Owls are nocturnal raptors that are found all over the world, and North Carolina is no exception.
North Carolina has some main types of owls: the Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Saw-whet Owl, and Eastern Screech Owl.
Each species has unique characteristics and behaviors that make them interesting to observe and study.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the features of each of these owls in North Carolina and discuss where they can be found.
1. Eastern Screech Owl
The first on this list of the types of owls in North Carolina is the Eastern Screech Owl, a small owl species. These owls are nocturnal, meaning they are active during the night. The Eastern Screech Owl is between 6 to 9 inches tall and has a wingspan of 20-24 inches. It has reddish-brown or gray plumage with white streaks and spots on the upper body and barred tail feathers.
These owls prefer open deciduous forests but can also be found in suburban areas. They are generally silent but do make occasional high-pitched calls. Eastern Screech Owls typically hunt small mammals, insects, and even frogs. They usually nest in tree cavities or woodpecker holes that line with leaves and feathers.
The Eastern Screech Owl’s breeding season occurs between April and July, and the clutch size is 2-6 eggs. While the population has decreased due to habitat loss and fragmentation, it is still found in many parts of North Carolina and remains a part of our natural environment.
2. Flammulated Owl
The Flammulated Owl is a small species of owl native to the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina. It is about seven inches long, with gray or rusty brown plumage and white spots on the wings. The Flammulated Owl prefers coniferous forests, meadows, and rocky slopes for nesting. Its diet consists mainly of small mammals such as voles, mice, shrews, and other insects.
The Flamingo Owl is active at night and roosts during the day in dense vegetation or tree cavities. Due to its limited range and potential habitat destruction, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species lists it as “vulnerable.” The best way to observe it is to take a nighttime drive in the mountains of North Carolina.
Listen for the distinctive “hoot” of the Flammulated Owl, or look for its bright yellow eyes reflecting light from headlights. Although it is a rare bird, it is possible to observe this elusive species if you are patient and observant. This is second on this list of the different types of owls in North Carolina.
3. Barn Owl
The Barn Owl is one of the many types of owls in North Carolina that you should know about. It is a medium-sized owl with a distinct, heart-shaped facial disc and long, curved bill. Its plumage is pale gray-brown, with a white belly and white “eyebrows” above its yellow eyes.
Barn Owls prefer grasslands and agricultural areas, as they feed primarily on small mammals such as mice, voles, and rats. They are typically nocturnal and solitary but may gather in small flocks during the winter. The Barn Owl is protected under state and federal laws in North Carolina.
Despite their protected status, Barn Owls are still vulnerable to many threats, such as habitat loss and fragmentation, pesticides, and vehicles. People can help protect these majestic birds by creating Barn Owl boxes to nest in and avoiding activities that disturb their natural habitats. With the right conservation efforts, we can ensure the future of the Barn Owl, one of the types of owls in North Carolina.
4. Western Screech Owl
The Western Screech Owl is a common sight in the skies of North Carolina. This medium-sized owl is about 9 inches long and has a wingspan of 20 to 24 inches. It can be identified by its distinctive bright yellow eyes, gray or brown feathers, and white throat with black streaks. Its voice is a soft, high-pitched whistle or trill often heard in the evenings or early morning.
The Western Screech Owl, one of the types of owls in North Carolina, mainly feeds on small rodents, insects, and other small animals. It typically hunts at night and roosts during the day in tree cavities, under loose bark, or in old buildings. The owl is a great addition to the environment, as it helps to keep rodent populations in check.
5. Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl is one of the most widely distributed types of owl in North Carolina. This large owl can be found in woodlands and even urban areas, hunting a variety of small animals such as rodents, skunks, rabbits, and birds. Its striking colors and impressive size make it one of the most recognizable owls in the state.
They can measure up to 24 inches tall, with a wingspan of around 4 feet. Their coloring consists of brown and gray plumage, white patches along their neck and throat, and bright yellow eyes. Though they can be found in many state regions, they are known to inhabit coastal areas more often than in other parts.
While observed day and night, they are mostly active at night, using their excellent hearing to detect potential prey from far away. Though one of the largest owl species, they usually rely on stealth to capture their prey. They are fiercely territorial and will defend their territory with aggressive vocalizations and displays.
6. Northern Saw-Whet Owl
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a small, secretive owl rarely seen in North Carolina. It is often found in old fields, young forests, and other areas with dense vegetation. The Northern Saw-whet Owl is one of the types of owls in North Carolina. It is a brown and white owl with distinctive yellow eyes. At night, it usually hunts for small rodents, such as mice and voles.
During the day, the Northern Saw-whet Owl may remain perched quietly, waiting for its next meal. This type of owl can be found in parts of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Piedmont region of North Carolina during winter. With its distinctive call and large round eyes, the Northern Saw-whet Owl is a unique member of the owl family in North Carolina.
7. Short-Eared Owl
The Short-Eared Owl is one of the more unique owls in North Carolina. It is a small, stocky owl with a round head and yellow eyes. The primary color of the Short-Eared Owl is brown, but it also has white spots and stripes on its wings and tail.
