The Owls in Washington State cast an air of mystery and wonder over the region’s diverse landscapes. With their silent flight and haunting hoots, these nocturnal creatures captivate the imagination of birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Whether exploring the dense forests, venturing into the remote wilderness, or listening for their calls under the night sky, encountering an owl in Washington State is a thrilling experience.
Common Owls In Washington State
The most common Owls in Washington State include the Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Western Screech-Owl, Snowy Owl, Long-eared Owl, Burrowing Owl, Flammulated Owl, Great Gray Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, and Spotted Owl.
This blog post will cover the fifteen types of owls throughout the state, from the giant Great Horned Owl to the elusive Spotted Owl. Readers can learn about their unique features, appearance, intriguing behaviors, and preferred habitats.
Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or a newcomer to the hobby, we hope this post will boost your appreciation for the incredible owls that call Washington home.
We have organized our list from most likely seen to the least likely to be seen for your convenience.
Washington State Owls
According to the latest data from ebird, there are fifteen observed species of Owls in Washington. This data has been compiled from over 40,400 dedicated bird watchers throughout the state.
Here are some quick facts:
- The Great Horned Owl is the most commonly observed Owl in Washington
- Spotted Owl are the least widely observed species in Washington
- Snowy Owls are the largest in Washington
- Flammulated Owls are the smallest Owls in the state
15 Types Of Owls In Washington State
1. Great horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl is a large and powerful eagle owl found throughout North and South America and are year-round residents of Washington State. They are known for their distinctive ear tufts and intense yellow eyes.
- Length: 46-63cm (18-25 inches)
- Weight: 910-2500g (32-88oz)
- Wingspan: 101-145cm (40-57 inches)
- Great Horned Owl Scientific Name: Bubo virginianus
Appearance
Great Horned Owls are large-bodied owls with broad, round wings and distinctive ear tufts.
Their plumage can vary depending on geographic location, but they are primarily brown and gray above, with bars and speckling. They have reddish brown faces, white throats, and large yellow eyes.
Habitat
Great Horned Owls are adaptable, and you can spot them in various habitats, including forests, deserts, grasslands, and urban areas.
They are found throughout North, Central, and South America and can thrive in cold or warm climates.
Diet
Great Horned Owls are night-time predators that eat a variety of mammals, including rodents, opossums, and rabbits.
They will also eat giant insects, reptiles such as snakes and lizards, and other large birds such as ducks, geese, and sometimes unsuspecting raptors such as hawks, owls, or falcons.
They hunt from an elevated perch and swoop down onto prey. Their powerful talons and strong beak allow them to catch and kill their prey quickly.
Nesting
Great Horned Owls rarely build their own nest but instead, use abandoned nests of other large birds.
They typically lay 2-3 eggs per clutch, which hatch after about a month. Females primarily incubate the eggs, and both parents take turns feeding their young.
Interesting facts
- Great Horned Owls are known for their ability to take down prey larger than themselves.
- These birds have excellent hearing and can locate prey in complete darkness.
- They will store food away in winter and return later to feed. Often incubating their frozen meal to thaw it out.
- Great Horned Owls have few natural predators and can live up to 30 years in the wild.
2. Barred Owl
The Barred Owl is a large wood owl native to North America. They are non-migratory and inhabit the wooded Eastern United States and northwestern North America. They can be seen in Washington all year round.
- Length: 43-50cm (17-20 inches)
- Weight: 470-1050g (16.5-37oz)
- Wingspan: 99-110cm (39-43 inches)
- Barred Owl Scientific Name: Strix varia
Appearance
Barred Owls are chunky looking, with large heads, no ear tufts, and round tails.
They are brownish-grey above with white spots and a buff color below, with dark vertical bars on their chest and belly, and their tails have brown and white barring.
Habitat
Barred Owls prefer to live in mature forests but can also be found in wooded swamps and along rivers.
They can also be seen living in wooded residential areas and parks.
Diet
Barred Owls are nocturnal hunters feeding primarily on small mammals, such as mice, opossums, squirrels, and rabbits. They also eat birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians that live in swampy areas.
