Typical Owls (Strigidae) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Typical owls are a family of birds with generally round faces and large, forward-facing eyes, found in forests, deserts, grasslands, and city parks. Members include small screech-owls and large eagle-owls. They are also called true owls.

In this group

Great Horned OwlBubo virginianus

This widespread American owl has bold , yellow eyes, and a white throat patch. It uses forests, deserts, farmland edges, and city parks.

Barred OwlStrix varia

Look for dark eyes, a round head without ear tufts, and brown bars on a pale body. It is closely associated with forests and wooded wetlands.

Eastern Screech-OwlMegascops asio

This small occurs in gray and reddish color forms. It is common in wooded neighborhoods and parks across much of the eastern United States.

Burrowing OwlAthene cunicularia

Long legs and a habit of standing beside a ground burrow make this open-country owl distinctive. U.S. populations occur mainly in Florida and the West.

Appearance

How to recognize it: Look for a large head, a round , forward-facing eyes, a short hooked bill, and strong feet with curved claws. The feathers are often mottled brown or gray, which helps a resting owl blend into bark or rock.

Look-alikes

Barn owlsTytonidae

Barn owls usually show a long, heart-shaped facial disk. Typical owls generally have a rounder face, although shape varies among species.

Why they get mixed upBoth families are birds that hunt at night and have large eyes and hooked bills.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: forests
grasslands and deserts
parks and neighborhoods
Range: Typical owls occur on every continent except Antarctica. In the United States, different species occupy wooded wetlands, mature western forests, open prairie, desert, and suburban tree cover.
Seasonal presence: Many species are , while some move seasonally or wander when prey becomes scarce. Migration patterns differ sharply among species and regions.
When it’s recorded: Recorded year-round, every year
102,768 observations in the US · 10 years · for referenceChoose a state

Behavior

Diet: Some typical owls mainly hunt small mammals; others specialize in insects, birds, or fish. Diet depends on the owl and its habitat.
Activity: Most species are active at night or around dusk, but several also hunt by day. Soft feather edges make the flight of many species unusually quiet.

Life cycle

Nest: Many use tree cavities or abandoned nests. In the United States, Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia) raise young in ground burrows.
Clutch size: The number of eggs varies among species and with food supply.
Incubation: In many species, the female keeps the eggs warm while the male brings food.

Name and classification

Group name: The everyday term “owls” also includes barn owls (Tytonidae), which belong to a separate family.

Conservation

Conservation: In the United States, the Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) remains listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

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