There are a few species of owls that are found commonly in the eastern parts of the United States. Although they range in size and habitat preference, all of the different types of owl birds are nocturnal predators that often feed on the same kinds of prey items. Following are descriptions of these large, silent nocturnal predators common in the East.
Click here for an article on common hawks and birds of prey in the eastern states.
Barn Owl, One of the Most Common Owls in the World
Barn Owls (Tyto alba) are found on all of the six upper continents themselves, and in all places, they tend to live in barns or abandoned buildings, where they nest during breeding season. They have no ears (tufted feathers), but are easily identifiable by their pale orange and gray backs, and white face areas. These birds eat rodents, and they are the second most common owl in America, according to their distribution, after great horned owls. Barn Owls hiss "kssshhhhhh." These owls grow to about 16 inches in length on average.
Great Horned Owl, an Owl of the Americas
These birds (Bubo virginianus) occupy every bit of the North American continent, with the exception of the very northern parts of Canada and Alaska. They come in different color phases, depending on region, but this common species of owl can be identified by its ears, and the overall hawk-like shape of its head (despite the ears, or "horns"). These owls also inhabit much of lower Amazonia in South America, and prey on rodents throughout their range. Their main call is a traditional "hoo hoo hoo hoodoo hoo hoo." Great horned Owls grow to a length of 22 inches, and may weigh over 3 lbs.
Barred Owl, a Species of Owl of the East
Barred Owls (Strix varia) are the only other large predatory bird that hunts at night (aside from the great horned owl) that is often found in the eastern states. They can be found in and east of every state that borders the Mississippi River, and in the Pacific Northwest, and much of central and Eastern Canada. These owls grow to about 21 inches in length, and have very wide and gray circles around the eyes. Barred Owls have grayish-brown backs with some light markings, and light, brown-streaked breasts and undersides. They also have no ears, and have profiles similar to barn owls, though they are larger and thicker (and much darker, in coloration). Barred Owls often call "a-hoot hoot, hoot-hoot, hoot hoot, hooooo," or they may say, in an owlish voice, "who cooks for you," over and over.
Eastern Screech Owl, a Small Species of Owl of America
Eastern screech Owls (Otus asio) are the only common small species owl found commonly in the eastern states. These birds grow to about 8.5 inches in length, and come in three color phases: red, brown, and gray. Each phase has the primary color on the back, wings, and sides and back of the head. The chest of each bird has markings of the phase color over white. These birds have small ears, and resemble very small, stout great horned owls. Screech Owls eat primarily mice and rats, and they usually nest in holes in trees. They are found in every state east of the Rockies. Eastern screech owls have a few calls, but the most notable is the eerie neighing sound, which sounds like a horse's neigh in a high pitch, that starts very high and lowers in tone.
Although there are a few other types of owl that come into the eastern states, those above are the most frequent inhabitants. Common species of owls of the eastern states all have similar feeding habits, despite differences in size and appearance.
Thomas Wyatt - Tom Wyatt grew up in Virginia. He has been interested in the outdoors (fishing, birding, camping, and other such activities) since he was ...
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