They search for prey from an elevated perch and can sometimes be heard calling in the early morning or late evening.
Nesting
Barred Owls typically nest in large tree cavities but will also use abandoned nests of other large birds, such as Hawks.
They lay 2-3 eggs per clutch, which hatch after about a month. Females incubate the eggs, and males provide the food for her and their young.
Interesting facts
- Barred Owls have a unique call that sounds like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” This call is often heard in forests at night.
- These birds have excellent hearing, which allows them to locate prey in complete darkness.
- They have adapted well to suburban and urban areas and can often be found in parks and backyards.
- They are known to rival another owl species, the Spotted Owl, for nesting sites and territory.
- Barred Owls are sometimes called “hoot owls” because of their distinctive call.
3. Barn Owl
The Barn Owl is a beautiful and distinctive species of owl, known worldwide for its heart-shaped face and ghostly white appearance. They can be seen throughout Washington all year round.
- Length: 32-40cm (12.5-15.8 inches)
- Weight: 400-700g (14-24.7oz)
- Wingspan: 100-125cm (39.5-49.2 inches)
- Barn Owl Scientific Name: Tyto alba
Appearance
The Barn Owl is a medium-sized owl with a distinctive heart-shaped facial disc outlined in white and bordered by a brownish-orange rim. They have long legs, long, rounded wings, and short tails.
They are a mottled rusty brown and gray above with fine black dots and streaks. Below they vary in color from white to light cinnamon.
Males are smaller than females, and the darkest colored Barn Owls are always female.
Habitat
You can spot Barn Owls in low-elevation open habitats such as grasslands, agricultural areas, wetlands, and forests worldwide.
Diet
Barn Owls feed primarily on rodents like mice, voles, and shrews but will also eat other small animals such as rabbits, birds, and insects.
They hunt mainly at night by flying low over open areas using their exceptional hearing and vision to locate prey.
Nesting
Barn Owls do not build their nests, instead rely on natural or artificial cavities for their nests. These include hollow trees, barns, caves, church steeples, and nest boxes.
They lay 3-8 eggs per clutch, which hatch after about a month. The female does most of the incubation, while the male brings food to the nest.
Interesting facts
- Barn Owls are one of the world’s most widespread species of owls. They are sometimes called the “ghost owl” because of their silent flight and pale appearance.
- Barn Owls’ specialized hearing system allows them to locate prey in complete darkness.
- They are considered to be a symbol of wisdom in many cultures around the world.
4. Short-eared Owl
The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl common in many parts of the world and is a year-round resident of Washington state. They are known for their distinctive facial disk and the tufts of feathers that resemble ears.
- Length: 34-43cm (13.4-17 inches)
- Weight: 206-475g (7.3-16.8oz)
- Wingspan: 85-103cm (33.5-40.5 inches)
- Short-eared Owl Scientific Name: Asio flammeus
Appearance
Short-eared Owls have large rounded heads, small ear tufts, short tails, broad wings, and yellow eyes.
They have brownish feathers with white and dark streaks and a distinctive facial disk with black markings around their yellow eyes that resemble mascara.
Their chest and belly are pale with brown streaks, and females are larger and appear darker than the males.
Their “ear tufts” stick up from the top of their head, giving them a slightly comical appearance.
Habitat
You can spot Short-eared Owls in open habitats such as grasslands, marshes, prairies, farmlands, and tundra. They are migratory owls whose range stretches across North America and parts of South America.
Diet
They feed primarily on rodents such as voles, mice and lemmings. They will also eat small mammals such as rabbits, gophers, shrews, and birds along the coast.
Short Eared Owls hunt by flying low over fields and grasslands, using their exceptional hearing to locate prey.
Nesting
Short-eared Owls females build their nest on the dry ground among tall grass or shrubs using feathers and grass.
They typically lay 3-11 eggs per clutch, which hatch after about a month. Females primarily incubate the eggs, and males provide food for the females and the young.
Interesting facts
- They are known for their distinctive flight pattern and buoyant, moth-like style.
- They are considered a species of concern in many parts of the world due to habitat loss and degradation.
