Owls, often shrouded in mystery by their nocturnal habits, are captivating birds of prey that play a role in Ohio’s ecosystems. These silent hunters possess unique adaptations for nighttime living, including exceptional hearing and specialized feathers for quiet flight. Ohio is home to several owl species, each with distinct features and preferred environments. Exploring these diverse owls reveals the hidden life thriving across the state’s varied landscapes.
Common Owls in Ohio
Ohio hosts several widely distributed owl species.
The Great Horned Owl is a large raptor with prominent ear tufts and striking yellow eyes. This adaptable species can be found in mixed forests and meadows throughout the state, known for its deep hooting call often described as “WHOOOO-HOOOO-HOOO.” Great Horned Owls are effective predators, preying on various small mammals and birds.
The Eastern Screech-Owl is a small owl, about the size of an American Robin, found throughout Ohio in gray and reddish-brown variations. Its plumage provides excellent camouflage against tree bark. Despite its name, this owl emits a trilling whistle or a descending whinny-like call. Eastern Screech-Owls inhabit scattered trees and open woodlots near fields and streams, often found in suburban areas.
The Barred Owl, another common Ohio resident, is a medium-to-large owl recognized by its dark brown eyes and lack of ear tufts. Its plumage is brown-gray with white spots and bars. The Barred Owl’s distinctive call, resembling “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”, is frequently heard in mature forest habitats, particularly swampy woods.
The Barn Owl, while present year-round, is rarer in Ohio and listed as a threatened species. This owl has a unique white, heart-shaped face and dark eyes, with light tan and white plumage. Barn Owls typically nest in barns and old structures, requiring large areas of grasslands and meadows for hunting small rodents. Their call is a long, drawn-out shriek rather than a hoot.
Less Frequently Encountered Ohio Owls
Ohio is also visited by several owl species that are less common, often appearing as seasonal residents or in specific, localized habitats.
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is the smallest owl in Ohio. These tiny owls prefer to roost in dense conifer forests or thickets and are primarily winter migrants to the state. Their vocalization is a monotonous series of tooting whistles, which some describe as sounding like a saw being sharpened on a whetstone.
The Long-eared Owl is a nocturnal species with prominent ear tufts that resemble exclamation points. They are smaller than Great Horned Owls but can be mistaken for them. Long-eared Owls are uncommon to rare in Ohio and are mostly winter migrants, preferring open areas for hunting with dense roosting sites like conifers or thickets nearby. Their calls include soft, low hoots, whistles, and cat-like meows, but they are seldom heard outside of breeding season.
The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized, tawny-brown mottled owl that often hunts during daylight hours, particularly around dusk or on overcast days. They have small ear tufts and dark patches around their bright yellow eyes. These owls are found in Ohio as winter residents, preferring open habitats such as grasslands, fields, and prairies. Short-eared Owls are not particularly vocal, but males may give a series of hoots during courtship flights, and they can produce barks or screeches when agitated.
Identifying Ohio Owls by Sound and Sight
Identifying Ohio’s owls often relies on a combination of their distinctive vocalizations and visual characteristics. Since many owls are nocturnal, listening for their calls is frequently the most effective method for detection. Each species has unique sounds, such as the Great Horned Owl’s deep hoots, the Eastern Screech-Owl’s trills and whinnies, or the Barred Owl’s “Who cooks for you?” phrases. Becoming familiar with these varied calls can significantly aid in identification, as some species are more often heard than seen.
Visual identification involves observing features like size, plumage coloration, and the presence or absence of ear tufts. For instance, the Barn Owl’s heart-shaped face and pale plumage are unique, while the Northern Saw-whet Owl stands out for its small size. Eye color can also be a clue; most Ohio owls have yellow eyes, but Barn Owls and Barred Owls have dark eyes. Observing an owl’s silhouette against the sky or its flight pattern can also provide clues, as some species like the Short-eared Owl hunt low over open fields.
Finding Owls in Ohio
Locating owls in Ohio typically involves understanding their preferred habitats and activity patterns. Most owls are nocturnal, making dusk to dawn ideal for listening for their calls. Some species, like the Barred Owl and Short-eared Owl, may also be active during the day, particularly on cloudy days or at dusk and dawn.
Owls occupy diverse environments across Ohio, from dense forests and open woodlands to suburban areas, grasslands, and even old structures. When searching for owls, maintaining a respectful distance and avoiding disturbance is important, ensuring their continued presence in Ohio’s natural spaces.