Are you fascinated by the beauty of owls but find it challenging to identify the different species? Owls, with their silent flight and haunting calls, captivate the imagination of many nature enthusiasts, but figuring out which one’s which can be tricky. That’s where the Owl Identification Chart comes in handy.
By accurately identifying owl species, you contribute to vital conservation efforts aimed at protecting these birds and their habitats. Additionally, recognizing specific owl species help you contribute to the local ecosystems and monitor biodiversity trends.
In this article, we’ll talk about why knowing your owls is important and how it can level up your birdwatching game. From the big and mighty Great Horned Owl to the sneaky Barn Owl, let’s spill the beans on these wonderful creatures and help you become an owl expert.
So, let’s discover the world of owls!
Table of Contents
Owl Identification Chart
Baby owls, like many other birds, begin their lives in a cozy nest. Owls often repurpose nests abandoned by other birds, adapting them to their needs. At two weeks old, their eyes open, and their fluffy down becomes thicker, giving them a more rounded appearance.
Despite their adorable appearance, baby owls are destined to become skilled hunters of the night. Fed by their parents, they feast on a diet of small mammals, birds, and reptiles, honing their predatory instincts from an early age.
Baby owls have distinct features, including large eyes, rounded heads, and fluffy down feathers. While they may resemble other raptors, their unique characteristics set them apart.
In just a matter of weeks, these once-helpless hatchlings transform into confident fledglings, ready to explore the world on their own.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a newbie in the world of ornithology, this baby owl identification chart simplifies the process of identifying baby owls from infancy to maturity.
| Owl Species | Habitat / Range | Size | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | North and South America | 18-25 inches | Large, “horns” of feathers on head |
| Barn Owl | Worldwide except polar regions | 12-15 inches | Heart-shaped facial disc, pale plumage |
| Eastern Screech Owl | Eastern North America | 6-10 inches | Small, ear tufts, mottled plumage |
| Snowy Owl | Arctic regions, Northern America | 20-28 inches | White plumage with black spots, yellow eyes |
| Barred Owl | Eastern North America | 16-24 inches | Brown with barred patterns, dark eyes |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | North and Central America | 7-8 inches | Small, round head, yellow eyes |
| Burrowing Owl | North and South America | 7-10 inches | Small, long legs, burrows in the ground |
| Eurasian Eagle Owl | Europe, Asia | 24-30 inches | Large, orange eyes, tufted ears |
| Western Screech Owl | Western North America | 7-10 inches | Small, gray or brown, ear tufts |
| Boreal Owl | Northern North America, Eurasia | 8-11 inches | Small, round head, yellow eyes, brown and white streaks |
| Tawny Owl | Europe, Asia | 15-18 inches | Round head, reddish-brown or gray, dark eyes |
| Spotted Owl | Western North America | 16-19 inches | Dark brown with white spots, dark eyes |
| Elf Owl | Southwestern USA, Mexico | 5-6 inches | Very small, pale, no ear tufts, dark eye sockets |
| Northern Hawk Owl | Northern North America, Eurasia | 14-17 inches | Long tail, no ear tufts, facial disc with dark border |
| Spectacled Owl | Central and South America | 16-20 inches | Dark brown with white “spectacles” around eyes, yellow eyes |
| Mottled Owl | Central and South America | 11-15 inches | Mottled brown, white eyebrows, dark eyes |
| Flammulated Owl | Western North America | 6-7 inches | Small, reddish-brown, dark eyes |
Owl Identification By Sound
Owls are more than just hooters; they’re chatterboxes with a diverse vocabulary of sounds. Each species has its own unique call that sets it apart. Let’s learn to identify five common North American species by their specific owl identifying calls.
- Barred Owl
Identifying Call: “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you?”
Barred Owls are masters of the rhythmic phrase, with the last syllable drawn out the longest. Found in the eastern half of the United States and parts of the Pacific Northwest and Canada.
- Barn Owl
Identifying Call: High-pitched screams, k-r-r-r-r-ick or even longer.