- They are one of the few owl species that are active during the day and night.
5. Northern Pygmy-Owl
Northern Pygmy-Owls are small owls living in North America’s western half and are a year-round resident of Washington.
- Length: 16-18cm (6.2-7 inches)
- Weight: Avg 62.3g (2.2oz)
- Wingspan: Avg 38cm (15 inches)
- Northern Pygmy-Owl Scientific Name: Glaucidium gnoma
Appearance
The Northern Pygmy-Owl is a small bird of prey, with a length of about 6-7 inches and a wingspan of up to 15 inches. They have large, round heads, long tails, short wings, and yellow eyes.
Their feathers are grayish-brown above and white with dark streaks below. They have white spots on their crown and a noticeable “false eye” on the back of their neck or nape.
Females have a more reddish-brown plumage than the males.
Habitat
You can spot Northern Pygmy-Owls in open coniferous forests and woodlands in the foothills, mountains, and canyons of the western United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Diet
Northern Pygmy-Owls feed on various prey but primarily hunt small birds and mammals, such as songbirds, voles, and mice. They will also eat large insects such as grasshoppers, cicadas, beetles, and lizards.
They are aggressive little hunters that primarily hunt during the day by watching from a perch before quickly pursuing prey.
Nesting
Northern Pygmy-Owls nest in natural tree cavities and old woodpecker holes up to 25 feet from the ground.
The female lays 2-7 eggs, which hatch after about four weeks. Females will incubate the eggs and feed the chicks any prey the male brings to the nest.
Interesting facts
- Songbirds will often mob any Northern Pygmy-Owls in the area, which provides birdwatchers with a noticeable sign of where to spot these tiny owls.
- They are one of the few species of owls primarily active during the day.
- Despite their small size, Northern Pygmy-Owls are fierce predators known to take down prey much larger than themselves.
- They are known to aggressively defend their nests against potential predators, including larger birds and mammals.
6. Northern Saw-whet Owl
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a tiny owl common throughout most of North America and is a year-round resident of Washington state.
- Length: 18-21cm (7-8.3 inches)
- Weight: 65-151g (2.3-5.3oz)
- Wingspan: 42-48cm (16.5-19 inches)
- Northern Saw-Whet Owl Scientific Name: Aegolius acadicus
Appearance
Northern Saw-whet Owls are tiny birds of prey, with large rounded heads. They are about the same size as a Hairy Woodpecker.
They are reddish-brown above and white below with reddish streaks. They have white streaks and spots on the edges of their reddish facial disks, yellow eyes, and a dark bill.
Habitat
Northern Saw-whet Owls prefer to live in wooded areas and forests, especially those with various kinds of coniferous trees throughout much of North America, including Canada and the United States.
Diet
Northern Saw-whet Owls primarily hunt small mammals that live in the forest, such as mice and voles, but will also prey on large insects and small birds throughout Washington State.
They hunt almost exclusively at night by watching or hearing prey from a perch before swooping to grab it with their talons.
Nesting
Northern Saw-whet Owls nest in trees up to 60 feet above the ground, usually in a natural cavity or a large abandoned woodpecker hole.
The female lays 5-6 eggs, which hatch after about a month. The females incubate the eggs and feed the young with food provided by the male.
Interesting facts
- Northern Saw-whet Owls are named for their “sawing” sound, which sounds like a saw being sharpened on a whetstone.
- These birds are primarily nocturnal and are rarely seen during the day.
- Northern Saw-whet Owls are sometimes preyed upon by larger owls, such as Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls.
- These birds are relatively long-lived for their size, with some individuals living up to nine years in the wild.
7. Western Screech-Owl
The Western Screech-Owl is a small, nocturnal owl native to the western half of North and a year-round resident of Washington.
- Length: 19-25cm (7.5-9.5 inches)
- Weight: 100-305g (3.5-10.8oz)
- Wingspan: 55-61cm (21.5-24.5 inches)
- Western Screech-Owl Scientific Name: Megascops kennicottii
Appearance
The Western Screech-Owl is a small owl with a stocky body, a short tail, yellow eyes, and tufts of feathers on their heads that resemble ears.
