New York State is home to a diverse population of owls, with several species residing here year-round and others visiting seasonally. These birds of prey occupy a niche in the state’s ecosystems, functioning as silent, nocturnal hunters that help regulate populations of small mammals. Their presence extends across a wide range of habitats, from dense northern forests to urban parks and coastal plains.
Identifying the Common Residents
The Great Horned Owl is the largest and most widespread permanent resident in the state, found in almost every available habitat. This powerful raptor is recognizable by its prominent feather tufts, which resemble horns, and its deep, resonant four or five-note hooting call. They are highly adaptable, nesting in tree cavities, rocky ledges, and the abandoned nests of other large birds in both forests and suburban areas.
The Barred Owl is another common permanent resident, frequently found in forested wetlands and mature woodlands across New York. Unlike the Great Horned Owl, it has distinctive dark eyes and a round head without ear tufts. Its well-known call is a series of eight hoots, often vocalized as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” This species is often active earlier in the evening, sometimes hunting during the day, increasing the chances of observation in dense, wooded river valleys.
The Eastern Screech Owl is the smallest common year-round resident, measuring only about eight to ten inches tall. This tiny owl is found throughout the state in two color morphs, gray or reddish-brown, which allows effective camouflage against different tree bark. It prefers wooded areas, suburban yards, and orchards, often roosting in tree cavities or nest boxes. Instead of a traditional hoot, its vocalization is a descending whinny or a soft trill.
Seasonal Visitors and Rare Sightings
Beyond the year-round residents, New York sees several owl species that arrive during the colder months or appear only during irruptive years. The Snowy Owl is the most anticipated seasonal visitor, migrating south from the Arctic tundra to open areas like coastal dunes, agricultural fields, and airport grounds, especially near the Great Lakes and Long Island. These large, white owls are often active during the day, making them easier to spot when they perch on fence posts or small mounds of earth.
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a small migratory species that often overwinters in the state, utilizing dense coniferous forests for daytime roosting. Despite its small size, this owl is an effective hunter of small mammals. The Long-eared Owl is another secretive winter visitor that concentrates in dense pine or cedar groves, often using the abandoned nests of crows or magpies. Both the Saw-whet and Long-eared owls are nocturnal and difficult to locate during the day.
The Short-eared Owl is a winter arrival, often seen flying low over open grasslands and marshes at dawn or dusk. They are one of the few owls that hunt regularly during daylight hours, making their appearance in places like the Washington County Grasslands a notable winter event. Due to habitat loss, this grassland species is listed as endangered in New York.
Where to Find Owls in New York
The varied geography of New York State offers multiple environments for owl sightings. For the Great Horned and Barred Owls, the mature forests of the Adirondacks and Catskills provide abundant year-round habitat. They can also be found in the wooded corridors of city parks, such as those in New York City and Buffalo, which support healthy rodent populations.
Coastal areas and open agricultural fields are the best locations to search for winter visitors. The shoreline regions along Lake Ontario and the dunes of Long Island are known stopping points for the Snowy Owl during irruption years. Short-eared Owls concentrate in the protected grasslands of the Washington County area, hunting voles over open ground. Finding the secretive Long-eared and Northern Saw-whet Owls requires searching dense stands of evergreens, which they use as cover during the day.
Observing Owls Responsibly
Observing owls requires patience and adherence to ethical wildlife practices to ensure the birds’ well-being. The primary rule is to maintain distance, especially from known roosting or nesting sites. If an owl is visibly reacting to your presence, such as fidgeting or staring, it is a sign that you are too close and should immediately back away.
Avoid using flash photography after dark or employing audio playback devices, which can disrupt the owls’ hunting and resting cycles. Never attempt to feed or “bait” an owl, as this habituates them to humans and can lead to dangerous situations, including vehicle collisions. When sharing a sighting, avoid posting the exact location publicly, which helps prevent overcrowding and disturbance of the bird.