The Houston metropolitan area supports a surprising array of wildlife, despite its dense urban development. Several species of owls have successfully adapted to life near people amid the city’s constant activity. These nocturnal raptors utilize the region’s abundant water features and mature tree canopies for roosting and hunting.
Common Owl Species of the Houston Area
The most frequently encountered owl species in the Houston area are the Great Horned Owl, the Barred Owl, and the Eastern Screech Owl.
The Great Horned Owl is the largest and most widespread species in the region, recognized by its prominent feather tufts and substantial body size, measuring up to 25 inches long. It produces a deep, rhythmic hooting, typically transcribed as a series of four to five notes.
Barred Owls are medium-to-large owls, distinguished by their dark eyes and the horizontal “bars” of feathers across their chest. They are known for a characteristic eight-note call that sounds like the phrase, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”. This species is often found near water, such as swamps and riparian forests.
Eastern Screech Owls are the smallest and most common suburban owl, measuring only about eight to ten inches in length. They come in two color forms, or morphs—a common gray and a less common reddish-brown. Instead of a hoot, their primary vocalization is a long, descending, quavering whinny, along with a monotonic trill.
Where Owls Thrive in the Urban Environment
Owls rely on specific ecological features that provide dense cover for daytime roosting and open areas for hunting. The extensive bayou system is a primary factor supporting these populations, creating linear corridors of forested habitat that penetrate deep into the city.
Areas like Buffalo Bayou Park and White Oak Bayou offer rich, riparian woodlands favored by Barred Owls. These areas provide the large, mature trees and natural tree cavities needed for nesting. Proximity to water also ensures a steady supply of prey, including amphibians and small mammals.
Large city parks, such as Memorial Park and Hermann Park, provide significant patches of dense canopy that mimic natural forest environments. Great Horned Owls often establish territories in these expansive green spaces, utilizing large trees for nesting platforms. They are adaptable and can also be found on ledges of buildings or other artificial structures.
The Eastern Screech Owl thrives in older suburban neighborhoods with mature trees and wooded lots. Their small size allows them to use smaller tree cavities for nesting, and they readily use man-made nest boxes when natural cavities are scarce. These owls benefit from the abundant prey base of insects and rodents found in residential gardens and yards.
Observing Owls Responsibly
Observing owls requires patience and adherence to ethical guidelines to prevent disturbance. The most productive times for observation are during the crepuscular hours of dusk and dawn, when the owls are typically leaving or returning to their roosts.
During the day, look for signs of their presence:
Signs of Owl Presence
“Whitewash,” which is the white excrement marking a roosting spot.
Owl pellets, which are regurgitated masses of indigestible prey remains.
When you locate an owl, maintaining a substantial distance is important, especially if the bird is roosting. If an owl turns its head to look directly at you, you are likely too close and should quietly retreat. Disturbing a resting owl causes it to waste energy and exposes it to harassment from other birds.
Federal law protects all native owls under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This act makes it illegal to harm, harass, or possess any part of a native bird, including their nests, eggs, or feathers. If you find an injured owl, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center rather than attempting to intervene.
To minimize impact, avoid using flash photography after dark and keep noise levels low near an owl’s location. The welfare of the bird should take precedence over a close look or a photograph. It is also recommended to use caution when publicly sharing the precise location of a specific owl or a nest to prevent excessive human traffic.