Yes, Long Island is home to several species of owls, making the area a focal point for raptor activity in the Northeast. The island’s location along the Atlantic Flyway and its diverse habitats support a population of permanent residents while also attracting seasonal visitors. This geographic position allows for year-round observation of these nocturnal hunters, whether they are nesting in woodlands or migrating from the far north. The presence of these birds highlights Long Island’s ecological importance as both a stable breeding ground and a temporary stopover point.
Resident and Migratory Species
Long Island is populated by several owl species, categorized by their residency status. The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is a common, permanent resident found year-round across the entire island. This large raptor is highly adaptable, beginning its nesting season as early as January or February, making it one of the earliest birds to breed in the region. The much smaller Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio) is also a familiar resident, frequently residing in suburban areas and parklands with sufficient tree cover.
A third resident, the Barn Owl (Tyto furcata), is present but rare and declining, with most remaining breeding populations concentrated in the Coastal Lowlands. These birds are cavity nesters that rely on open habitats like marshes and grasslands; conservation efforts often involve providing specialized nest boxes. The winter months bring visitors, particularly the Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus), which migrates south from the Arctic tundra. These migrants typically arrive in December, with their numbers varying significantly from year to year in irruptive events.
Typical Habitats and Viewing Opportunities
The diverse environments across Long Island create distinct ecological niches for the different owl species. Resident owls like the Great Horned Owl are highly generalist, inhabiting deciduous forests, wooded suburban backyards, and even urban parks where they can find large trees for nesting. Eastern Screech-Owls similarly favor mixed woodlands and are often found in mature orchards or parklands, provided suitable tree cavities or nesting boxes are available. They tolerate close proximity to human activity, making them one of the easier residents to locate near populated areas.
In contrast, winter visitors seek out landscapes that mirror their northern home ranges. Snowy Owls are most reliably found along the open, windswept shoreline dunes and beaches of the South Shore, such as Jones Beach, which closely resemble the Arctic tundra. These areas offer unobstructed views and ample hunting grounds for small mammals during the winter. Less common migrants, such as the Northern Saw-whet Owl, often prefer dense pine stands and thickets, particularly near coastal areas like Montauk, where they seek refuge from harsh weather and predators.
Identifying Local Owls
Since most Long Island owls are nocturnal, identification often relies more on auditory cues than visual sightings. The call of the Great Horned Owl is a deep, resonant series of hoots, typically transcribed as “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo,” which can be heard across long distances, especially during the winter breeding season. The Eastern Screech-Owl, despite its name, produces a distinct, descending whinny or a soft trill.
Visual confirmation, when possible, focuses on size, color, and head ornamentation. The Great Horned Owl is recognized by its large size, prominent feathered ear tufts (plumicorns), and yellow eyes. The Eastern Screech-Owl is much smaller, roughly the size of a robin, and appears in two distinct color morphs—gray and reddish-brown—which aids in camouflage. The Snowy Owl is unmistakable, being a large, predominately white bird that is unique among Long Island’s owls for being partially diurnal, meaning it is often active and visible during the day.