In Oregon, several species of owls call the state home. Oregon’s most commonly seen types of owls include the Great Horned Owl, the Barred Owl, the Western Screech Owl, and the Northern Saw-whet Owl.
Each of these owls in Oregon has unique physical and behavioral characteristics that help them thrive in Oregon’s diverse habitats, from old-growth forests to grasslands and wetlands.
Whether you’re a birdwatcher or simply interested in learning about these fascinating creatures, studying different types of owls in Oregon can be a rewarding experience.
1. Barn Owl
The Barn Owl is a common species of owl found in Oregon and is well known for its distinctive heart-shaped face and distinctive hoot.
These nocturnal birds of prey feed on small mammals, birds, and insects. They can be found in various habitats in Oregon, including grasslands, forests, and wetlands.
They are considered an important indicator species, as their populations can indicate the ecosystem’s overall health.
Barn Owls, the first on this list of the types of owls in Oregon, are also considered beneficial to agriculture, as they feed on rodents that can damage crops.
Despite their importance, Barn Owl populations in Oregon and around the world are threatened by habitat loss, pesticide use, and other human activities.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect these magnificent birds and their habitats.
2. Barred Owl
The barred owl is one of the common types of owls in Oregon and can be found in many parts of the state.
It is a large, stocky owl with a distinctive, round head and bright yellow eyes.
The Barred Owl’s feathers are brown and white, with distinctive horizontal bars on the chest and belly.
They are most active at night, using their sharp talons and beaks to hunt small mammals and birds.
The Barred Owl’s call often says, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” They can be found in various habitats, including mature forests, swamps, and wooded areas near water.
In Oregon, the Barred Owl is considered a permanent resident and is not migratory, making it a year-round resident.
3. Boreal Owl
The Boreal Owl is a rare and elusive owl species found in some parts of Oregon, particularly in the northern and eastern regions of the state.
This small owl has a round head, large yellow eyes, and a distinctive facial disc that helps it focus on its prey.
The boreal owl is pale gray-brown in color, with dark streaks on its back and wings and white spots on its belly.
This species is well adapted to life in boreal forests and feeds mainly on small mammals such as voles and mice.
The boreal owl, one of the different types of owls in Oregon, is most active at night and is known for its quiet and solitary nature.
While the Boreal Owl is not commonly seen in Oregon, it can be found in mature coniferous forests and swampy wetlands.
Birdwatchers in the state may hear its distinctive call, described as a series of soft, hooting calls.
4. Burrowing Owl
The Burrowing Owl is a unique and interesting bird species found in some parts of Oregon, particularly in the eastern and central regions of the state.
Unlike most owls in Oregon, the Burrowing Owl is active during the day and can often be seen perching on fence posts, rocks, or other elevated locations.
This small owl has a round head, large yellow eyes, and a distinctive, somewhat comical appearance. It has long legs and a small body.
The Burrowing Owl has a sandy-brown color with white spots on its belly, and it is known for its habit of nesting in burrows underground.
The Burrowing Owl feeds mainly on insects and small mammals. It is known for its bold and fearless behavior, often approaching humans and other animals without fear.
In Oregon, the Burrowing Owl can be found in various habitats, including agricultural land, grasslands, and deserts.
However, it is considered a rare and declining species, so birdwatchers in the state should not disturb its nesting sites.
5. Flammulated Owl
The Flammulated Owl (Psiloscops flammeolus) is a small owl species native to the western parts of North America, including Oregon.
It is a nocturnal bird of prey known for its distinctive, soft-hooting calls and preference for coniferous or mixed forest habitats.
During the breeding season, the Flammulated Owl can be found in high-elevation coniferous forests, where it nests in tree cavities or old woodpecker holes.
In winter, the owls on our list of Oregon owl species may migrate to lower elevations or drier, more open habitats.
Despite its relatively widespread distribution, the Flamingo Owl is considered a species of conservation concern due to habitat loss and degradation, which has resulted in a declining population.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and its habitat, including protecting and managing key breeding and wintering sites.
6. Great Gray Owl
The Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa) is a large owl species native to the northern hemisphere. It is found in parts of Oregon.
It is known for its distinctive, round head, large yellow eyes, and ashy-gray feathers, which help it blend into the forested habitats where it lives.
The Great Gray Owl is a bird of prey that feeds primarily on small mammals, such as voles and mice, which it hunts from perches in the forest.
In Oregon, the Great Gray Owl is typically found in mature, coniferous forests, particularly those dominated by Douglas firs.
Although the Great Gray Owl is one of the relatively common types of owls in some areas of Oregon, it is considered a species of conservation concern in some parts of its range, including Oregon, due to habitat loss and degradation.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and its habitat, including protecting and managing key nesting and foraging sites.
7. Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is a large, powerful owl species native to much of North and Central America, including Oregon.
This species is known for its distinctive ear tufts, which resemble horns, and its deep hooting calls, which are often heard at night.
The Great Horned Owl is a highly adaptable bird living in various habitats, including forests, deserts, grasslands, and urban areas.
This species can be found in various habitats in Oregon, including coniferous and deciduous forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
The Great Horned Owl is a formidable hunter that feeds on various prey, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish.
Despite its wide distribution and ability to adapt to different habitats, the Great Horned Owl is considered a species of common conservation concern in Oregon, as it has a large and stable population.
8. Long-Eared Owl
The Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) is a medium-sized owl species native to much of the northern hemisphere, including parts of Oregon.
This species is known for its distinctive ear tufts, relatively long compared to other owls in Oregon, and its mottled brown and white plumage, which helps it blend into its forested habitat.
