Massachusetts, with its rich tapestry of habitats ranging from the dense coniferous forests of the Berkshires to the windswept coastal dunes of Cape Cod, provides a perfect home for a fascinating array of owl species.
These silent, nocturnal hunters are a source of both mystery and wonder for those lucky enough to spot or hear them. While many of the Commonwealth's owls are secretive and difficult to find, others are surprisingly common, even in suburban neighborhoods.
This guide will introduce you to nine of the most notable owl species in Massachusetts, providing insights into their unique characteristics, habitats, and the distinctive hoots that define their presence in the Massachusetts landscape.
1. Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
The Great Horned Owl is the undisputed king of the Massachusetts nocturnal sky. This large, powerful owl is a year-round resident and is a formidable predator, known for its deep, resonant call.
Identification: A large, bulky owl with prominent, widely spaced ear tufts that give it a "horned" appearance. Its mottled grayish-brown body, large yellow eyes, and a white patch on its throat are key features.
Habitat and Behavior: Highly adaptable, the Great Horned Owl can be found in a wide range of habitats, from dense forests and woodlots to urban parks and suburban backyards. It is a strictly nocturnal hunter, preying on everything from rodents and rabbits to skunks and other birds.
Sounds: Its deep, six-note hoot is a classic sound of the Massachusetts night: "hoo-hoo-hoooo, hoo-hoo."
Status in MA: A common and widespread year-round resident throughout the state.
2. Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio)
The Eastern Screech-Owl is a tiny but common owl that is often found in residential areas, though it is masters of camouflage. It is a small owl with prominent ear tufts and comes in two color phases: a common gray and a less common rufous (reddish-brown) phase.
Identification: Small, stocky owl with conspicuous ear tufts. It has large yellow eyes and an excellent ability to blend into tree bark.
Habitat and Behavior: Prefers open deciduous and mixed woodlands, and is very comfortable in suburban backyards and parks with mature trees. They are strictly nocturnal, hunting insects, small mammals, and songbirds.
Sounds: Its call is not a screech, but a descending, mournful trill that sounds like a soft whinny or a horse's whinnying call.
Status in MA: A common and widespread year-round resident throughout the state.
3. Barred Owl (Strix varia)
The Barred Owl's deep, haunting call is a classic sound of the Massachusetts woodlands. Its large, round head and dark, soulful eyes give it a friendly expression, but it is a silent and effective hunter.
Identification: A large, bulky owl with a round head and no ear tufts. Its plumage is mottled grayish-brown with vertical streaks on its belly and horizontal barring on its chest.
Habitat and Behavior: Barred Owls prefer mature deciduous and mixed forests, especially those near swamps or wetlands. They are primarily nocturnal but can be active during the day.
Sounds: Its loud, eight-note hoot is famously described by the mnemonic "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?"
Status in MA: A common and widespread year-round resident.
4. Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
The Snowy Owl is a magnificent winter visitor to Massachusetts, arriving from the Arctic tundra. Its brilliant white plumage allows it to camouflage perfectly in snow-covered landscapes.
Identification: A very large, striking owl with a pure white body (males) or white with dark barring (females and juveniles). It has a large, rounded head and piercing yellow eyes.
Habitat and Behavior: These owls prefer open areas that resemble their tundra home, such as coastal beaches, dunes, salt marshes, and open fields and airports. They are diurnal, or active during the day, which makes them easier to spot.
Sounds: Their call is a series of low, deep hoots that are rarely heard outside of the Arctic. In Massachusetts, they are generally silent.
Status in MA: An irregular but often anticipated winter visitor, with numbers fluctuating depending on food availability in the Arctic.
5. Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)
The Short-eared Owl is a fascinating owl of open spaces, a regular winter visitor to Massachusetts. It is one of the most diurnal owls and can often be seen hunting in the late afternoon.
Identification: A medium-sized owl with a streaky, buffy-brown body, a rounded head, and tiny ear tufts that are often not visible. It has large yellow eyes surrounded by dark patches.
Habitat and Behavior: This owl prefers wide-open spaces, including grasslands, salt marshes, and agricultural fields. It hunts by flying low over the ground, flapping erratically and then gliding.
Sounds: Its call is a raspy bark or a series of rapid "wa-wa-wa" hoots that are often only heard on the breeding grounds.
Status in MA: A regular winter visitor, particularly in coastal marshes and inland open fields.
6. Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)
This slender, secretive owl is a true master of camouflage, often going undetected in its dense roosting spots.
Identification: A medium-sized, slim owl with prominent, long ear tufts that are placed close together. It has a streaky, grayish-brown plumage and an orangey-facial disk.
