Texas’s immense size and varied geography support a rich diversity of owl species across many ecological zones. The state provides a broad range of habitats for these nocturnal predators, from the humid pine forests of the east to the arid canyons and deserts of the west. This environment allows for a unique mix of resident and migratory owls. This guide covers the different types of owls residing in or passing through the Lone Star State.
Large and Most Common Texas Owls
The largest and most widespread species in Texas is the Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus), a powerful raptor found in nearly every habitat, from deserts to urban areas. It is easily identified by its prominent, wide-set ear tufts and striking yellow eyes set in a reddish-brown facial disk. Its deep, resonant four- to eight-note hooting call is often described as a classic “Whoo! Whoo-whoo-whoo! Whoo! Whoo!” and is most frequently heard just after midnight.
The Barred Owl (Strix varia) is a year-round resident primarily of the eastern forested areas, including the Pineywoods and bottomland forests near waterways. Unlike the Great Horned Owl, the Barred Owl has a rounded head without ear tufts and distinct dark brown eyes. Its vocalization is a series of eight to nine hoots that sounds like the phrase, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”.
The Barn Owl (Tyto alba) is another common large species, found throughout most of Texas except for the heavily forested eastern counties and the highest mountains of the Trans-Pecos region. It is distinctive with its pale, heart-shaped face and dark eyes. This species often nests near human structures like barns and abandoned buildings. Instead of the typical hoot, the Barn Owl emits a harsh, raspy scream or shriek.
The Smaller Forest and Desert Dwellers
Texas is home to several smaller, often elusive owls that rely on dense cover or specialized arid habitats. The Eastern and Western Screech Owls (Megascops asio and Megascops kennicottii) are small owls with prominent ear tufts and piercing yellow eyes. The Eastern Screech Owl, common in wooded areas, exhibits gray and reddish-brown color phases. The Western Screech Owl is typically found west of the Pecos River and primarily appears in the gray morph. Their ranges overlap in the Trans-Pecos region, but their calls differentiate them: the Eastern Screech Owl has a descending whinny or trill, while the Western Screech Owl’s call is a series of accelerating whistled hoots.
The Elf Owl (Micrathene whitneyi) is the world’s smallest owl, measuring only about 5 to 6 inches long. This summer resident is restricted to the western and southern parts of the state, including the Big Bend area and the lower Rio Grande Valley. These tiny owls are cavity nesters, often using abandoned woodpecker holes in desert riparian areas. The Flammulated Owl (Psiloscops flammeolus) is a highly migratory summer resident in the high-elevation coniferous and oak woodlands of the Guadalupe, Davis, and Chisos mountains in West Texas. It is the only small owl in the state with dark eyes, and its presence is often detected by its low-pitched, deep baritone hoot.
Owls of Open Country and Specialized Habitats
Certain Texas owls display unique behaviors and prefer open country habitats, distinguishing them from their forest-dwelling relatives. The Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is a ground-dwelling species found in the treeless grasslands, prairies, and deserts of the Panhandle and Trans-Pecos regions. They are unique among North American owls for their long legs and diurnal activity. They are often seen standing outside the burrows, which are typically excavated by prairie dogs or other mammals.
The Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) is an uncommon winter visitor and migrant, frequenting fields, coastal marshes, and open grasslands. This owl is frequently observed hunting during the day, flying low over the fields with buoyant, moth-like wingbeats, especially at dawn and dusk. The Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) is a secretive, medium-sized, uncommon winter visitor, most often seen in the western part of the state. It prefers to roost communally in dense vegetation or conifer groves during the day, using its large ear tufts as camouflage. They hunt at night over adjacent open areas, often using abandoned stick nests built by other birds for nesting.