Their feathers can be either gray, brown, or reddish-brown and are mottled throughout, giving them excellent camouflage in their woodland habitat.
Habitat
You can spot Western Screech-Owls in various habitats, including forests, open woodlands, deserts, parks, and suburban areas with trees.
Diet
Western Screech-Owls feed primarily on large insects and small mammals such as beetles, spiders, moths, centipedes, voles, mice, and tiny gophers.
They will also occasionally eat small birds and reptiles such as lizards and snakes.
They hunt by watching for prey from a perch and then swooping down to catch it with their talons.
Nesting
Western Screech-Owls nest in tree cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes, Natural hollows, giant cacti, or nest boxes.
They typically lay 2-5 eggs, which the female incubates for about a month while the male provides the food.
Interesting facts
- Western Screech-Owls are known for their distinctive call, a series of soft trills and whistles.
- These owls are primarily active at night but may also be seen sitting at the entrance to their holes during the day.
- Western Screech-Owls will often take on prey larger than themselves.
- These owls are sometimes preyed upon by larger birds of prey, such as the Great Horned Owl.
- Western Screech-Owls are sometimes kept as pets or used in falconry.
8. Snowy Owl
The Snowy Owl is a beautiful and iconic bird of prey that is native to the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. They can be seen in northern Washington during the colder non-breeding season.
- Length: 52-71cm (20.5-28 inches)
- Weight: 1600-2950g (56.4-104oz)
- Wingspan: 126-145cm (49.6-57 inches)
- Snowy Owl Scientific Name: Asio flammeus
Appearance
Snowy Owls are large birds of prey with large heads, yellow eyes, black bills, and heavily feathered legs that help keep them warm in frigid temperatures.
They have striking white feathers, which help them blend in with their snowy habitat. Males have white feathers have narrow dark bars or spots. Females have the same dark markings, but they appear darker and larger.
The Snowy Owl’s plumage gets lighter with age, and old males often have pure white feathers with no dark markings.
Habitat
Snowy Owls prefer to live in open areas, such as tundra, prairies, marshes, fields, farmlands, and Arctic plains, where they can hunt their prey.
They are found in the northern parts of North America, Europe, and Asia and are known for their ability to survive in some of the harshest environments on the planet.
Diet
Snowy Owls feed on a variety of prey. They primarily hunt small mammals, such as lemmings, voles, and rabbits, but they also prey on large birds, such as geese and ducks, fish, and insects.
They are one of the few Owls that hunt during the day and will hunt by watching from a high perch, flying low to the ground, or hovering above a field before swooping down to catch prey with their powerful talons.
Nesting
Snowy Owls build their nests on the ground, usually on a small hill or mound, using their talons to create a shallow depression.
The female lays 3-11 eggs, which hatch after about a month. The female incubates the eggs, and the male provides food for her and their young.
Interesting facts
- Snowy Owls have excellent eyesight, which helps them hunt in their dimly lit Arctic habitat.
- Snowy Owls breed when the lemming population is high and may avoid breeding in years when they are scarce.
- Snowy Owls are diurnal, which means they are more active during the day than at night.
- In some cultures, the Snowy Owl symbolizes wisdom, prophecy, and spiritual guidance.
9. Long-eared Owl
The Long-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl found throughout the world. They are migratory owls seen in western Washington during colder months and in eastern Washington all year round.
- Length: 35-40cm (13.8-15.8 inches)
- Weight: 220-435g (7.8-15.3oz)
- Wingspan: 90-100cm (35.5-39.5 inches)
- Long-eared Owl Scientific Name: Asio otus
Appearance
Long-eared Owls are medium-sized birds of prey with a wingspan up to three feet. They are slender-looking owls with narrow facial disks and long ear tufts.
Their feathers are a mix of brown, black, gray, white, and buff, which easily camouflage against their wooded habitats. They have yellow eyes set in vertical dark patches, streaks, and bars on their chest and bellies, and their facial disks are rusty brown.