Habitat and Behavior: The Long-eared Owl prefers dense stands of coniferous trees in forests and woodlots. It is strictly nocturnal and can be very difficult to find during the day as it roosts motionlessly against a tree trunk.
Sounds: Its call is a low, single-note "hoo" repeated every few seconds, but it also has a variety of squeaks and whines.
Status in MA: A resident but uncommon and highly localized nester in the state.
7. Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is the smallest owl in eastern North America, a true gem of the Massachusetts forests. It is named for its call, which sounds like a saw being sharpened on a whetstone.
Identification: A tiny owl with a large, round head, no ear tufts, and a streaky brown and white pattern. Its large, soulful yellow eyes and fluffy appearance make it incredibly cute.
Habitat and Behavior: Prefers dense coniferous and mixed forests. It is strictly nocturnal and can be very difficult to spot.
Sounds: Its call is a series of monotonous "toot-toot-toot" notes, which can be heard from a long distance.
Status in MA: A common but secretive resident and winter visitor.
8. Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
With its pale, heart-shaped face and ethereal appearance, the Barn Owl is a ghost of the Massachusetts night. This owl is a predator of voles and other rodents.
Identification: A medium-sized owl with a white, heart-shaped face, dark eyes, and a buffy-orange breast and belly with fine speckling.
Habitat and Behavior: Barn Owls prefer open country, grasslands, and agricultural fields where they can hunt. They are strictly nocturnal and often nest in abandoned buildings, barns, and silos.
Sounds: Its call is a raspy screech, rather than a hoot.
Status in MA: A resident but uncommon and highly localized nester, primarily found in coastal and southern areas.
9. Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa)
A very rare winter visitor to Massachusetts, the Great Gray Owl is a magnificent, large owl of the boreal forests. Seeing one in the Commonwealth is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most birders.
Identification: A very large owl with a huge, round face, a gray-and-white barred body, and piercing yellow eyes. It lacks ear tufts and has a small red patch on its "chin."
Habitat and Behavior: This owl is a true bird of the deep woods and prefers coniferous forests and swamps. They are diurnal and hunt by listening for prey under the snow.
Sounds: Its hoot is a very low, muffled "whoo-oo-ah" that is often hard to hear.
Status in MA: A very rare and irregular winter visitor.
How to Spot Owls in Massachusetts
Listen for calls
The most reliable way to find an owl is to listen for its call. Owls are far more often heard than seen.
Go Out at the Right Time: The best time to listen for owls is at dusk and dawn. Many owls, like the Barred Owl, are most vocal during these crepuscular hours.
Learn the Calls: Familiarize yourself with the hoots, trills, and screeches of the owls in your area. The Great Horned Owl has a deep, rhythmic hoot, while the Eastern Screech-Owl has a descending, whinny-like trill. The Barred Owl's call is famously described as "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?"
Be Patient: Find a quiet spot in a wooded area and just listen. Stay still and be patient, as owls may not call right away.
Look for Signs
Owls leave behind physical evidence of their presence. Looking for these signs is a great way to locate a roosting spot.
Owl Pellets: Owls regurgitate indigestible parts of their prey, such as bones and fur, in the form of a pellet. Look for these pellets on the ground at the base of large trees, especially evergreens.
Whitewash: Owl droppings, known as whitewash, are often visible on the trunk and branches of a tree where an owl has been roosting.
Mobbing Birds: During the day, crows, jays, and other songbirds will often harass or "mob" a hidden owl. Follow the sound of their frantic cawing or scolding to find the owl's daytime roost.
Know Where to Look
Different owls prefer different habitats. Knowing where to look for a specific species will greatly increase your chances of success.
Dense Forests: For owls like the Barred Owl and Northern Saw-whet Owl, search in mature deciduous and mixed forests, especially near wetlands or swamps. The Long-eared Owl prefers dense coniferous stands.
Open Fields and Marshes: The Short-eared Owl hunts in open areas, often in salt marshes, grasslands, or large fields near the coast, particularly during winter.
Coastal Areas: The Snowy Owl is a winter visitor that prefers open, windswept areas that resemble the Arctic tundra. Look for them on coastal beaches, dunes, and airport fields.
Suburban Backyards: The Great Horned Owl and Eastern Screech-Owl are highly adaptable and are often found in suburban parks and backyards with large, mature trees.
Practice Ethical Owl Watching
When you do find an owl, it's crucial to observe it ethically to avoid causing stress to the bird.
Maintain Distance: Use binoculars or a camera with a good zoom lens. Never approach an owl closely, as this can disturb its rest and cause it to waste valuable energy.
