Have you heard that Minnesota is home to various fascinating owl species? Learning about these types of owls in Minnesota can be interesting and educational.
From the Great Horned Owl to the Barred Owl, Minnesota has majestic types of owls in many areas throughout the state.
Here in our article, we’ll explore Minnesota’s different types of owls and their characteristics.
With this information, you’ll have a better understanding of the types of owls that call the state home and the habitats they live in. Let’s get started!
1. Eastern Screech Owl
The Eastern Screech Owl is one of Minnesota’s small and cute types of owl.
It has a compact body and a round head, with ear tufts that can erect or lie flat.
They are usually gray or brown and have intricate patterns of streaks and spots on their feathers.
Eastern Screech Owls are nocturnal birds and prefer to hunt at night. They feed on small mammals, birds, and insects.
These owls are adaptable and can be found in many habitats, including forests, urban parks, and suburban backyards.
The best part is that they are also known for their unique vocalizations, ranging from trills and whinnies to piercing screech.
Eastern Screech Owls mate for life and fiercely protect their territory and young.
Although small, they are excellent hunters and are crucial in controlling the rodent population.
2. Great Gray Owl
The Great Gray Owl is one of Minnesota’s largest species and can be spotted throughout the boreal forests of North America.
These majestic birds can grow up to 33 inches tall with a wingspan of up to 5 feet, making them a truly awe-inspiring sight in the wild.
These owls have distinct facial discs that resemble a gray shield around their face, which helps to focus sound and allow for their impressive hearing abilities.
Their diet mainly consists of small mammals like voles and shrews, which they hunt by silently flying through the forest.
Unfortunately, their populations have declined due to habitat loss and fragmentation, making sightings of these owls in Minnesota even rarer and more special.
However, conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitat and ensure their survival for generations.
3. Snowy Owl
One of Minnesota‘s most striking types of owls is the Snowy Owl. These majestic birds have pure white feathers that help them blend in perfectly with their Arctic tundra habitats.
Snowy Owls are a relatively rare sight in Minnesota, as they usually spend most of their time in the far northern reaches of Canada and Alaska.
However, during the winter months, Snowy Owls sometimes migrate southward. And can be spotted in Minnesota’s northern and western regions.
The Snowy Owl is one of the largest owl species, with a wingspan of up to five feet.
They are skilled hunters and will prey on various animals, including lemmings, rodents, and small birds.
In addition to their stunning white feathers, Snowy Owls also have piercing yellow eyes that give them a fierce appearance.
If you’re lucky enough to spot a Snowy Owl in Minnesota, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget!
4. Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl, also known as the Hoot Owl, is one of North America’s most widespread owl species, including Minnesota.
It’s named after its ear-like tufts of feathers on its head, which are not ears but are used to communicate mood and threat displays.
This owl is a fierce predator, hunting at night for rodents, rabbits, and other birds.
Great Horned Owls are found in various habitats, from forests and prairies to urban areas.
They are large, with a wingspan of up to five feet, and have distinctive yellow eyes and white throat feathers.
These types of owls in Minnesota are also known for their unique vocalizations, including their iconic hooting call, which can be heard during their breeding season from late fall to early winter.
Although the Great Horned Owl is common in Minnesota, they are still a marvel to see up close.
They are one of the top predators in the food chain and play an important role in controlling populations of rodents and other pests.
Next time you’re exploring Minnesota’s wild places, keep an eye and an ear out for the Great Horned Owl’s unmistakable call.
5. Northern Hawk Owl
The Northern Hawk Owl is a striking bird with unique physical characteristics and hunting behaviors.
This owl species can be found in the northernmost parts of Minnesota, often inhabiting dense forests and open meadows.
The Northern Hawk Owl’s name comes from its ability to fly like a hawk, allowing it to chase and catch its prey mid-air.
You can’t believe these owls have a distinct appearance: a round head, yellow eyes, and a white-spotted body.
They are also one of the larger owl species in Minnesota, measuring up to 17 inches in length.
The Northern Hawk Owl is known for its hunting abilities and feeds on small rodents, birds, and fish.
They have been observed hovering over open fields, scanning for prey before making a quick and precise dive to catch it.
The Northern Hawk Owl is a fascinating bird that is rare to spot but worth the effort.
Their unique physical characteristics and hunting behaviors make them stand out from other owl species in Minnesota.
Next time you explore the northern parts of the state, watch for these majestic types of owls in Minnesota in the forests and meadows.
6. Northern Saw-Whet Owl
The Northern Saw-Whet Owl is a small, stocky owl known for its distinctive appearance and endearing facial expression.
It is a common resident of Minnesota and can be found in forests, wooded areas, and sometimes even suburban parks and backyards.
Did you know this owl gets its name from the sound it makes? It sounds similar to a saw being sharpened on a whetstone.
Despite its small size, the Northern Saw-Whet Owl is an effective hunter. Its prey is small rodents such as mice, voles, and shrews.
These owls hunt at night, using their keen eyesight and excellent hearing to locate their prey.
They have a unique hunting style: They sit and wait for their prey to come to them, then swoop down and grab it with their talons.
Northern Saw-Whet Owls are known for their adorable appearance, large, bright yellow eyes, and small stature.
While they are commonly seen in the wild, they are also popular birds to rehabilitate and release.
