All 14 Owls in Oregon [With Sounds & Pictures]

Explore Oregon’s diverse owl species, like the mysterious Great Gray Owl with its intriguing low hoots, or the adaptable Barred Owl known for its ‘Who cooks for you’ call. Delve into the dark forests to spot the petite Northern Pygmy-Owl, recognizable by its ‘Toot!’ call and dark plumage. In urban areas, listen for the Western Screech-Owl’s unique ‘Bouncing ball song’ call. Discover the elusive Flammulated Owl in the dense coniferous forests with its low-pitched woot call. Each owl offers a fascinating glimpse into the wonders of Oregon’s natural world, waiting for you to uncover their secrets.

1. Great Horned Owl

With a wingspan ranging from 91 to 153 cm, the Great Horned Owl in Oregon is a formidable predator known for its silent flight and deep, sonorous hoot. As a species scientifically known as Bubo virginianus, these majestic creatures can live up to 25-50 years, showcasing their resilience and adaptability. Found across the diverse landscapes of Oregon, the Great Horned Owl’s distinct ear tufts and large size of 43-64 cm (17-25 in) contribute to their imposing presence. Weighing between 1200-1600 g (2.64-3.52 lbs), these owls are skilled hunters, preying on a variety of animals with their sharp talons and powerful beaks. Their big, bulky appearance and unique hooting distinguish them from other owl species in the region. Despite their size, Great Horned Owls are known for their agility and stealth, making them effective nocturnal predators in the forests and fields of Oregon.

2. Barred Owl

The Barred Owl, a large owl species known scientifically as Strix varia, showcases distinctive vocalizations and adaptability in Oregon’s diverse habitats. Here are some key points to help you understand more about this owl species:

1. Physical Characteristics:

• The Barred Owl measures between 40-63 cm in length and weighs 610-1150 g.
• They have round heads and dark streaks on their pale underparts, aiding in their identification within forested environments.

1. Vocalizations:

• Barred owls are well-known for their ‘who cooks for you’ hoot, a distinctive vocalization often heard echoing through forests where they reside.
• Listening for these vocalizations can be a helpful way to locate and appreciate these owls in Oregon’s wooded areas.

1. Adaptability and Competition:

• These skilled hunters are adaptable to various habitats, displaying their ability to thrive in different forest settings.
• Barred owls have been observed competing with other owl species for resources, showcasing their resilience and competitive nature in the ecosystem.

3. Northern Pygmy-Owl

Measuring only 6-7 inches in length, the Northern Pygmy-Owl is one of the smallest owl species found in Oregon. Despite its petite size, this owl is a skilled hunter, preying on insects, small mammals, and birds. Its vocalization is a distinctive single, well-spaced, whistled ‘Toot!’ call, which sets it apart from other owl species. Visually, the Northern Pygmy-Owl is striking with dark brown plumage, black markings on the head, and a longer tail compared to its body size. These features make it visually distinctive in its habitat. The Northern Pygmy-Owl is well-suited for hunting in dense forests, found in the southern half of British Columbia and parts of the western USA. Keep an eye out for this small but mighty owl species during your explorations in the Oregon wilderness.

4. Western Screech-Owl

In Oregon, the Western Screech-Owl, a small nocturnal owl species with distinctive ear tufts and dark streaks on its underparts, is a permanent resident in the region. This fascinating owl, with a length of 8.5 inches and a wingspan of 20 inches, is known for its cryptic plumage and nocturnal hunting habits. Here are some interesting facts about the Western Screech-Owl:

1. Nocturnal Hunting: The Western Screech-Owl is primarily active during the night, using its keen vision and sharp talons to hunt for small mammals, insects, and other prey under the cover of darkness.
2. Bouncing Ball Song: One of the unique features of the Western Screech-Owl is its distinctive call, often described as a “bouncing ball song” due to its rhythmic and repetitive nature, which aids in identifying this owl species in the wild.
3. Habitat Preferences: These small owls can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and urban areas, where they roost in tree cavities and blend seamlessly with their surroundings to avoid predators.

