Owls in New Jersey: 8 Common Big-Eyed Species Of This State

New Jersey, often characterized by its bustling urban centers and extensive coastline, also harbors a surprising diversity of wildlife within its remaining natural habitats. Among the most captivating and often elusive residents of the Garden State are its owls – nocturnal predators whose silent flight and piercing gazes have long fascinated humankind.

These “big-eyed” birds of prey play crucial roles in maintaining ecological balance, controlling populations of rodents and other small animals. While some owl species may only pass through during migration, at least eight distinct species are considered common residents or regular visitors to New Jersey, each possessing unique characteristics and preferred habitats.

1. Great Horned Owl ( Bubo virginianus): The Apex Predator

The undisputed king of New Jersey's owl population is the Great Horned Owl. Easily recognizable by its prominent ear tufts (often mistakenly called horns), this large and powerful owl is a year-round resident found in virtually every habitat type across the state, from dense forests and open woodlands to suburban parks and even urban areas.

Its adaptable nature and broad diet, which includes everything from rabbits, squirrels, and rodents to skunks, opossums, and even other birds of prey, contribute to its widespread presence. The Great Horned Owl's deep, resonant hoot is a familiar sound in the New Jersey night, often heard during its early winter breeding season.

2. Barred Owl ( Strix varia): The Hooter of the Woods

Another common and relatively large owl in New Jersey is the Barred Owl. Favored habitats include mature deciduous forests, swamps, and wooded areas near water. Unlike the Great Horned Owl, the Barred Owl lacks ear tufts and has a rounder head.

Its distinctive call, often transcribed as "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?" is a hallmark of eastern woodlands. Barred Owls are opportunistic hunters, feeding on a variety of small mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and even fish. Their populations appear to be stable and even expanding in some areas of the state.

3. Eastern Screech-Owl ( Megascops asio): The Suburban Hunter

Despite its small size, the Eastern Screech-Owl is one of the most frequently encountered owls in New Jersey, particularly in suburban and even urban environments with mature trees. Two color morphs exist – a more common gray and a less frequent reddish-brown (rufous).

Its call is not a screech, but rather a series of soft trills and whinnies, often heard at night. These cavity-nesting owls readily adapt to living near humans, often taking up residence in tree hollows, nest boxes, and even barns. Their diet consists primarily of insects, small mammals, birds, and amphibians.

4. Long-eared Owl ( Asio otus): The Master of Camouflage

The Long-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl characterized by its prominent, upright ear tufts, which are typically held erect. This species is more secretive and less frequently observed than some of its more vocal counterparts. It prefers dense thickets, brushy fields, and young woodlands, often roosting in coniferous trees.

Long-eared Owls are primarily nocturnal hunters, specializing in small mammals, particularly voles. In New Jersey, they are often found in higher densities during the winter months when individuals from more northerly breeding grounds may migrate south.

5. Short-eared Owl ( Asio flammeus): The Diurnal Hunter

In stark contrast to most other owls, the Short-eared Owl is often active during the day, particularly at dawn and dusk. This medium-sized owl favors open habitats such as grasslands, salt marshes, and agricultural fields. It has relatively short ear tufts that are often difficult to see.

Short-eared Owls are skilled fliers, often seen quartering low over open ground in search of voles and other small rodents. Their populations can fluctuate depending on prey availability and habitat conditions, and they are considered a species of conservation concern in New Jersey due to habitat loss.

6. Northern Saw-whet Owl ( Aegolius acadicus): The Tiny Forest Dweller

The Northern Saw-whet Owl is one of the smallest owl species found in North America and a year-round resident of New Jersey. It prefers dense forests, particularly those with coniferous trees. Its name comes from one of its calls, which resembles the sound of a saw being sharpened.

These secretive owls are primarily nocturnal and feed on small mammals, especially deer mice. They are cavity nesters and often utilize old woodpecker holes. While present throughout the state, their small size and nocturnal habits make them less frequently observed.

7. Snowy Owl ( Bubo scandiacus): The Arctic Visitor

The majestic Snowy Owl is not a regular breeding resident of New Jersey, but it is an exciting and highly anticipated winter visitor. These large, white owls breed in the Arctic and occasionally irrupt (move south in large numbers) into the northeastern United States, including New Jersey, during years when their primary prey, lemmings, are scarce in their northern breeding grounds.

Snowy Owls are often seen in open areas such as coastal dunes, beaches, and agricultural fields. Their striking white plumage and piercing yellow eyes make them a memorable sight for birdwatchers.

8. Barn Owl ( Tyto alba): The Ghostly Hunter

The Barn Owl is a unique and easily recognizable owl with its heart-shaped facial disc and pale plumage, giving it a somewhat ghostly appearance. It prefers open habitats such as grasslands, agricultural fields, and marshes, often nesting in barns, silos, and other man-made structures, as well as natural cavities.

