Colorado is home to a surprisingly diverse and widespread population of owls. The state’s massive elevation changes and varied landscapes create a patchwork of habitats that support at least 14 different owl species. This ecological variety means that owls can be found in nearly every ecosystem across the state, from urban parks and riparian corridors to remote spruce-fir forests and short-grass prairies. Understanding the specific characteristics of these raptors and their preferred environments provides the best chance for enthusiasts to observe them in the wild.
Diversity of Owl Species in Colorado
Colorado hosts a range of owls, from the largest and most common to some of the smallest and most elusive in North America. The Great Horned Owl is the state’s most frequently encountered species, easily identifiable by its large size and prominent feather tufts, called plumicorns, which are often mistaken for ears. This imposing predator has a mottled gray-brown plumage, yellow eyes, and a broad white throat patch.
The unique short-grass prairie ecosystem is home to the Burrowing Owl, a long-legged, ground-dwelling species that stands out because it is one of the few owls active during the day. It lacks ear tufts and instead features a “flattened” head, white eyebrows, and bright lemon-yellow eyes. Unlike most owls, this species relies on abandoned burrows dug by mammals like prairie dogs for its nesting and shelter.
In the state’s canyons and open woodlands, the Western Screech Owl is a small, stocky raptor with distinctive ear tufts and mottled gray or brown camouflage. This species is highly secretive, often blending seamlessly with tree bark. Its appearance is similar to the Eastern Screech Owl, but the two are primarily distinguished by their different vocalizations.
The Flammulated Owl is Colorado’s smallest owl, measuring only about six to seven inches long, or roughly the size of a sparrow. These birds have dark eyes and short ear tufts that are often held flat. They are insectivores and migrate south to Central America for the winter, spending their breeding season in the Ponderosa Pine and Douglas-fir forests of the Rocky Mountains.
Geographic Distribution and Preferred Habitats
The Eastern Plains, characterized by short-grass prairie and agricultural land, are the primary domain of the Burrowing Owl. This species requires treeless, open areas with abundant prairie dog colonies. These owls are dependent on the burrows for nesting, often decorating the entrances with dried dung.
The Foothills and Montane Forests, which extend from roughly 5,500 to 9,500 feet, support a greater diversity of species. The Great Horned Owl is found in virtually all habitats across this range, including riparian areas and suburban woodlands. The Western Screech Owl prefers lower-elevation open woodlands and riparian zones, nesting in tree cavities along streams and canyon edges.
Higher up in the mountains, the Flammulated Owl is associated with mature Ponderosa Pine and Douglas-fir forests, typically between 6,500 and 9,500 feet in elevation. These owls favor old-growth stands that provide large-diameter trees and abandoned woodpecker holes for nesting. Above this zone, the Subalpine Forest is the realm of the Boreal Owl, found at high elevations. This species requires dense spruce and fir stands for roosting and uses old woodpecker cavities for nesting.
Tips for Observing and Identifying Colorado Owls
The most effective way to locate Colorado’s owls is to use auditory identification, as many species are masters of camouflage. Owls are typically most active around dusk and dawn, which is the best time to listen for their territorial and mating calls. Listening for the low, rhythmic “hoo-h’HOO-hoo” of the Great Horned Owl is a good starting point.
The Western Screech Owl’s call is a series of hoots that accelerate into a “bouncing ball” rhythm or a double trill. The tiny Flammulated Owl has a surprisingly deep, soft hoot. Burrowing Owls produce a simple, gentle “coo-coooo” call, but their young mimic the sound of a rattlesnake’s hiss when threatened inside the burrow.
When observing, practice responsible viewing by keeping a respectful distance, avoiding flash photography at night, and never disturbing nest sites.