5. Barn Owl

Within the diverse avian population of Oregon, the Barn Owl, distinguished by its heart-shaped facial disc, stands out as a common and efficient predator of rodents. These medium-sized owls, scientifically known as Tyto alba, exhibit a remarkable hunting prowess that aids in controlling rodent populations. With a wingspan ranging from 42 to 47 inches and a length of about 13 to 15 inches, Barn Owls are well-adapted for their hunting endeavors. Their preferred habitats include open fields, grasslands, and agricultural areas where they can easily locate and prey upon small mammals like mice and voles. Barn Owls’ pale plumage speckled with brown spots adds to their charm, making them a captivating sight especially during their silent flight at twilight and dawn. Their hissing call echoes through the night as they skillfully navigate their territories in search of prey, showcasing their importance in the ecosystem’s delicate balance of predator-prey relationships.

6. Short-eared Owl

The Short-eared Owl, a summer resident in Alaska, Canada, and the USA, is a medium-sized owl characterized by dark eye patches and long wings. This owl emits a hoarse, cat-like call that echoes across its grassland habitats. Here are some key features of the Short-eared Owl:

1. Distinctive Appearance: The Short-eared Owl stands out with its prominent dark eye patches that contrast against its pale facial disk. Its long wings, spanning around 38 inches, aid in its graceful flight.
2. Vocalization: When in flight or perched, the Short-eared Owl produces a distinctive hoarse call that is often likened to a cat’s meow. This call serves various purposes, including territorial communication and attracting mates.
3. Size and Measurements: Measuring around 15 inches in length, this owl has a slender body and a wingspan that allows it to soar effortlessly through open fields and marshes, where it hunts for small mammals and birds.

7. Burrowing Owl

Nestled within the burrows of mammals or other birds, the Burrowing Owl, a resident of central-southern Canada and the western USA during the summer months, is a small owl species distinguished by its raspy, chattering call and characteristic physical features. These small owls, measuring around 9.5 inches in length, have strikingly long legs, a white throat, and a round head. Their unique appearance sets them apart from other owl species.

Burrowing Owls are known for their interesting nesting behavior. They make use of burrows dug by mammals or repurpose abandoned burrows of other birds for their nesting sites. This behavior not only provides them with shelter but also serves as protection for their eggs and young owlets. Their adaptability in utilizing these burrows showcases their resourcefulness in finding suitable habitats for raising their offspring.

The Burrowing Owl’s distinctive call and physical characteristics make them a fascinating species to observe in their natural habitat.

8. Northern Saw-whet Owl

Observing the Northern Saw-whet Owl in Oregon’s dense coniferous forests reveals a nocturnal hunter with a distinct preference for small mammals and birds as prey. This small owl species, measuring 17-22 cm in length, showcases fascinating behaviors and features:

1. Distinctive Calls: The Northern Saw-whet Owl is known for its unique vocalizations, often described as a series of toots resembling the sound of a saw being sharpened, hence its name.
2. Hunting Technique: In the dark of night, these owls rely on their exceptional hearing and vision to silently swoop down on unsuspecting prey like mice and small birds, a display of precise and efficient hunting skills.
3. Habitat Niche: Preferring the shelter of dense coniferous forests in Oregon, the Northern Saw-whet Owl finds its ideal hunting and nesting grounds among the thick foliage, where its small size and camouflaged plumage aid in blending seamlessly with the surroundings.

9. Great Gray Owl

With its mottled gray plumage blending seamlessly into the forest habitat, the Great Gray Owl, a rare species in Oregon, stands out for its impressive size and distinctive call. This magnificent owl, known for its large size with a wingspan of up to 52 inches and a length of 27 inches, is a sight to behold in the northern regions of the United States. The Great Gray Owl’s call, a series of ten low hoots, resonates through the dense woodlands it calls home.

These majestic birds primarily prey on small mammals like voles, showcasing a calm and deliberate hunting behavior. However, despite their remarkable adaptations, the Great Gray Owl faces threats such as habitat loss and climate change. Conservation efforts are crucial to safeguarding the future of this remarkable species, ensuring that their haunting calls continue to echo through the forests of Oregon for generations to come.

10. Long-eared Owl

The Long-eared Owl, a medium-sized species distinct for its orange face and mottled gray plumage, is commonly found in Oregon. Here are some fascinating facts about this remarkable owl:

1. Distinctive Appearance:

• The Long-eared Owl boasts a unique orange face that sets it apart from other owl species.
• Its mottled gray plumage provides excellent camouflage in its preferred wooded habitats.
• Recognizable by its long wings and prominent ear tufts, this owl exhibits striking features.