Despite its elegant appearance, the Barn Owl’s voice is anything but graceful. Its calls can be heard across the Lower 48 and five other continents.
- Eastern Screech-Owl
Identifying Call: Whinny capped with a trill, sometimes monotonic and soothing.
Think of a horse on helium – that’s the Eastern Screech-Owl’s call. They are skilled in vibrato and can be found across the United States.
- Great Horned Owl
Identifying Call: Gravelly hoots, resembling a muffled foghorn.
Tufted and yellow-eyed, the Great Horned Owl’s calls are unmistakable. They inhabit various regions across the continental United States, Alaska, and Canada.
- Burrowing Owl
Identifying Call: Simple coo-coooo, coo-coooo with a gentle wheeze.
Found along the southern border of the United States and in Mexico, the Burrowing Owl’s call is charming and distinctive, often used as a defense against predators.
Also read: Owl Egg Identification Chart
Identifying Characteristics Of an Owl
Owls come in various sizes and shapes, each perfectly suited to its environment and prey. Unlike many other bird species, male and female owls of the same type usually look alike. However, in larger species, females can be significantly larger than males, possibly to help in nesting or defense.
Owls are renowned for their exceptional night vision, rivaled only by cats. Their large, fixed eyes gather light effectively, enabling them to see in low-light conditions. But what sets owls apart is their extraordinary hearing.
Their ears aren’t symmetrical, allowing them to pinpoint sounds with incredible accuracy. Plus, their ability to turn their heads almost 270 degrees contribute to their amazing sensory powers.
When it comes to hunting, owls rely on their powerful feet and sharp talons to capture prey. These talons are specially designed to pierce through tough hides and hold onto heavy prey without breaking. Owls’ feather-covered feet and dense plumage help them withstand cold temperatures, which makes them thrive even in harsh environments.
Largest Owl Species
Ever heard the deep hooting of an owl late at night? These birds are nocturnal, and their feathered camouflage helps them stay hidden. But when you do spot one, you might be surprised by their size! These magnificent birds come in all shapes and sizes, with some reaching truly impressive dimensions.
Let’s take a look at the list of 04 largest owl species in the world:
1. Great Horned Owl – (Bubo virginianus)
- Weight: 3.2 pounds
- Wingspan: 4.6 feet
- Location: North and South America and the Arctic
The Great Horned Owl, with its iconic “horns” of feathers, is a common sight across the Americas. It’s a versatile hunter, preying on everything from small critters to other birds, thanks to its powerful talons.
2. Snowy Owl – (Bubo scandiacus)
- Weight: 4.5 pounds
- Wingspan: 4.8 feet
- Location: North America and Arctic tundras
The Snowy Owl’s striking appearance helps it blend into its snowy habitat, where it hunts lemmings and other small prey. Unlike most owls, it’s more active during the day.
3. Eurasian Eagle Owl – (Bubo bubo)
- Weight: 6-8 pounds
- Wingspan: 5-6 feet
- Location: Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa
The Eurasian Eagle Owl is adaptable, living in various habitats including urban areas. It’s a formidable predator, preying on mammals, birds, and even young deer.
4. Blakiston’s Fish Owl – (Bubo blakistoni)
- Weight: 6-8.8 pounds
- Wingspan: 6.5 feet
- Location: Russia, China, and Hokkaido, Japan
The Blakiston’s Fish Owl is not only the largest owl but also one of the rarest. It’s endangered due to habitat loss and overfishing, as it primarily feeds on fish.
Conclusion
From the baby owls to the largest owl species in the world, each owl has its own special traits and habits. Owls have captured the imagination of humans for centuries with their silent flight and haunting calls.
While identifying different owl species might seem like a challenge, the Owl Identification Chart proves to be an invaluable tool. So, whether you’re listening for the distinctive call of the Great Horned Owl or spotting the Snowy Owl in its Arctic habitat, let the wonder of owls inspire you.
Good luck with birdwatching!