The Long-eared Owl is a nocturnal bird of prey that feeds primarily on small mammals, such as voles and mice, which it hunts from perches in trees.
The Long-eared Owl is typically found in mature, coniferous forests, especially those dominated by Douglas firs.
Although the Long-eared Owl is a relatively common species in some areas, it is considered a species of conservation concern in some parts of its range due to habitat loss and degradation.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and its habitat, including protecting and managing key nesting and foraging sites.
9. Northern Hawk Owl
The northern hawk owl (Surnia ulula) is a medium-sized owl native to the boreal forests of the northern hemisphere, including parts of Oregon.
This species is known for its distinctive appearance: its long, narrow tail, broad, rounded head, and bright yellow eyes.
The Northern Hawk Owl is a diurnal bird of prey that feeds primarily on small mammals, such as voles and mice. It hunts from perches in trees or the ground.
The Northern Hawk Owl, one of the numerous types of owls in Oregon, is a rare visitor that may be seen during the winter months, when it may move south in search of food.
Despite its rarity in the state, the Northern Hawk Owl is considered a species of common conservation concern, as it has a large and stable population.
10. Northern Pygmy Owl
The Northern Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium gnoma) is a small owl species native to the western parts of North America, including Oregon.
This species is known for its tiny size and its distinctive appearance, with a round head, bright yellow eyes, and a pattern of white and brown feathers.
The Northern Pygmy Owl is a diurnal bird of prey on this list of Oregon owls. It feeds primarily on small birds and insects, which it hunts from perches in trees.
In Oregon, the Northern Pygmy Owl can be found in various habitats, including coniferous and deciduous forests and suburban areas with trees.
Although the Northern Pygmy Owl is a relatively common species in some areas, it is considered a species of conservation concern in some parts of its range due to habitat loss and degradation.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and its habitat, including protecting and managing key nesting and foraging sites.
11. Northern Saw-Whet Owl
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a small owl species native to North America, including Oregon. These birds are nocturnal and known for their distinctive “toot” calls, often heard at night.
They are typically found in coniferous forests and are known for their camouflage plumage, which helps them blend in with the surrounding tree branches.
Northern Saw-whet Owls feed primarily on small mammals such as mice, voles, and shrews and are known to eat birds and insects.
Some individuals may migrate south during winter to avoid the harsh weather, but many will stay in their breeding territories throughout the year.
Northern Saw-whet Owls are owls in Oregon in various state regions, including the Cascade Mountains and the coastal range.
12. Short-Eared Owl
The Short-Eared Owl is also one of the special types of owls in Oregon, primarily in open habitats such as grasslands, marshes, and agricultural fields.
These birds are known for their distinctive short, rounded ears and aerial hunting style, where they fly low over the ground in search of small mammals such as voles, mice, and shrews.
Short-eared owls are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk, and their distinctive calls, which include a series of hoots and whistles, can often be heard during these times.
They are migratory birds, with some individuals wintering in Oregon while others travel further south to avoid the colder northern weather.
Overall, the Short-Eared Owl is a fascinating bird species that adds to Oregon’s rich diversity of wildlife.
13. Snowy Owl
The Snowy Owl is a large, white owl species native to the Arctic but can sometimes be found in Oregon during the winter months.
These particular types of owls in Oregon are well adapted to the harsh, cold environments of the Arctic tundra, where they feed on lemmings and other small rodents.
Snowy Owls are easily recognizable due to their bright white plumage and yellow eyes, which contrast sharply with their dark beak and talons.
In Oregon, Snowy Owls are considered irregular visitors, and their presence in the state is often associated with fluctuations in the population of their preferred prey species in the Arctic.
When Snowy Owls arrive in Oregon, they can be seen in habitats such as coastal dunes, grasslands, and wetlands, where they hunt for food and roost on tall structures such as trees or utility poles.
The Snowy Owl is a majestic bird species that adds to Oregon’s natural beauty. It provides a unique opportunity for birders and wildlife enthusiasts to observe this arctic visitor in its southern range.
14. Spotted Owl
The Spotted Owl is a species of owl native to the forests of the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon.
These birds are known for their distinctive, mottled brown plumage and their preference for old-growth forests with large trees, dense canopies, and an abundance of woodpecker holes, which they use for nesting.
Spotted Owls feed primarily on small mammals such as squirrels, mice, and flying squirrels and are primarily active at night when they use their keen hearing and vision to locate prey.
The Spotted Owl is considered a sensitive species due to habitat loss and degradation and is protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Conservation efforts aimed at preserving and restoring the species’ critical habitat have been implemented in the state.
They include reducing logging in areas with large concentrations of old-growth forests.
Despite these efforts, the Spotted Owl population in Oregon remains vulnerable, and continued monitoring and conservation action are necessary to ensure its long-term survival.
This list of the various types of owls in Oregon is incomplete without the Spotted owl.
15. Western Screech Owl
The Western Screech Owl is a small species commonly found in Oregon and the western United States.
These birds are well adapted to various habitats, including forests, deserts, and suburban areas, and are known for their distinctive, eerie calls, which are often heard at night.
Western Screech Owls are nocturnal hunters, feeding on a variety of small mammals, birds, and insects.
They are also known to take advantage of bird feeders in suburban areas.
These birds have a unique camouflage plumage that allows them to blend in with their surroundings, making them difficult to spot during the day.
In Oregon, Western Screech Owls can be found in many state regions, from the coast to the high deserts.
They play an important role in the ecosystem as predators that help control populations of small mammals and insects.
The Western Screech Owl is a fascinating bird species that contributes to Oregon’s rich diversity of wildlife. This wraps up our list of Oregon owl species!