Barn Owls are highly specialized rodent hunters, and their presence is often welcomed by farmers for their natural pest control. While historically more common, Barn Owl populations in New Jersey have faced challenges due to habitat loss and pesticide use, making conservation efforts important for this fascinating species.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Type of Owl Can Be Found on Long Island?

Long Island is home to a surprising number of owl species, both year-round residents and winter visitors. The specific types you might encounter depend on the season and the habitat you are in, but a few species are considered the most common.

Here are some of the owl species that can be found on Long Island:

• Great Horned Owl: This is one of the most widespread and recognizable owls on Long Island, and throughout North America. They are large, powerful, and easily identified by their prominent ear tufts. You can find them in a variety of habitats, including wooded parks and suburban areas.

• Eastern Screech-Owl: Despite its name, this small owl's call is a whinny or trill, not a screech. They are a common resident on Long Island, and can be found in two color variations, gray and red-brown. They often live in tree cavities and will use nest boxes, making them a birdwatcher's favorite.

• Barn Owl: Known for its striking heart-shaped face and pale plumage, the Barn Owl is a specialist rodent hunter. They are often found in open areas like grasslands and marshes, and as their name suggests, they will frequently nest in barns and other human-made structures.

• Long-eared Owl: This secretive owl with its long ear tufts is a year-round resident on Long Island, though it can be difficult to spot. They prefer dense thickets and coniferous trees and are known to roost communally in winter.

• Short-eared Owl: Unlike most owls, the Short-eared Owl is often active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk. They favor open habitats like coastal marshes and fields, where they can be seen flying low to the ground in search of prey.

• Northern Saw-whet Owl: One of the smallest owls, the Northern Saw-whet Owl is a year-round resident but is most often observed as a winter visitor. They are known for a call that sounds like a saw being sharpened on a whetstone.

• Snowy Owl: While not a year-round resident, the Snowy Owl is an exciting winter visitor to Long Island. These large, white owls are typically found in the Arctic, but during "irruption" years when their food supply is low, they travel south. They are often spotted in open coastal areas like beaches and dunes.

• Barred Owl: While some sources say the Barred Owl is no longer a regular nesting species on Long Island, they have been observed in the area, and they are a common species in New York State. They prefer mature, moist forests.

Where Can I Find Owls in NJ?

New Jersey offers a variety of habitats that are excellent for finding owls, from dense forests to coastal marshes. The key to successful "owling" is to know which species you're looking for and what kind of environment they prefer. Here's a breakdown of where you can find some of the most common owls in NJ:

Northern New Jersey

The northern part of the state, with its mountainous terrain and extensive woodlands, is a prime location for several species.

Barred Owl: Look for these owls in remote, swampy, and mature deciduous forests. They are particularly associated with the Highlands region, including the Pequannock watershed, High Point State Park, and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The "who cooks for you" call is a great way to find them.

Great Horned Owl: These adaptable birds can be found almost anywhere with trees, including forests, suburban parks, and even urban areas. They are a common sight across the state.

Eastern Screech-Owl: Being the most common owl in New Jersey, you can find them in almost any wooded area, including your own backyard if you have mature trees. They often nest in tree cavities.

Southern New Jersey

The southern part of the state, characterized by the Pine Barrens, coastal wetlands, and agricultural lands, offers a different set of habitats.

Barred Owl: In South Jersey, they are found in wetland forests, particularly in areas like Bear Swamp Natural Area, Belleplain State Forest, and the tributaries of the Maurice River.

Barn Owl: These owls prefer open spaces like grasslands, marshes, and agricultural fields. They often nest in man-made structures. You might find them in the coastal areas of Delaware Bay and Stone Harbor.

Short-eared Owl: This species, often active during the day, hunts over open habitats. Look for them in coastal dunes, salt marshes, and fields, particularly during the winter months.

Snowy Owl: While not year-round residents, these Arctic visitors are an exciting find in winter. They are most often spotted in open coastal areas, beaches, and dunes. Keep an eye out for them in places like Island Beach State Park.

General Tips for Finding Owls

Listen for Calls: Many owls are more easily heard than seen. Learn the calls of the different species you're looking for and listen during the evening or early morning.

Look for Roosts: During the day, owls often roost in trees. Look for tell-tale signs like "whitewash" (droppings) on the ground below a tree, or regurgitated pellets containing bones and fur.

Use Binoculars: Owls are masters of camouflage. A good pair of binoculars is essential for spotting them, especially when they are perched high in a tree.

Go at the Right Time: Most owls are nocturnal, so your best chances are at dusk, dawn, or in the middle of the night. However, some species like the Short-eared Owl are active during the day.

Respect Wildlife: When you find an owl, be sure to keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing it. Approaching too closely can stress the bird and cause it to abandon its roost.

Wrapping Up