Owls, with their silent flight and keen senses, are captivating birds of prey that occupy various ecological niches. These largely nocturnal hunters are a vital part of the natural balance in many ecosystems. Massachusetts, with its diverse landscapes ranging from dense forests to coastal plains, provides suitable habitats for several owl species.
Year-Round Residents
Several owl species reside in Massachusetts year-round.
The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is one of the most widespread, recognizable by its large size and prominent ear tufts. They inhabit a variety of environments, including forests, suburban areas, and even urban parks, often nesting in old hawk nests or tree cavities. Their distinctive hooting call, a series of four or five deep hoots, is a common sound across the state.
The Barred Owl (Strix varia) is another common year-round resident, often found in mature, dense woodlands near water sources. This owl lacks ear tufts and has dark eyes, giving it a gentle appearance. Its characteristic “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” call is easily identifiable and can often be heard during both day and night.
Eastern Screech-Owls (Megascops asio) are smaller owls, typically found in wooded areas, orchards, and suburban gardens. They exhibit color variations, appearing either reddish-brown or gray, which helps them blend into tree bark. Their tremulous, descending trill and whinnying calls are distinct and often heard at dusk.
The Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) is the smallest owl regularly found in Massachusetts, preferring dense coniferous or mixed forests. These owls are highly nocturnal and often difficult to spot due to their small size and excellent camouflage. Their repetitive, tooting call, resembling the sound of a saw sharpening a whetstone, is the most reliable way to detect their presence.
Seasonal and Infrequent Visitors
Other owl species visit Massachusetts seasonally or infrequently.
The Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) is a striking winter visitor, appearing in Massachusetts during irruption years when their lemming prey populations decline in the Arctic. These large, white owls prefer open habitats, such as coastal dunes, salt marshes, and open fields, where they hunt during the day.
Long-eared Owls (Asio otus) are uncommon winter residents and migrants, typically found in dense conifer stands or thickets for roosting. They are slender, medium-sized owls with long ear tufts that are often held flat against their head, making them difficult to distinguish from tree bark. They are most often detected by their soft, low hoots or squeaky calls.
Short-eared Owls (Asio flammeus) are also migratory and can be seen in Massachusetts, primarily during the winter months. They inhabit open country, including grasslands, marshes, and agricultural fields, often hunting during daylight hours around dawn and dusk. These owls have small ear tufts that are usually not visible, and their flight pattern is distinctive, often described as moth-like or buoyant. Their calls include raspy barks and hoots.
Distinguishing Massachusetts Owls
Identifying owl species in Massachusetts relies on a combination of visual cues, vocalizations, habitat knowledge, and behavior.
Visual cues like size and silhouette offer immediate clues. For example, Great Horned Owls are larger than Barred Owls, and Eastern Screech-Owls are smaller. The presence or absence of ear tufts, such as the prominent tufts on Great Horned Owls versus none on Barred Owls, also aids identification. Snowy Owls are distinctive with their large size and white plumage.
Vocalizations are often the most reliable identification method, especially for nocturnal species. The deep hoots of a Great Horned Owl contrast with the Barred Owl’s “Who cooks for you?” call, while Eastern Screech-Owls have a descending whinny and Northern Saw-whet Owls a repetitive tooting sound.
Habitat preferences also help distinguish species. Barred Owls prefer dense woodlands, while Eastern Screech-Owls are found in suburban areas. Northern Saw-whet Owls favor conifer stands, and Snowy Owls are almost exclusively in open, treeless landscapes during winter.
Behavioral cues also provide support. Short-eared Owls exhibit buoyant flight over open fields, often hunting during daylight. Snowy Owls also hunt during the day, frequently perching in open areas.