Washington State’s diverse habitats, ranging from the temperate rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula to the arid shrub-steppe of the Columbia Plateau, support a rich population of avian life. Among the most intriguing residents are the owls, which function as nocturnal predators across the state’s varied ecosystems. Washington is home to over a dozen species of owls, each adapted to a specific niche, demonstrating the state’s ecological complexity.
The Most Widespread Owl Species
The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is the most widely distributed owl in Washington, easily recognized by its prominent feathered ear tufts and large size, with a wingspan that can reach up to five feet. These owls are highly adaptable, occupying dense forests, open woodlands, suburban parks, and desert environments across the entire state. Their characteristic call is a deep, rhythmic series of hoots, often transcribed as “Hoo-hoo hooooo hoo-hoo,” with the male’s voice being noticeably lower in pitch than the female’s.
The Barred Owl (Strix varia) has colonized mature and old-growth forests, often near water sources. This owl is similar in size to the Great Horned Owl but lacks ear tufts and has dark eyes, distinguishing it visually from most other large owls. Its signature vocalization is a series of eight to nine hoots that sounds like the phrase, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?”
The Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii) is a smaller, year-round resident found throughout Washington, particularly in riparian woodlands. These compact owls stand about 10 inches tall and have small ear tufts and bright yellow eyes. Their call is not a screech but rather a series of hollow, whistled toots that accelerate in a “bouncing ball” rhythm.
Specialized and Habitat-Specific Owls
The tiny Northern Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium gnoma) is a year-round resident of coniferous and mixed woodlands on both sides of the Cascades. Unlike most owls, it is primarily diurnal, meaning it hunts during the day. This small owl, only about seven inches long, often perches conspicuously at the tops of conifers and is known for the two black spots on the back of its head that resemble false eyes to deter predators.
The Flammulated Owl (Psiloscops flammeolus) is a small, migratory species tied specifically to the high-elevation ponderosa pine forests on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range. They are present only during the breeding season from late May to August before migrating to Central America for the winter. They feed almost exclusively on insects, which dictates their need for pine-oak habitats.
In the open, arid landscapes of Eastern Washington’s shrub-steppe and grassland zones, the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) makes its home in underground burrows, often those abandoned by badgers or ground squirrels. This long-legged owl is unique for its terrestrial lifestyle and is one of the few species that is active during the day. The highest concentrations are found in the Columbia Plateau region.
Owls Requiring Specific Conservation Status
The Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) is federally listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. This status reflects its reliance on structurally complex, old-growth coniferous forests for nesting and foraging. The majority of the population resides west of the Cascade Mountains, with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife tracking over a thousand known nesting sites.
The decline of the Northern Spotted Owl has been compounded by the invasion of the Barred Owl, which outcompetes the native species for food and nesting sites. Conservation efforts focus on retaining high-quality, mature forest habitat and managing Barred Owl populations to aid the Spotted Owl’s recovery. The Burrowing Owl is also recognized at the state level as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need, due to the rapid decline in its grassland and shrub-steppe habitat caused by agricultural conversion and development.
The Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) is an irregular winter visitor that appears in the state during irruptions, or periods of mass southward migration from the Arctic tundra. While not permanently endangered, their welfare is monitored closely during these winter visits, as the birds are often stressed from the journey and unfamiliar with human-dominated environments.
Ethical Viewing and Identification Guidance
The best time to locate most species is at dawn or dusk when they are most active. Auditory identification techniques are often necessary since owls are usually heard before they are seen. Great Horned and Barred Owls are easily identified by their distinct hoots, while smaller species have trilling or tooting calls.
Viewers should maintain a substantial distance from any perching or nesting owl and should never cause a bird to flush or fly away. Using recorded calls or “playback” to attract an owl is strongly discouraged, as this can cause stress and disrupt the bird’s natural territorial or foraging behaviors. Flash photography should be avoided entirely, particularly at night, as it can temporarily impair an owl’s specialized vision.
Always remain on marked trails to avoid disturbing potential hunting or nesting sites. Never share the precise location of a sensitive species or an active nest site publicly. If an owl is observed frequently looking at the viewer, showing signs of agitation, or attempting to conceal itself, it indicates the observer is too close and should immediately retreat.