Owls are a captivating presence in Maryland’s diverse landscape. The state’s mix of coastal plains, rolling hills, and mountain forests provides a home for several owl species. Maryland hosts a rich variety of these nocturnal raptors, ranging from small, adaptable residents to occasional large, Arctic visitors.
Resident Owl Species of Maryland
Four owl species are commonly found as year-round residents across Maryland, each distinguished by unique physical traits and behaviors. The Great Horned Owl, a powerful predator, is the largest tufted owl in the state, with a wingspan reaching up to five feet. This robust bird has large yellow eyes, a white throat patch, and prominent feather tufts, which give it a characteristic horned appearance.
The Barred Owl is another large resident, easily recognized by its dark eyes and lack of ear tufts. Its plumage is mottled brown and white, featuring a “barred” pattern of horizontal stripes across the chest. This species is often associated with its familiar, rhythmic call.
The Eastern Screech Owl is a small raptor, averaging only eight to nine inches tall. It occurs in two color forms, a reddish-brown phase and a gray phase, both possessing distinctive feather tufts on their heads. This highly adaptable owl is common even in suburban areas, hunting small rodents and insects at night.
The Barn Owl, with its pale, ghost-like appearance and unique heart-shaped face, is a year-round resident, though considered uncommon. Its coloring is golden-buff on the back and wings, with a white or lightly spotted chest. Barn Owls lack ear tufts and prefer to hunt over open country, feeding primarily on meadow voles and other small rodents.
Seasonal Visitors and Rare Sightings
Beyond the year-round residents, a few species visit Maryland seasonally or during rare events. The Northern Saw-whet Owl, the smallest owl in the state, is highly migratory and primarily passes through Maryland during the late fall. This tiny owl is rarely seen in summer or winter, though a few individuals may breed in the western mountains.
Other winter visitors include the Long-eared Owl and the Short-eared Owl, both now seen mainly as migrants. The Long-eared Owl is a slender, secretive bird difficult to spot due to its dense camouflage and tendency to roost in thick foliage. The Short-eared Owl is one of the few species seen hunting during daylight hours, preferring large, open grasslands and coastal marshes.
The Snowy Owl, a large, almost entirely white bird from the Arctic tundra, is a rare winter visitor to Maryland. They typically appear only during “irruption” years, linked to an abundance of prey in the north. During these events, Snowy Owls can be spotted in open coastal areas like Assateague Island, far south of their usual range.
Geographical Distribution and Preferred Habitats
Maryland’s varied geography directly influences where different owl species can be found, as each prefers a specific type of habitat. The Great Horned Owl, an adaptable species, is widely distributed across the entire state, found in suburban neighborhoods, deep woodlots, and forests. They favor habitats that offer a mix of open areas for hunting and dense trees for nesting and roosting.
Barred Owls exhibit a strong preference for mature, moist woodlands, particularly those near rivers, swamps, and low-lying areas. These “swamp owls” are abundant along the waterways and dense forests of the Coastal Plain and the Piedmont Plateau. They are rarely found in the more open, high-altitude forests of Western Maryland.
The Eastern Screech Owl is highly tolerant of human development, thriving in deciduous woodlands, residential areas, and city parks, provided there are suitable tree cavities for nesting. Conversely, the Barn Owl is mainly found in the rural areas of the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, hunting over large, open grasslands, hayfields, and marshes near the Chesapeake Bay.
The migratory species also show distinct habitat preferences while in Maryland. Short-eared Owls concentrate in the expansive, open areas of the Eastern Shore, such as large wetlands and agricultural fields. Snowy Owls, during their rare winter visits, are almost exclusively found on open ground, favoring coastal dunes, beaches, and large, treeless fields that mimic their Arctic tundra home.
Identifying Maryland Owls by Sight and Sound
Identifying Maryland’s owls often relies more on sound than sight, given their nocturnal nature, but physical features are important for confirming a sighting. The Barred Owl produces a distinct, eight-syllable hoot. The Great Horned Owl produces a deep, soft series of four or five hoots, often described as “hoo-hoo-hHoo-hoo,” which can sometimes be heard in a duet between a pair.
The small Eastern Screech Owl does not actually screech, despite its name, but instead emits a descending, whinny-like call and a monotonic trill. Barn Owls, unlike the hooting species, primarily communicate with a series of startling, high-pitched hisses and raspy screeches.
When observing an owl, look at the presence of feather tufts and the color of the eyes to narrow the identification. The Great Horned Owl and Eastern Screech Owl are the only common residents with visible feather tufts, while the Barred Owl is the only one with dark, nearly black eyes. Observing owls should always be done respectfully by maintaining a safe distance to avoid disturbing them.