In Minnesota, many organizations are dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing injured or orphaned Northern Saw-Whet Owls back into the wild, which is important for maintaining the local population.
If you’re lucky enough to spot one of these owls in the wild, consider yourself fortunate to see one of Minnesota’s many fascinating owl species.
7. Boreal Owl
The Boreal Owl is a small but fascinating owl found in Minnesota’s boreal forests.
This owl is around 8 inches long and has a wingspan of 20 inches.
Its coloring consists of brown feathers with white spots on the head and underparts, which help it blend into its surroundings.
Boreal owls are a rare sight in Minnesota, as they are very secretive and nocturnal birds.
This owl species feeds on small mammals like voles, mice, and insects.
Boreal Owls nest in cavities of dead trees or use old woodpecker nests, and females will lay 4-6 eggs each year.
While their range is mostly confined to the boreal forests of Minnesota, they have also been known to migrate south in search of food during the winter months.
Spotting a Boreal Owl in the wild is a rare and exciting experience for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
8. Snowy Owl
The Snowy Owl is a majestic and captivating bird native to Minnesota. Known for its striking white feathers and piercing yellow eyes, the Snowy Owl is one of the state’s most recognizable owl species.
These owls are typically found in tundra regions and open fields.
They use their exceptional eyesight and hearing to hunt small mammals like rodents and rabbits.
One of the most interesting things about the Snowy Owls is that they are nomadic birds.
This means they do not have a permanent home and instead move from place to place in search of food and suitable breeding grounds.
In the winter months, Snowy Owls can be seen in Minnesota and other northern states and provinces, while in the summer, they typically breed in the Arctic regions of Canada.
Seeing a Snowy Owl in the wild is a truly breathtaking experience that is not to be missed.
9. Barred Owl
The Barred Owl is a medium-sized owl species found throughout Minnesota, primarily in dense forests and wooded areas.
Their distinctive features include dark eyes, a round head, and a unique facial disk with horizontal bars.
Their feathers are brown and white, with a barred pattern extending across their entire body.
Barred owls are known for their distinctive call, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” They are opportunistic predators that feed on prey such as small mammals, birds, and insects.
They are known to hunt at night and dawn, using their excellent vision and hearing to locate their prey.
They are also known for their ability to adapt to changing environments and have been observed in urban areas and forested regions.
Despite their adaptable nature, the Barred Owl population in Minnesota has been affected by habitat loss, making it important to protect their natural habitat for future generations.
10. Burrowing Owl
The Burrowing Owl is a small species of owl in grasslands, deserts, and prairies across North and South America.
In Minnesota, they are considered rare visitors during the breeding season and can occasionally be spotted during migration periods.
These owls are known for their unique nesting habits. They live in burrows underground rather than nest in trees like many other owl species.
The Burrowing Owl is easily recognizable with its long legs, small stature, and comical appearance.
Their brown and white speckled feathers help to blend them into their surroundings, making them difficult to spot.
While small, Burrowing Owls have a loud call for communication and attracting a mate.
Unfortunately, Burrowing Owls face many threats, including habitat destruction, predation by domestic cats, and collisions with vehicles.
Conservation efforts are underway in many areas to protect Minnesota’s fascinating types of owls.
11. Barn Owl
The Barn Owl is a common sight in the agricultural areas of Minnesota.
It’s also known as the Monkey-Faced Owl due to its heart-shaped face and large, round eyes.
These owls prefer to live in open fields, farmland, and meadows, where they can hunt for small rodents like mice, voles, and shrews.
They are known for their ability to fly silently, thanks to the fringed edges on their feathers, which muffle the sound of their wings.
Barn Owls have a distinct appearance: pale faces, chestnut-colored wings, and back.
They are also relatively small, weighing around one pound and measuring around 12-16 inches in length.
Despite their small size, they have excellent eyesight and hearing, which helps them locate prey in the dark.
Unfortunately, the Barn Owl is considered a species of concern in Minnesota due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Conservation efforts are in place to protect these majestic types of owls in Minnesota and their habitat.
12. Long-Eared Owl
The Long-Eared Owl is one of the smaller owl species in Minnesota, typically measuring about 13 inches in length.
They are found throughout the state and are easily identified by their distinctive long ear tufts.
These tufts are not ears but rather feathers that help to camouflage the owl and make it appear larger to potential predators.
Like many other types of owls in Minnesota, the Long-Eared Owl is primarily active at night.
They are skilled hunters and can accurately catch small prey like rodents and insects.
While they may not be as well-known as some of the larger owl species in Minnesota, they are still an important part of the state’s ecosystem and a fascinating species to observe in the wild.
13. Short-Eared Owl
The Short-Eared Owl is the last on our list of types of owls in Minnesota.
It has a distinctive appearance, with a round head, large eyes, and feather tufts on the top of its head.
As its name suggests, it has short, ear-like feathers on the top of its head that are difficult to see unless the owl feels threatened or defensive.
Its wingspan can reach up to 40 inches, and its mottled brown and white plumage helps it blend into its surroundings.
One of the interesting things about Short-Eared Owls is that they are diurnal, which means they are active during the day and at night.
They can often be seen flying over open fields and grasslands, searching for small rodents like voles and mice to eat.
During winter, they may gather in large groups to hunt more efficiently.
Despite their commonness, they are rarely seen because they are relatively quiet birds and don’t make the characteristic hooting sounds many people associate with owls.