Massachusetts offers a diverse landscape of coastal areas, dense forests, and mountainous regions, creating varied niches for several owl species. These nocturnal raptors thrive across the state, from adaptable residents in suburban parks to secretive visitors in remote woodlands. Understanding the habits and identifying features of the owls that call the Bay State home can turn a quiet evening walk into a wildlife observation opportunity. The species present include year-round inhabitants, seasonal migrants, and some that are exceptionally difficult to locate.
Year-Round Residents of Massachusetts
The Great Horned Owl is one of the most widespread and recognizable residents in Massachusetts, thriving in habitats ranging from dense woods to urban parks. This large, bulky owl is characterized by prominent feather tufts, known as plumicorns, and mottled gray and brown plumage. Its deep, low-pitched hooting, often transcribed as “hooo, hoo hoo hoo hoooo,” is a common sound in winter when breeding begins.
The Barred Owl is slightly smaller than the Great Horned Owl and lacks ear tufts, giving it a round-headed appearance. This species is easily identified by its dark eyes and the unique call that sounds like the phrase, “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all.” Barred Owls prefer moist, older forests, swamps, and wooded areas, typically avoiding the southeastern islands of the state.
The Eastern Screech Owl is the smallest resident, a stocky bird with a large head and small ear tufts. It exhibits two distinct color morphs: grayish plumage or reddish-brown coloring. Rather than a screech, its call is a descending, tremulous whinny. These adaptable owls frequently inhabit deciduous forests and are often found in suburban environments, utilizing natural tree cavities or artificial nest boxes.
Seasonal Visitors and Elusive Species
The Snowy Owl is a notable winter visitor, arriving from the Arctic between late November and April, especially during irruption years. These large, mostly white owls prefer open environments like coastal dunes, beaches, and large open fields, such as those near Logan Airport.
The Short-eared Owl is observed most reliably in winter, hunting over open habitats like grasslands, meadows, and coastal marshes. This medium-sized owl has pale brown and buff coloration with dark eye patches. It is often seen flying low and erratically with a moth-like motion. While most are winter visitors, a small breeding population exists on the islands off Cape Cod, where they are one of the few owl species to nest on the ground.
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is one of the smallest owls in the eastern United States, typically measuring seven to eight inches long. It is a secretive bird of coniferous and mixed forests, possessing dark brown plumage with fine white spotting and a large, round head. Its name comes from its distinct, repetitive call, which resembles the sound of a saw blade being sharpened on a whetstone.
Long-eared Owls are perhaps the most elusive species, rarely sighted due to their preference for dense conifer forests and thickets. They are medium-sized and slender, featuring long ear tufts and camouflaging brown and black feathers. While they are sometimes found nesting in Massachusetts, they are more often encountered in winter, gathering in communal roosts in thick stands of evergreens.
Identification Basics and Habitat
Identifying owls in Massachusetts often relies more on sound and signs than on visual sightings, as most are active during the night. Learning the unique vocalizations of common species is the most effective method for detection, particularly just after sunset and before sunrise. Owl activity can also be indicated by “whitewash,” the white droppings visible beneath a roosting spot.
Another sign of an owl’s presence is the discovery of owl pellets, compact masses of indigestible fur, bones, and feathers that the bird regurgitates. The size of these pellets can offer a clue to the species; small owls like the Eastern Screech Owl leave finger-sized pellets. Finding an owl during the day often involves looking for a cluster of agitated small birds, as crows and blue jays will sometimes “mob” a roosting owl.
Owls occupy diverse habitats across the state, and knowing where to look can increase the chance of an encounter. Barred Owls and Eastern Screech Owls favor deciduous forests, especially those near water sources. Great Horned Owls are highly adaptable and found nearly everywhere, while rare visitors like the Snowy Owl are concentrated in open coastal or marsh areas during the winter.