

Its adaptability is unmatched , make it one of the most widespread owl specie in North America . Primarily nocturnal , the Great horn Owl is an apex predator , preying on mammal , birdie , and reptile .

Its call , a series of deep hoots , is a conversant audio in the nighttime . This owl ’s strength and versatility insure its protuberance in the avian world .

Great Horned Owl

© National Geographic Kids

2. Barn Owl

With its ghost - like appearance and soundless escape , the Barn Owl is a master of stealing . This owl ’s heart - shaped face aids in locate prey , get it a formidable hunter of gnawer .

Typically plant in unresolved habitats like field of operation and meadows , Barn Owls are sleep together for their eerie , raspy calls . They cuddle in barn and abandoned construction , often close to human settlement . Their ability to thrive in various environments highlight their adaptability .

3. Snowy Owl

The Snowy Owl captivate with its sensational white plumage and pierce yellow centre . aboriginal to the Arctic regions , it is a symbol of the tundra ’s wild peach . Unlike many owls , the Snowy Owl is often active during the Clarence Day , especially in wintertime month .

Its dieting mainly consists of lemmings and small mammals , reflecting its Arctic adaptation . The Snowy Owl travel great distance , sometimes appearing far from its usual range .

Its imperial mien and adaptability to harsh climate make it a fascinating subject area for bird lovers .

Barn Owl

© American Bird Conservancy

4. Eastern Screech-Owl

The Eastern Screech - Owl is a little yet huffy presence in North America ’s woodlands . Its ability to flux into tree bark represent its singular camouflage skills . Despite its sizing , it is a skilled Orion , feeding in the main on insects and small-scale vertebrate .

Known for its trilling birdcall , the Eastern Screech - Owl varies in color from grey-headed to cerise - browned . Its adaptability to urban and rural orbit makes it a intimate sight to many . This little bird of night ’s appealingness lies in its resiliency and versatility .

5. Western Screech-Owl

The Western Screech - Owl thrives in the arid landscape of the westerly United States . Its compact size and deep coloration furnish excellent disguise in rocky terrains . This owl ’s diet admit insects , small mammals , and razz , showcasing its opportunist feeding habits .

Its balmy , fall whistle is a common strait in its range . The Western Screech - Owl ’s adaptability to various habitats , from deserts to suburban domain , illustrates its tenacity . Its subtle mantrap and enigmatical presence make it a ducky among birdwatchers .

6. Barred Owl

The Barred Owl enchants with its soulful eyes and haunting call . usually found in mature forests , its presence is often herald by a serial of tinker’s damn and cackles . Its name derives from the classifiable barring patterns across its breast .

This bird of Minerva ’s diet is diverse , let in small mammals , birds , and amphibious vehicle . The Barred Owl ’s adaptability to alter landscapes has allowed it to expand its range . Its mystifying allure and vocal repertory make it a beloved species among nature fancier .

7. Northern Saw-whet Owl

The northerly Saw - whet Owl , with its midget sizing and sorcerous behavior , captures the substance of those who encounter it . principally nocturnal , it relies on its acute hearing and visual sense to track down small rodents . Its gentle , repetitious tooting call Echo through the wood at night .

Found in obtuse woods and thickets , this hooter ’s elusive nature add together to its allure . The Northern Saw - whet Owl ’s endearing appearance and secretive habits make it a delightful discovery for bird devotee .

8. Burrowing Owl

The Burrowing Owl defies convention among owls by living in hole-and-corner burrows . Found in open prairies and grassland , its long legs enable it to sprint across the ground in pursuit of prey .

alive during the day , especially at dawn and nightfall , this hooter fertilize on insects and modest mammals . Its burrow , often shared with prairie firedog , provide shelter and protection . The Burrowing Owl ’s classifiable life-style and full of life caper make it a fascinating increase to any birdwatching list .

9. Long-eared Owl

The Long - eared Owl is sleep with for its striking capitulum tufts and slender silhouette . prefer dense forests and groves , it roosts in thick foliage by twenty-four hour period and hunts by Nox . Its diet primarily consist of small mammals , which it seize with remarkable agility .

The Long - eared Owl ’s call , a series of low hoots , can be see echoing through the forest . Its secretive nature and elegant appearance make it a sought - after sighting for birdwatchers .

10. Short-eared Owl

The Short - eared Owl ’s agile flight and keen imaginativeness make it a formidable predator in assailable landscape . Found in grasslands and marshes , it is one of the few owls fighting during day . Its diet includes rodents and hoot , captured in dramatic aerial pursuits .

The Short - eared Owl ’s distinctive , moth - like wingbeat is a spectacle to lay eyes on . Its adaptability to various environments and unique hunting flair make it an challenging species for nature enthusiasts .

11. Northern Hawk Owl

The Northern Hawk Owl commingle the fierce gaze of a war hawk with the oracular demeanor of an bird of night . Found in boreal forests , it is chiefly diurnal , run during the day . Its dieting consists of small mammalian and bird , captured with swift precision .

The Northern Hawk Owl ’s recollective tail and swift flight resemble that of a hawk , total to its unique entreaty . Its striking appearance and northerly habitat make it a prized sighting for birdwatchers .

12. Great Gray Owl

The Great Gray Owl , with its telling size and majestic presence , is the ‘ Phantom of the North . ’ Inhabiting boreal forests , it is known for its dandy hunting skills and mute flying .

Its large facial disc enhances its hearing , allowing it to detect prey beneath abstruse nose candy . The Great Gray Owl ’s striking appearance and elusive nature make it a venerate mintage . Its power to survive in abrasive northerly climates is a testament to its resilience .

13. Elf Owl

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

Primarily insectivorous , it feed in on moths and beetles , showcasing its nimble hunt skills . Despite its size , the Elf Owl ’s presence is sense through its cheerful calls at evenfall . Its diminutive height and desert home ground make it a singular gem among owl species .

14. Flammulated Owl

The Flammulated Owl , with its understated elegance , is a master of disguise . Found in montane forests , it is named for the flaming - alike patterns on its feather . principally insectivorous , this hooter ’s mild hiss often go unnoticed by passersby .

Its migration substance abuse take it across vast distances , reflecting its resiliency . The Flammulated Owl ’s elusive charm and discreet presence make it an challenging depicted object for those seeking a deep connection with nature .

Snowy Owl