The female Long-eared owl coloration is the same but darker and more streaked than the male.
Habitat
Long-eared Owls prefer to live in wooded areas that border open spaces, such as forests, meadows, and groves, where they can roost and hunt.
They are migratory owls and can be seen worldwide, including in North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Diet
Long-eared Owls are nocturnal hunters that feed on a variety of prey. They primarily hunt small mammals, such as mice, rats, gophers, and voles, but will also prey on small birds and reptiles.
They hunt in open areas where they can fly back and forth from various perches, locating prey but sight or sound before swooping down to catch it with their powerful talons.
Nesting
Long-eared Owls nest in trees up to 30 feet above the ground. They do not build their own nest but instead use the abandoned nest of other large birds, such as crows, ravens, or hawks.
The female lays 4-6 eggs, which hatch after about a month. The female incubates the eggs, while the male provides food for her and their young.
Interesting facts
- Long-eared Owls can be found roosting in groups called parliaments, especially during the winter months.
10. Burrowing Owl
The Burrowing Owl is a small, ground-dwelling owl in North and South America. They can be seen in eastern Washington during the summer breeding season.
They are known for their long legs and comical appearance.
- Length: 19-25cm (7.5-9.5 inches)
- Weight: 130 -160g (4.5-6oz)
- Wingspan: 50-55cm (19.5-21.5 inches)
- Burrowing Owl Scientific Name: Athene cunicularia
Appearance
Burrowing Owls are small ground owls with long legs, short tails, and rounded heads.
They are brown above with buffy white spots and lighter below with brown barring on their belly.
They also have white throats, white eyebrows, and yellow eyes.
Habitat
Burrowing Owls prefer to live in open, grassy areas with low vegetation, such as prairies, deserts, and agricultural fields throughout North and South America, from Canada to Argentina.
Diet
Burrowing Owls hunt during the day and at night and eat a variety of prey, including large insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, moths, and scorpions, and small mammals such as voles, squirrels, and mice.
They are also known to eat small birds and reptiles and hunt by swooping down from an elevated perch, running prey down on the ground, or hovering above fields before grabbing prey with their talons.
Nesting
Burrowing Owls nest in underground burrows, which they dig themselves or use abandoned holes from other animals.
Females lay 4-10 eggs per clutch, which she then incubates for a month while the males provides the food.
Interesting facts
- Burrowing Owls are known for their habit of living in underground burrows.
- Burrowing Owls are active during the day and at night, making them one of the few owl species active during the day.
- They are social birds and often live in colonies, with multiple pairs of owls sharing the same burrow complex.
- Due to habitat loss and other factors, Burrowing Owls are a threatened species in many areas.
11. Flammulated Owl
The Flammulated Owl is a small owl that lives in the mountain regions of western North America and Mexico. They are migratory and can be seen in northeast Washington State during the summer breeding season.
- Length: 15-17cm (5.9-6.7 inches)
- Weight: 43-63g (1.5-2.2oz)
- Wingspan: 40-41cm (15.9-16.1 inches)
- Flammulated Owl Scientific Name: Psiloscops flammeolus
Appearance
Flammulated Owls are small birds of prey with small dark brown eyes, small ear tufts, and varied brownish-gray feathers that camouflage perfectly against tree bark.
Their facial disk is a pale gray with a rusty color around the eyes and a gray bill.
They come in two color morphs, reddish-brown and gray, similar to Eastern Screech-Owls.
Habitat
Flammulated Owls prefer to live in open pine forests in mountain regions throughout the western United States and Mexico.
Diet
Flammulated Owls primarily hunt insects, such as moths, crickets, and beetles, but will also eat spiders, scorpions, and centipedes.
They hunt primarily at dawn and dusk by watching from perch before flying out to catch insects in the air or on the ground.
Nesting
Flammulated Owls nest in natural cavities, such as old woodpecker holes or tree snags. They will also use artificial nest boxes if available.
The female lays 2-3 eggs, which hatch after about three weeks. The female primarily incubates the eggs, and the male provides food for her and their young.
Interesting facts
- Flammulated Owls have a unique call that makes them sound larger than they are.
