Owls in Colorado: Where to See Them and How to Identify Them

1. Where in Colorado are owl sightings most likely?

Colorado hosts 14 owl species, but the most common sightings happen in three main zones: the Front Range foothills (great horned, screech owls), the eastern plains (burrowing owls, short-eared owls), and the high-altitude pine forests (flammulated, boreal owls). The Pawnee National Grassland on the eastern plains offers the best odds for burrowing owls, while Rocky Mountain National Park provides reliable sightings of great horned and saw-whet owls. Check out our/wildlife/coloradopage for regional breakdowns.

2. What is the best season or time of day for owl watching?

Late winter (February-March) is prime time because owls are actively calling and defending territories before nesting. For time of day, aim for the two hours after sunset and the hour before sunrise. Owls are most vocal on calm, moonlit nights. In summer, dawn works well for species like the flammulated owl. During daylight, burrowing owls can be seen standing near their burrows on the plains.

3. How can I identify different owls in Colorado?

Start with size and ear tufts. Great horned owls are large (22 inches) with prominent tufts, while barred owls are similar but have a striped belly. Screech owls are tiny (8 inches) and often have reddish or gray morphs. Burrowing owls are small, long-legged, and often seen on the ground. Use our/animals/owlpage for a full identification guide with side-by-side comparisons.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

4. Which owl species are most common in Colorado?

The great horned owl is the most widespread, found in forests, canyons, and even suburbs. The western screech owl is common along streams and foothills. On the plains, the burrowing owl lives in prairie dog towns. High in the Rockies, the flammulated owl can be heard giving a soft "boop" call during summer nights. For rarer species like the snowy owl, check the eastern plains during winter irruptions.

5. What are the best tips for spotting owls?

Listen first. Learn the calls of great horned (deep hoots), screech (whistling trill), and saw-whet owls (tooting). Use a sharp beam of light at night to catch eye shine in trees. Walk slowly and stop often. Look for whitewash (droppings) and pellets under roost trees. Start with easy spots like Barr Lake State Park or the Eagle River area. For more resources, browse our/art-printsfor owl identification posters.

6. What gear can enhance my owl spotting experience?

A good pair of binoculars (8x42 is ideal) and a red-light flashlight help without disturbing the birds. For documenting sightings, consider a lightweight camera with a zoom lens. After a successful trip, you might want to bring home a fun reminder of your owl adventures. Here are a few items we like:

### Handcrafted Stoneware Owl Mug

This 16 oz ceramic mug features a cheerful folk-art owl design. Great for morning coffee while planning your next outing.Check Price and Availability

### Cute Animals Sticker Pack

A simple line-art owl sticker that fits on a laptop or field notebook. Water-resistant, so it holds up to outdoor use.Check Price and Availability

### Wild Animal Magnet Set

Handmade wooden magnet with a rustic owl design. A small keepsake from Colorado's owl country.Check Price and Availability

7. Travel widget for owl watching in Colorado

This widget can help you find nearby lodging, guided tours, and more for your owl watching trip.

8. Frequently Asked Questions about seeing owls in Colorado

**Q: What is the best time of year to see owls in Colorado?** A: Late winter (February-March) offers the most active calling, but spring and fall migrations also bring extra species like the short-eared owl.

**Q: Can you see owls in Denver?** A: Yes! Great horned and screech owls can be found in city parks like City Park and Bear Creek Lake Park. Listen for calls at dusk.

**Q: What types of owls live in Colorado?** A: Colorado has 14 species including great horned, barred, barn, screech, long-eared, short-eared, saw-whet, northern pygmy, flammulated, and boreal owls. Some are rare visitors like the snowy and great gray owls.

**Q: Are there guided owl walks in Colorado?** A: Yes, many nature centers (e.g., Barr Lake, Rocky Mountain Conservancy) host seasonal owl prowls. Check local calendars for events.

**Q: How can I attract owls to my yard?** A: Owls need large trees for nesting and roosting. Install a nest box (plans for screech owl boxes are online) and avoid using rodenticides that poison their food source.

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