Owls in Massachusetts: identification guide and where to start looking

1. What owl species can you find in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has eight regular owl species. Great Horned Owls are the most widespread, found in forests and suburbs. Barred Owls prefer swamps and river corridors. Eastern Screech-Owls are small and common in woodlots. Saw-whet Owls are tiny and secretive, mainly in conifers. Less common are Snowy Owls (winter visitors along coast) and Long-eared Owls (rare in pine stands). Short-eared Owls occur in open grasslands during winter. Barn Owls are very rare and mostly in agricultural areas.

2. Where are the best places to spot owls in Massachusetts?

Your best starting points are state forests and wildlife refuges. Quabbin Reservoir and the surrounding woods hold Great Horned and Barred Owls. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island is a top spot for Snowy Owls in winter. The Berkshires, especially Mount Greylock State Reservation, offer good woodland owl habitat. Even suburban parks with mature trees can host Screech-Owls. Start by scanning the edges of fields at dusk and checking evergreen groves for roosting Saw-whets.

3. When is the best time of year and day for owl sightings?

Owl activity peaks at dawn and dusk, but you can find roosting owls during the day in winter. The best season for hearing owls is late winter (January to March) when Great Horned and Barred Owls begin courtship calling. Nighttime listening walks in February often yield excellent results. Snowy Owls are most reliable from November through March along the coast. For young owls, late spring (May-June) offers fledglings that may be more visible near nests.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

4. How do you identify owls by their calls?

Calls are often the easiest way to confirm an owl. Great Horned Owl: a deep, rhythmic 'who-hoo, hoo hoo'. Barred Owl: a loud 'who-cooks-for-you, who-cooks-for-you-all' with a descending final note. Eastern Screech-Owl: a soft, descending whinny or a trill on one pitch. Saw-whet Owl: a rapid series of whistles like 'toot-toot-toot'. Snowy Owl: generally silent, but males give a low 'hoo-hoo' during courtship. Listen just after dark in suitable habitat.

5. What are the key field marks to separate similar species?

Size is the first clue: Great Horned and Barred are large (18-24 inches), Screech and Saw-whet are small (6-9 inches). Great Horned has prominent ear tufts and yellow eyes; Barred has no ear tufts and dark eyes. Screech-Owls have ear tufts and yellow eyes (gray or red phase). Saw-whet is tiny with a heart-shaped facial disc, no ear tufts, and yellow eyes. Snowy Owls are large, white with variable dark bars. Check facial disc shape and eye color carefully: that alone separates most species.

6. What should you look for when owl watching?

Start with habitat: forest edges, open fields, or marshes. Look for whitewash (droppings) on tree trunks or fence posts. Search for pellets (regurgitated bones and fur) under roost trees. At night, use a flashlight to scan for eye shine (owl eyes glow red or gold). Listen for alarm calls from songbirds (mobbing) that may indicate an owl nearby. Be patient and still, especially in the hour after sunset. Visit the same promising spot several times for best odds.

7. Where can you find owl-inspired gear and artwork?

If you enjoy bringing a piece of the outdoors home, Easy Street Markets offers a selection of owl-themed items. Start with a Handcrafted Stoneware Owl Mug, perfect for your morning coffee while recalling your early morning owling trips:

### Handcrafted Stoneware Owl Mug | Guatemalan Coffee Cup, 16 oz

Hand molded ceramic mug in warm cream tone with folk art design and a bright-eyed owl. 16 oz.Check Price and Availability

For a subtle ode, the Cute Animals Sticker Pack includes a minimalist line-art owl sticker:

### Cute Animals Sticker Pack | High Quality Water Resistant Stickers

Simple line-art owl sticker. Matte vinyl finish. Great for journals and laptops.Check Price and Availability

And a Woodland Owl Magnet makes a nice addition to your refrigerator or locker:

### Wild Animal Magnet Set 3D Gold Lion Tiger (Woodland Owl variant)

Woodland owl magnet with rustic wood grain background. Handmade in USA.Check Price and Availability

Browse moreowl-themed art printsandother owl merchandiseat Easy Street Markets.

8. What are common questions about Massachusetts owls?

**Can I attract owls to my backyard?** Possibly. Install nest boxes for Screech-Owls and Barred Owls if you have large trees and nearby open space. Avoid rodenticides. **Where do owls roost during the day?** In dense evergreen trees, vine tangles, or tree cavities. Scan for whitewash below. **Are owls dangerous to pets?** Great Horned Owls can take small cats and dogs under 5 pounds, but attacks are uncommon. Keep small pets indoors at night. **What should I do if I find an injured owl?** Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Do not attempt to care for it yourself. **How can I learn more?** Check local Audubon chapters and state wildlife resources. OurMassachusetts wildlife pagehas more tips.

See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.