This migratory owl species typically appears in North Carolina between October and March. The Short-Eared Owl feeds on various small mammals and birds, including voles, mice, and sparrows. It often hunts in open areas such as meadows and fields. During the winter months, it can often be spotted roosting in trees or on fence posts during the day.
The Short-Eared Owl is a protected species in North Carolina and is listed as a species of special concern by the state. As human activity continues to destroy its habitat, this species is at risk of disappearing completely from the area.
Conservation efforts are essential to ensuring the survival of this species in North Carolina. Birders who spot a Short-Eared Owl in their area should be sure to report it to the proper authorities so that its population can be monitored and protected.
8. Snowy Owl
The Snowy Owl is a majestic creature found in North Carolina. This beautiful species of owl is white and gray in color and has yellow eyes. It is about 2 feet tall and can weigh up to 6 pounds.
The Snowy Owl, one of the owls in North Carolina, typically nests on the ground and forages for small rodents and insects. These magnificent birds are known for their ability to fly silently, making them efficient predators. The Snowy Owl is considered a special concern species in North Carolina, meaning it is not threatened or endangered but still requires monitoring.
Snowy Owls may be seen in some areas of the state during winter. These birds are protected by state law, so it is illegal to hunt or harass them. Birdwatchers should keep a safe distance when viewing these creatures in the wild.
9. Long-Eared Owl
The Long Eared Owl is a medium-sized owl, typically 33–43 cm long. The Long Eared Owl is a resident of the southeastern parts of North Carolina and can often be found perched on trees or in open areas like fields. The wingspan of this species is typically between 80-95 cm, and its weight usually ranges between 210-400 grams.
This species has long ear tufts, a dark brown or gray face, and yellow eyes that are relatively small in size. The Long Eared Owls diet consists mainly of rodents, small birds, amphibians, and insects. They are a type of owl in North Carolina that can also be seen eating carrion occasionally. This species is nocturnal but may hunt during the day if food is scarce.
Additionally, they are most active in the early morning and late evening. Long-eared owls are monogamous and will generally remain with the same partner throughout their lives. During the breeding season, they can make loud calls, such as hooting and screeching.
10. Boreal Owl
The boreal owl is one of the smallest types of owl in North Carolina. It is found in high-elevation spruce and fir forests, primarily in the western part of the state. It has a yellowish-brown body with dark stripes on the back and head.
The Boreal Owl is nocturnal, hunting for small rodents and insects and some birds at night. They also eat berries, fruits, and seeds. The Boreal Owl is an elusive bird not easily seen by the casual observer. They are most active during the twilight hours when they can be heard calling out with their sharp “tsew” calls.
It is easier to find them during winter when they migrate to lower-elevation forests. When found, they perch silently in the highest branches of trees and watch for prey below.
11. Northern Pygmy Owl
The Northern Pygmy Owl is one of the smallest owl species in North Carolina. It is typically seen in pine forests but can also be found in suburban areas. These owls are dark brown and gray, with white spots on their wings and a white eyebrow line. They hunt during the day, mainly eating small mammals and birds, and are especially active during the early morning and late afternoon hours.
Northern Pygmy Owls are often heard rather than seen, as they have a series of hoots higher-pitched than most other owls. The Northern Pygmy Owl is a year-round resident of North Carolina and can be found in the mountains and foothills region of the state. They typically nest in abandoned woodpecker holes or similar tree cavities, although they may sometimes use nest boxes placed in the area.
When threatened, these owls in North Carolina will crouch low and blend in with the trees around them to avoid detection. Sightings of this species can be rare, so keep your eyes and ears open for this special owl when visiting North Carolina’s forests.
12. Burrowing Owl
The Burrowing Owl is one of the least common types of owls in North Carolina. It is a small owl with long legs and a long tail and lives in underground burrows. These owls prefer open grasslands and can be found throughout the state’s eastern half. They feed on insects, rodents, amphibians, and other small creatures that they can find near their burrows.
During the breeding season, Burrowing Owls can be seen flying around their territory in search of food and mates. To protect these birds, North Carolina has implemented regulations on hunting and trapping.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has also established nesting sites for Burrowing Owls nationwide. These sites provide a safe place for the birds to nest and raise their young, helping to ensure their continued presence in the state for years to come.
13. Spotted Owl
The Spotted Owl is one of the many species of owls found in North Carolina. It is a medium-sized bird of prey easily recognizable by its large, round head and yellow eyes. Unlike other types of owls in North Carolina, it is a shy bird, so it tends to avoid people and other birds.
The Spotted Owl is mostly nocturnal and prefers to hunt during the night. Its diet consists mainly of small mammals such as voles, mice, squirrels, and some insects. The Spotted Owl can be found in woodlands and forests in eastern North Carolina. It typically lives in areas with dense foliage and plenty of roosting trees.
The Spotted Owl is an endangered species, so conservation efforts are underway to ensure its survival. Efforts include habitat protection, education programs, and reintroducing Spotted Owls into suitable habitats. It is important to protect this owl species’ remaining habitats so they can continue to flourish in North Carolina.
