Pennsylvania’s diverse landscapes, from dense forests to open farmlands, provide suitable habitats for various owl species. These nocturnal birds of prey, often heard but rarely seen, are known for their silent flight and distinctive calls. Understanding the different owls that inhabit Pennsylvania, whether year-round residents or seasonal visitors, offers insight into the state’s rich ecology.
Resident Owl Species of Pennsylvania
The Great Horned Owl is a common year-round resident across Pennsylvania. This large owl, weighing up to 3.5 pounds with a wingspan of up to five feet, features prominent ear tufts and yellow eyes. Its mottled brown and grayish-white plumage provides effective camouflage. Known as the “hoot owl,” its call consists of three to eight deep, booming hoots, often sounding like “hoo-hoohoo hoo”. Great Horned Owls thrive in diverse habitats, including urban parks, cemeteries, and large forest tracts, preferring forest edges and open mature woods.
The Barred Owl is another year-round resident, distinguished by its large dark brown eyes—a unique trait among most Pennsylvania owls, which typically have yellow eyes. This species has a rounded head without ear tufts and gray-brown plumage. Its characteristic call, “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?”, is a series of eight accented hoots. Barred Owls prefer mature forests, particularly those with large trees for nesting cavities, and are often found in mixed deciduous and conifer woodlands near water.
The Eastern Screech-Owl, one of Pennsylvania’s smaller owls, is a common year-round resident. Despite its name, it produces a descending, whinny-like tremolo or a monotone purring trill, not a screech. This owl comes in two color phases, gray and rufous (red), which provide camouflage against tree bark. Eastern Screech-Owls have prominent ear tufts and bright yellow eyes. They inhabit various wooded areas, including farm woodlots, orchards, city parks, and suburban residential areas, often nesting in tree cavities.
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a tiny owl, comparable in mass to a blue jay, with a large, rounded head and bright yellow eyes, lacking ear tufts. Its plumage is mottled brown with a whitish facial disk. The owl’s name comes from its distinct call, a rhythmic “too-too-too” that resembles a saw being sharpened on a whetting stone. This species prefers dense forests, especially coniferous or mixed forests with a thick understory, and is often found near riparian areas.
Barn Owls are medium-sized owls recognized by their distinctive white, heart-shaped face and dark eyes, sometimes called “monkey-faced owls.” They lack ear tufts and typical hooting calls, instead vocalizing with long whistles, hisses, and snores. Their plumage is light-colored, with white or pale cinnamon underparts. Barn Owls primarily inhabit open areas like agricultural fields, grasslands, and meadows, where they hunt small rodents. They commonly nest in human-made structures such as barns, silos, and abandoned buildings, as well as natural tree cavities.
Migratory and Irregular Owl Visitors
The Long-eared Owl is a slender, medium-sized owl with long, prominent ear tufts held close together, giving its head a narrow appearance. Its mottled brown and gray plumage provides camouflage in dense vegetation. These owls are more strictly nocturnal than many other Pennsylvania owls. They often nest in dense evergreen conifers, frequently utilizing old crow or hawk nests, and forage in nearby fields, meadows, and open woods. Long-eared Owls are a breeding species in Pennsylvania and also migrate through the state.
Short-eared Owls are crow-sized owls with long wings and small, often hard-to-see ear tufts. Their upper plumage is streaked and buff-brown, with a pale, boldly streaked breast. These owls are unique for being active during the day, particularly at dawn and dusk, making them more observable than many other owl species. Short-eared Owls primarily visit Pennsylvania in winter, though they are rare breeding birds. They prefer open habitats such as marshy fields, meadows, grasslands, and prairies for hunting and nesting.
The Snowy Owl is an irregular visitor to Pennsylvania, appearing in winter. These large, striking owls are predominantly white, with varying degrees of dark barring, more pronounced in females and younger birds. They are distinct from other owls due to their size and habit of hunting during the day, a carryover from their arctic tundra breeding grounds where daylight is prolonged. Snowy Owls prefer open fields and often perch on elevated spots like fence posts or silos. Their presence in Pennsylvania often correlates with fluctuations in prey populations in their northern ranges.
Identifying and Observing Pennsylvania Owls
Observing owls in Pennsylvania requires patience and an understanding of their behaviors and preferred habitats. Many owls are nocturnal, making them challenging to spot. Listening for their distinct calls, particularly during breeding seasons, is often the most effective way to detect their presence. Each species has a unique vocalization pattern, serving as a primary identification clue.
Focusing on specific habitat types can increase success when locating owls. Great Horned and Barred Owls frequent mature forests and forest edges, while Barn Owls and Short-eared Owls prefer open fields and grasslands. Smaller species like the Eastern Screech-Owl and Northern Saw-whet Owl often inhabit dense wooded areas, including suburban settings, and may roost in tree cavities or dense conifers during the day. Look for signs such as owl pellets—regurgitated masses of undigested fur and bone—beneath potential roosting sites.
Ethical guidelines are important to ensure the well-being of owls during observation. Maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the birds, especially near nests or roosting sites. Avoid using flash photography at night, as it can disorient nocturnal owls. Repeatedly approaching or flushing an owl can cause stress and disrupt its natural behaviors, including hunting and resting. Minimizing disturbance ensures these birds can continue to thrive in their Pennsylvania habitats.