New Jersey is home to a diverse array of avian predators, including several species of owls. The state’s varied geography, spanning from Appalachian forests to coastal plains and marshes, provides suitable habitat for both permanent residents and seasonal visitors. This guide identifies the specific owl species found within the state and offers practical advice on how to locate them respectfully.
Common Year-Round Owl Species
The most widespread and commonly encountered owls in New Jersey are permanent residents that have adapted well to environments ranging from deep woods to suburban parks. These species are present throughout the year, with their calls often heard near human habitation.
The Great Horned Owl is one of the largest and most recognizable resident species, known for its imposing size and prominent ear tufts. This highly adaptable predator is found across the state, including in wooded suburban areas. They are generalist hunters, preying on a wide variety of mammals and birds, which contributes to their success in diverse habitats. Their deep, rhythmic hooting call is frequently heard.
The Eastern Screech Owl is a much smaller bird that often goes unnoticed due to its diminutive size and exceptional camouflage. These owls exhibit two distinct color variations, known as morphs, appearing either gray or reddish-brown. They thrive in wooded backyards, city parks, and orchards, communicating through a descending, quavering trill or whinny.
The Barred Owl prefers dense, mature deciduous or mixed forests, particularly those located near swamps or other water sources. They are easily identified by their distinct vocalizations, which include a series of eight hoots delivered in a recognizable pattern. This call is commonly interpreted as the phrase, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”
Seasonal and Habitat-Specific Owls
In addition to the permanent residents, New Jersey hosts several species that are rare, migratory, or confined to specific ecological niches. These birds require focused searching in specialized habitats.
The Barn Owl possesses a unique, pale, heart-shaped face and prefers open country with adequate hunting and nesting sites. Their habitat consists of open farmland, coastal marshes, and grasslands where they hunt small rodents. They frequently utilize man-made structures, such as abandoned barns, silos, and old water towers, for roosting and nesting.
The Short-eared Owl is primarily a winter visitor, arriving from northern breeding grounds and staying from late fall through early spring. Unlike most other owls, this species is often active during the day, making it one of the state’s few diurnal owls. They inhabit expansive, open spaces like the coastal dunes of South Jersey and large grassland areas, hunting low over the ground.
Other less common species include the Long-eared Owl, an uncommon winter resident that often congregates in small communal roosts in dense conifer thickets. These secretive owls are exceptionally well camouflaged and are difficult to spot visually. More irregularly, the striking Snowy Owl appears during “irruption” years when food scarcity drives them south from the Arctic. They are usually found on exposed, open terrain, such as beaches, dunes, and airport fields.
Best Practices for Observation and Identification
Successfully observing owls requires both patience and adherence to ethical wildlife viewing standards. Since most owls are nocturnal, the best time to listen or look is during the crepuscular hours of dusk and dawn when they are most active. Finding subtle signs of their presence is often more fruitful than attempting a direct visual search.
A good observation strategy involves looking for “whitewash” (droppings) or finding regurgitated pellets beneath large trees. These pellets contain the indigestible bones and fur of their prey and indicate a regular roosting site, often in a dense pine or evergreen tree. Learning the distinctive calls of the local species is the most effective identification tool, as auditory cues are far more common than visual sightings.
Ethical considerations are paramount when searching for these birds. It is advised to avoid using flash photography, especially at night, as the bright light can temporarily impair an owl’s vision and hunting ability. Using recorded owl calls (playback) to lure a bird closer should also be avoided, as this technique can disrupt their territory defense, breeding behaviors, or normal hunting patterns. Maintaining a respectful distance ensures the birds remain undisturbed.