Avoid Using Calls: Never use recorded owl calls to try and lure a wild owl. This can cause the bird significant stress and disrupt its natural behavior.
Minimize Light: When observing owls at night, use a minimal amount of light from a flashlight and avoid shining it directly at the owl's eyes.
Keep Quiet: Be as quiet as possible and move slowly. The more you blend in with the environment, the more likely the owl is to remain calm and undisturbed.
How do you attract owls in Massachusetts?
Provide Nesting and Roosting Locations
Owls are cavity nesters, and a lack of suitable nesting spots is often a limiting factor for their population.
Install Nesting Boxes: This is one of the most effective ways to attract owls, especially smaller species. For Eastern Screech-Owls, a box with a 3-inch entrance hole placed 10-20 feet high on a tree is ideal. For Barred Owls, you'll need a much larger box placed in a forested area, 20-30 feet high.
Leave Snags and Dead Trees: If it's safe to do so, leave dead or dying trees on your property. These "snags" provide natural cavities for owls and other wildlife.
Create Perches: Provide tall, open perches in your yard. Owls use these to rest and hunt. Leave a few dead branches on living trees, or install a sturdy, T-shaped pole in an open area.
Create an Environment Rich in Prey
The most important factor in attracting and keeping owls is a consistent food supply.
Discourage Rodents Naturally: Instead of using poisons, which can harm owls and other predators that eat the poisoned rodents, encourage a natural balance. Owls will do the work for you.
Plant a Diverse Landscape: A varied landscape with native plants, grasses, and shrubs will attract insects and small mammals, which in turn attract owls.
Maintain a Water Source
While owls often get moisture from their prey, a water source can be a welcome addition.
Shallow Basin: Provide a large, shallow birdbath or water basin. Be sure to keep the water clean and fresh, especially in warm weather.
Create an Environment Free of Threats
A safe environment is a key part of any plan to attract owls.
Keep Cats Indoors: Free-roaming cats are a major predator of owls, especially smaller species like the Eastern Screech-Owl. Keeping your cats inside is the single most important thing you can do to protect them.
Avoid Using Recorded Calls: While tempting, using recorded owl calls to lure owls is a form of harassment that can cause them significant stress, as they may view the call as a territorial threat.
Eliminate Pesticides: Pesticides and rodenticides can harm owls that eat contaminated prey. A natural balance is the best way to create a healthy environment.
Where do owls sleep during the day?
Owls sleep or rest during the day in a variety of hidden locations, a behavior known as roosting. Their choice of roosting spot is primarily determined by the need for camouflage, protection from predators, and shelter from the elements.
Here are some of the most common places where owls spend their days:
Tree Cavities: Small to medium-sized owls, such as the Eastern Screech-Owl, often use natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes to roost. These spots offer excellent protection from predators and bad weather.
Dense Foliage: Many owls, including the Great Horned Owl and Barred Owl, prefer to roost in the dense foliage of coniferous trees, like pines or spruces. The thick needles provide excellent cover, and the owls will often choose a branch close to the tree trunk to further hide themselves.
Tree Branches: Larger owls may simply perch on a sturdy branch high in a tree. They use their camouflage to blend in with the bark and shadows. They will often choose a branch close to the tree trunk to avoid detection.
Abandoned Buildings and Barns: Owls that live in open country, such as the Barn Owl, will often roost in the dark, secluded areas of old barns, silos, or abandoned buildings. These structures provide a safe and dry place to rest during the day.
On the Ground: Owls that live in more open habitats, like the Short-eared Owl and Snowy Owl, will often roost on the ground in thick grasses, salt marshes, or on dunes. Their plumage provides excellent camouflage in these environments.
What is the most common owl in MA?
The most common owls in Massachusetts are the Great Horned Owl and the Barred Owl.
While it's difficult to name a single "most common" owl, these two large species are widespread and abundant throughout the state.
The Great Horned Owl is highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, from dense forests to suburban parks. Its deep, hooting call is a familiar sound, making it a very recognizable and frequently reported owl.
The Barred Owl is also very common, particularly in the state's woodlands and forested wetlands. Its "Who cooks for you?" call is a classic sound of the Massachusetts countryside.
Both species are year-round residents and are found in almost every county in the Commonwealth.
Wrapping Up
Wildlife is fascinating. However, any owl sighting is intriguing. And if you’ve developed a penchant for these mysterious creatures, you can't get enough of the sight.
During your next bird-watching adventure, take time to observe the owls you encounter. Comprehending their behavior or identifying their calls makes birding more fun!
MA is home to attractive owl species. It’s about time you discover the mysteries hidden behind those overawing eyes.
Want more? Read all about the hawks found in Masschusetts.
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