- These birds are primarily active at night and are rarely seen during the day. Their camouflaged feathers make them near impossible to spot during the day.
- Flammulated Owls are migratory birds and travel to Central America for the winter.
12. Great Gray Owl
The Great Gray Owl is a large bird of prey found in the boreal forests of North America and Eurasia and is a year-round resident of Washington State. They are known for their impressive size and striking gray plumage.
- Length: 61-84cm (24-33 inches)
- Weight: 700-1700g (24.7-60oz)
- Wingspan: 137-153cm (54-60.2 inches)
- Great Gray Owl Scientific Name: Strix nebulosa
Appearance
Great Gray Owls are one of the largest owls in North America, with a wingspan of up to five feet. They have a disproportionately large, rounded head, broad wings, a long tail, and a broad, flat facial disk with dark concentric circles around their yellow eyes.
Their feathers are primarily gray, with white, gray, and brown streaking and barring. They have white arcs between their eyes that resemble an X and a white bow tie beneath their bill.
Males and females look alike, but the female is larger.
Habitat
You can spot Great Gray Owls in coniferous or boreal forests with meadows and wooded bogs nearby. They use the dense forest for roosting, nesting, and will hunt in open areas nearby.
Diet
Great Gray Owls feed primarily on small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, gophers, squirrels, and hares but will also eat birds when the opportunity arises.
They hunt day and night by perching on a high branch or hovering above the ground, using their exceptional hearing to locate prey. Their hearing is so superb that they can hear prey up to a foot deep in snow.
Nesting
Great Gray Owls typically nest in large abandoned nests of other birds, such as large hawks and ravens.
They typically lay 2-5 eggs per clutch, which hatch after about a month. The female incubates the eggs, and the male brings food for her and their young after they hatch.
Interesting facts
- Great Gray Owls have excellent hearing, and their ears are positioned asymmetrically on their head to help them locate prey in the dark and under snow.
- They are one of the few owl species active during the day and at night.
- They appear larger than they actually are, thanks partly to their fluffy feathers and tall stature.
13. Boreal Owl
The Boreal Owl is a small, nocturnal owl that lives in the northern forests of North America, Europe, and Asia. They can be seen in Washington State all year round.
- Length: 21-28cm (8.3-11 inches)
- Weight: 93-215g (3.3-7.6oz)
- Wingspan: 55-62cm (21.5-24.5 inches)
- Boreal Owl Scientific Name: Aegolius funereus
Appearance
Boreal Owls are tiny, stocky forest owls with large square heads and short tails.
They have chocolatey-brown feathers with white spots on their back, and below are white with heavy brown streaks.
Their facial disks are whitish-gray, and their crowns are dotted with dense white spots.
Habitat
Boreal Owls prefer to live in dense coniferous forests, especially those with a high density of spruce and fir trees in the northernmost regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Diet
Boreal Owls hunt various prey, but their primary food source is small mammals, such as mice, squirrels, shrews, and voles. They will also prey on small birds and insects.
They hunt primarily at night by watching from a perch before swooping to catch prey.
Nesting
Boreal Owls nest in natural cavities, such as old woodpecker holes or broken tree limbs, and will also utilize artificial nest boxes.
The female chooses the nest site and lays 3-5 eggs, which hatch after about a month. The female incubates the eggs, and the male provides food for her and their young.
Interesting facts
- Female Boreal Owls are larger than males.
- Boreal Owls are adapted to cold temperatures and have feathers that cover their feet to keep them warm.
- They have excellent hearing and can locate prey by sound alone, even in complete darkness.
14. Northern Hawk Owl
The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium-sized owl species found in the northern forests of North America, Europe, and Asia. They are year-round residents of British Columbia, but their range can extend into Washington State.
They are known for their distinctive appearance and unique hunting behavior.
- Length: 36-45cm (14.2-17.7 inches)
- Weight: 240-454g (8.5-16oz)
- Wingspan: Avg 71cm (28 inches)
- Northern Hawk Owl Scientific Name: Surnia ulula
Appearance
Northern Hawk Owls have a distinctive hawk-like appearance, with short pointed wings, long tails, and a black-bordered facial disk. They are brown with white spots above and have brown barring below.
