11 Types of Owls in Minnesota
Owls do show up in Minnesota, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Start with the state wildlife hub, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route before heading out.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- February, January, April
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
11 types of owls recorded in Minnesota
11 owl species have a verified observation record in Minnesota across the owl order (Strigiformes), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Plus 1 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
More on owls in Minnesota:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
5,353 verified observations on iNaturalist of owl have been recorded in Minnesota, most often in February, January, April.
When owl are recorded in Minnesota
Owls do show up in Minnesota, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Start with the state wildlife hub, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route before heading out.
1. What owls are most common in Minnesota?
The Great Horned Owl and Barred Owl are the species you're most likely to encounter statewide. Eastern Screech-Owls are common in the southern half, while Northern Saw-whet Owls appear in northern forests. Snowy Owls visit in winter from the Arctic, but sightings vary year to year.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
In Minnesota, owls sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
2. How can you identify a Great Horned Owl from a Barred Owl?
Great Horned Owls have prominent ear tufts and yellow eyes, while Barred Owls have dark eyes and no tufts. Barred Owls also have horizontal barring on the chest and vertical streaks on the belly. Listen for the Great Horned's deep hooting versus the Barred's "Who cooks for you" call.
See ourOwls guidefor the next step.
Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around where in the state people usually notice them first, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in Minnesota. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
3. Where in Minnesota do people usually see owls first?
Start with wooded state parks like Itasca, Jay Cooke, or Whitewater. The Sax-Zim Bog in northern Minnesota is a reliable winter spot for Great Grays and Snowies. Many owls live in urban parks and cemeteries too, especially during winter when they roost in conifers.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. When is the best time of year to spot owls in Minnesota?
Late winter (February-March) is prime for courtship calling and daytime roosting. Snowy Owls peak from November to January. Summer is harder but you can hear young begging calls at dusk. Dawn and dusk are the best times any season.
5. What field marks separate Minnesota's lookalike owls?
The two small owls: Northern Saw-whet and Boreal Owl. Saw-whets have a streaked forehead, Boreals have a spotted crown and pale face. The two large gray owls: Great Gray and Long-eared. Great Grays have a black chin patch, Long-eared have orange facial disks and long ear tufts.
6. How can I attract owls to my yard?
Install a nest box for Eastern Screech-Owls or Barred Owls if you have large trees. Leave dead snags standing for roosting. Avoid using rodenticides that poison the owls' prey. A small pond can draw frogs and insects that attract smaller owls.
7. Owl-themed gifts for bird watchers and owl lovers
If you enjoy owl study, you might like these items from Easy Street Markets:
Handcrafted Stoneware Owl Mug
A warm cream ceramic mug with a folk art owl design. Perfect for sipping coffee while you plan your next outing.Check Price and Availability
Cute Animals Sticker Pack
Includes a simple line-art owl sticker. Water resistant, great for journals and gear.Check Price and Availability
Wild Animal Magnet Set
A woodland owl magnet with rustic wood grain. Shows off your love of Minnesota wildlife.Check Price and Availability
See ourBrowse bird wall artfor the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions about Owls in Minnesota
**What is the smallest owl in Minnesota?** The Northern Saw-whet Owl, about the size of a robin.
**Can you own an owl as a pet in Minnesota?** No, all native owls are protected and cannot be kept without permits.
**Do owls migrate out of Minnesota?** Most are year-round residents, but Snowy Owls migrate south only in some winters.
**What should I do if I find a baby owl on the ground?** Leave it alone unless injured; parents are likely nearby. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator if needed.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What types of owls live in Minnesota?+
The Great Horned Owl and Barred Owl are the species you're most likely to encounter statewide. Eastern Screech-Owls are common in the southern half, while Northern Saw-whet Owls appear in northern forests. Snowy Owls visit in winter from the Arctic, but sightings vary year to year. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step. In Minnesota, owls sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
How do you tell owls apart in Minnesota?+
The Great Horned Owl and Barred Owl are the species you're most likely to encounter statewide. Eastern Screech-Owls are common in the southern half, while Northern Saw-whet Owls appear in northern forests. Snowy Owls visit in winter from the Arctic, but sightings vary year to year. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step. In Minnesota, owls sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Which owl is most common in Minnesota?+
The Great Horned Owl and Barred Owl are the species you're most likely to encounter statewide. Eastern Screech-Owls are common in the southern half, while Northern Saw-whet Owls appear in northern forests. Snowy Owls visit in winter from the Arctic, but sightings vary year to year. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step. In Minnesota, owls sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Keep exploring
More places to see owl
More wildlife in Minnesota
Common questions about owls