1. Vocal Communication:

• With a wingspan reaching 36 inches, the Long-eared Owl emits a single, one-second ‘Hooo!’ call for communication.
• This vocalization serves to establish territories and attract potential mates within their forested dwellings.
• The simplicity and clarity of their call facilitate efficient communication among individuals.

1. Habitat and Distribution:

• Long-eared Owls are known for their preference for dense forests and wooded areas, where they can roost and hunt effectively.
• Although primarily found in southern Canada and much of the USA, these adaptable owls can thrive in various habitats.
• Their lifespan, ranging from 10 to 27 years, allows them to establish stable populations across their range.

11. Spotted Owl

Inhabiting the forests of Oregon, the Spotted Owl is a native species known for its distinctive dark brown plumage adorned with white spotting. This medium-sized owl, measuring 17.5 inches in length with a wingspan of 40 inches, stands out with its striking appearance. The Spotted Owl’s call is characterized by abrupt bark-like hoots, a unique vocalization in the owl kingdom. This species primarily resides in the Pacific Northwest, Sierra Nevada, and southwestern regions of the USA.

Conservation efforts play a crucial role in safeguarding the Spotted Owl population. Due to habitat loss and various threats, initiatives are in place to protect these owls and ensure their survival. Preserving the forests where the Spotted Owl resides is essential for maintaining their population numbers and overall well-being. By understanding the habitat requirements and behaviors of the Spotted Owl, conservationists can implement effective strategies to mitigate the challenges these owls face in the wild.

12. Flammulated Owl

A diminutive species of owl found in southern British Columbia and the western USA, the Flammulated Owl is known for its unique low-pitched woot call. These small owls, measuring 6.75 inches in length with a wingspan of 16 inches, are among the smallest owl species, weighing between 42-85 g (1.5-3 oz). Here are some key features of the Flammulated Owl:

1. Distinctive Call: The Flammulated Owl is recognized by its low-pitched woot call, which sets it apart from other owl species. This call aids in their identification and communication within their habitat.
2. Coloration and Appearance: Mottled gray and reddish-brown in color, Flammulated Owls have short ear tufts that contribute to their unique appearance in the dense coniferous forests they inhabit.
3. Habitat Preference: These owls are commonly found in dense coniferous forests, where they blend in seamlessly with their surroundings. Their preference for such habitats is closely tied to their hunting and nesting behaviors.

13. Snowy Owl

Rarely spotted in Oregon, the Snowy Owl is known for its striking white plumage and skilled hunting abilities. These magnificent owls, with a wingspan of up to 52 inches and a length of 23 inches, exhibit a beautiful contrast of white feathers with dark barring. Snowy Owls are primarily found in Arctic regions, making their occasional appearances in Oregon a special sighting for bird enthusiasts. Their low, gruff call adds to the mystique surrounding these elusive birds.

Snowy Owls are adept predators, preying on small mammals and birds in their habitat. Their keen vision allows them to spot prey from great distances, making them efficient hunters in the vast Arctic landscapes they call home. When hunting, Snowy Owls use their silent flight to sneak up on unsuspecting prey before striking with precision. Despite their rarity in Oregon, encountering a Snowy Owl is a memorable experience that highlights the beauty and adaptability of these Arctic predators.

14. Boreal Owl

With its dark brown plumage and distinctive white spotting, the Boreal Owl is a rare and fascinating owl species found in Oregon. This owl, known for its unique features, thrives in the coniferous forests of the region, where it nests and hunts for prey. Here are some key characteristics of the Boreal Owl:

1. Physical Appearance: The Boreal Owl is relatively small, measuring 10 inches in length with a wingspan of 21 inches. Its dark brown plumage and white spotting help it blend seamlessly with the tree bark in its forest habitat.
2. Distinctive Call: When in the wild, listen for a series of twelve brief hoot notes, which serve as the Boreal Owl’s distinctive call. This vocalization aids in identifying this elusive species among the trees.
3. Habitat Preference: Found in Canada, Alaska, and select parts of the USA, the Boreal Owl shows a clear preference for coniferous forests, where it can camouflage effectively and thrive in its natural environment.