Habitat
You can spot Northern Hawk Owls in the northern coniferous forests of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Diet
Northern Hawk Owls feed primarily on small mammals such as voles, mice, squirrels, and shrews but also eat small birds, large insects, and sometimes fish.
They hunt primarily during the day by perching on a high branch or hovering above the ground, using their keen eyesight or hearing to locate prey.
Nesting
Northern Hawk Owls typically nest in a tree cavity or an old nest of another bird, such as a hawk or crow.
They typically lay 5-7 eggs per clutch, which hatch after about a month. The female will incubate the eggs, and the male will provide the food for her and their young.
Interesting facts
- They are among the few owl species that hunt primarily during the day and a little at night.
15. Spotted Owl
Spotted Owls are large owl species native to the western half of North America. The Northern Spotted Owl can be seen in western Washington all year round.
They are known for their distinctive spotted plumage and preference for old-growth forests.
- Length: 47-48cm (18.5-18.9 inches)
- Weight: 500-700g (17.6-24.7oz)
- Wingspan: Avg 101cm (38.9 inches)
- Spotted Owl Scientific Name: Strix occidentalis
Appearance
Spotted Owls have a unique spotted plumage, with brown feathers marked with white spots. They have round heads, short tails, broad rounded wings, and large dark eyes surrounded by blurred concentric circles.
Habitat
You can see Spotted Owls in old-growth forests in western North America, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.
They prefer to live in dense forests with tall trees and various understory vegetation. They are sensitive to habitat fragmentation and depend on large contiguous forest areas.
There are three regional sub-subspecies of Spotted Owl:
- Northern Spotted Owl – Lives in mature forests from northern California to British Columbia.
- Mexican Spotted Owl – Lives in mature forests from Utah and Colorado to Mexico.
- California Spotted Owl – Lives in mature forests throughout California.
Their plumage will appear lighter the more southerly the range.
Diet
Spotted Owls feed primarily on small mammals such as mice, flying squirrels, woodrats, small rabbits, and voles but also eat small birds, insects, and reptiles.
They hunt primarily at night by watching from a perch before swooping to catch prey with their talons.
Nesting
Spotted Owls typically nest in a sheltered place such as an old tree hollow, crevice, or old hawk nest in large, old-growth trees.
They usually lay 1-3 eggs per clutch, which hatch after about a month. The female incubates the eggs while the male provides food for her and their young.
Interesting facts
- Spotted Owls are considered an indicator species for old-growth forest ecosystems, as they depend on these habitats for nesting and foraging.
- Due to habitat loss and fragmentation, they are listed as a threatened species under the US Endangered Species Act.
- There are three subspecies of Spotted Owl, the Northern Spotted Owl, the California Spotted Owl, and the Mexican Spotted Owl.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of owls live in Washington State?
Fifteen kinds of owl species live in Washington State during the year. These include the Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Western Screech-Owl, Snowy Owl, Long-eared Owl, Burrowing Owl, Flammulated Owl, Great Gray Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, and Spotted Owl.
Are there great horned owls in Washington state?
Yes, the Great Horned Owl is a year-round resident of Washington and can be found in most habitats and regions throughout the state.
Are there barred owls in Washington state?
Yes, the Barred Owl is a year-round resident of Washington and can be found throughout the state. They are widespread in mature forests with large trees and dense understory vegetation.
Keep An Eye Out For Owls In Washington State
Washington State is home to a wide variety of owl species, which can be found in diverse habitats and regions across the state. These fascinating birds are essential to Washington’s natural heritage, from the Great Horned Owl to the Spotted Owl. If you’re lucky enough to spot one of these nocturnal creatures, appreciate their unique features and habits.
Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or just someone who enjoys learning about nature, taking some time to learn about the fifteen species of owls in Washington State will provide you with the info you need to identify and appreciate them.
We hope this article has provided all the information you need. If you have questions about identifying more species of birds in Washington or finding out which ones live near you, let us know!
