Virginia’s varied landscape, including the Appalachian Mountains, dense forests, and coastal plains, supports a diverse population of owls. These silent, nocturnal raptors are adapted to hunt across the state’s many habitats, from wilderness areas to suburban parks. Owls are specialized predators with exceptional hearing and vision, allowing them to hunt effectively in low light conditions. The presence of multiple species throughout the year reflects the rich ecological tapestry of the Commonwealth.
The Most Frequently Encountered Residents
The Great Horned Owl is a large and powerful species, a widespread resident recognized by its prominent feathered ear tufts and large yellow eyes. These raptors weigh around three pounds and are characterized by a deep, low-pitched hooting sequence, often described as “hoo-h’HOO-hoo-hoo.” They are highly adaptable, inhabiting forests, wetlands, and suburban areas, preferring wooded areas for nesting and open areas for hunting.
The Barred Owl is a common year-round resident, named for the distinct vertical and horizontal stripes on its plumage. This medium-sized owl is known for its distinctive, resonant call that sounds like the phrase, “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you-all.” Barred Owls favor older, mature deciduous and mixed forests, often found near water sources, and are seen in various wooded habitats throughout the state.
The Eastern Screech Owl is the smallest and most frequently encountered species, measuring about eight inches tall and weighing around six ounces. This species exhibits two color phases, appearing either reddish-brown or gray, which provides excellent camouflage against tree bark. Instead of a screech, their call is a descending, horse-like whinny or a soft, trilled song. They are often heard in suburban woods, orchards, and parks, where they nest in tree cavities.
Owls of Open Fields and Farmland
The Barn Owl is a year-round resident associated with open country and agricultural land. Its unique, heart-shaped white face and dark eyes make it easily distinguishable. It does not hoot, instead emitting a piercing, hissing screech. Barn Owls hunt low over open fields at night and rely on man-made structures like abandoned barns, silos, and church steeples for nesting and roosting sites.
The Short-eared Owl is a less common winter visitor strictly tied to expansive, non-forested habitats like large marshes, open fields, and grasslands. This species is often active during the day, or crepuscular, flying low to the ground with an erratic, moth-like flight pattern while hunting. Short-eared Owls are medium-sized with streaked plumage and small ear tufts that are difficult to see. Their reliance on open terrain makes them a species of conservation concern due to habitat loss.
Elusive and Seasonal Visitors
Virginia’s mountainous and western regions are occasionally visited by more secretive species, including the Long-eared Owl, which is a rare winter migrant. This medium-sized owl has prominent, closely-set ear tufts and is extremely elusive. It prefers to roost communally in dense conifer or shrub thickets near open areas. Their presence is difficult to confirm outside of migration, as they are exceptionally well-camouflaged.
The tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl is one of North America’s smallest owls, measuring only seven to eight inches in length. It is primarily a winter visitor in Virginia. This species is named for its repetitive, whistled call that resembles the sound of a saw blade being sharpened on a whetstone. Saw-whets are highly nocturnal and masters of concealment, often found in dense coniferous or mixed woodlands.
Ethical Viewing and Responsible Observation
Observing owls requires a commitment to ethical practices to avoid causing stress or harm to the birds. Maintain a respectful distance, using binoculars or a spotting scope for viewing, especially if the owl appears to be looking directly at you. Approaching too closely can cause the owl to flush, expending valuable energy and exposing it to potential predators. The use of artificial calls, or audio playback, to lure an owl closer is strongly discouraged, as it interferes with their natural behavior. Never disturb a roosting owl, and use a red-light flashlight at night, as the red spectrum is less disruptive to an owl’s night vision.