Owls in North Dakota: Where to See Them and How to Identify Them

1. Where in North Dakota are owls most likely to be seen?

Most sightings occur in the Missouri River breaks and the Turtle Mountains. Great Horned Owls and Eastern Screech-Owls favor cottonwood groves along the Missouri and Little Missouri rivers. In the open prairies of the west, Burrowing Owls use old badger dens. For Short-eared Owls, check the grasslands of the Sheyenne National Grassland.

In North Dakota, owls sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. 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. What is the best season or time of day to spot owls?

Owls are most active at dusk and dawn, so plan your outings for early morning or late afternoon. Late winter (February-March) is ideal for Great Horned Owls as they begin nesting and are more vocal. Fall migration brings more Northern Saw-whet Owls and Long-eared Owls through the state, especially in October.

See ourOwls guidefor the next step.

3. How can you identify owls in North Dakota compared to similar species?

Start with size and ear tufts. Great Horned Owls are large (18-25 inches) with prominent ear tufts and yellow eyes. Short-eared Owls are medium, have no ear tufts, and are often seen flying low over grasslands at dusk. Burrowing Owls are small (9-10 inches), long-legged, and often perch on fence posts. Eastern Screech-Owls are small with ear tufts but have a distinctive whinnying call.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

4. What calls and signs should you listen and look for?

Listen for the deep hooting of Great Horned Owls (five notes: whoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-whoo) and the raspy shriek of Barn Owls. Look for whitewash (droppings) and pellets at the base of large trees. Pellets are undigested remains of prey; finding them indicates a roost site. Also check for scratch marks on bark near cavities.

5. Which owl species are year-round residents vs. migrants?

Great Horned Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, and Burrowing Owl (summer only) are year-round residents. Snowy Owls are irruptive winter visitors from the Arctic, appearing in open fields and along lake shores. Long-eared and Northern Saw-whet Owls pass through during migration but are rarely seen. Short-eared Owls are present in summer and early winter.

6. What are the best public lands for owl watching?

Start atTheodore Roosevelt National Parkfor Great Horned and Long-eared Owls. TheSheyenne National Grasslandis a stronghold for Short-eared Owls. For Burrowing Owls, visit theLostwood National Wildlife Refugein the northwest. Also check theJ. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refugealong the Souris River.

7. What should you bring for a successful owl outing?

Bring binoculars, a flashlight with red lens (to avoid disturbing them), and a field guide. A thermos of coffee helps during cold dawns. Consider a notebook to record calls and sightings. If you plan to photograph, a telephoto lens is essential. Most importantly, respect roosting owls: keep distance and avoid flushing them.

8. Gear up for your next owl adventure with Easy Street Markets

After a good field session, I like to keep a little owl inspiration around. TheHandcrafted Stoneware Owl Mugis a solid choice for coffee before a dawn outing. For a quick reminder of the species you're chasing, theCute Animals Sticker Packincludes a nice line-art owl. And if you want to deck out your fridge with a rustic touch, theWild Animal Magnet Set 3D Gold Lion Tigerhas a woodland owl magnet. Over time, these little pieces become part of your birding routine.

See ourBrowse bird wall artfor the next step.

9. Frequently Asked Questions about Owls in North Dakota

**Are there Barn Owls in North Dakota?** Rare; a few sightings in the southern counties near the Missouri River. **When do Snowy Owls arrive?** Usually November through March, with peak irruptions every few years. **What do owls eat in North Dakota?** Great Horned Owls take rabbits and rodents; Short-eared Owls hunt voles and mice; Burrowing Owls eat insects and small mammals. **Can I see owls in Fargo?** Yes, check the wooded parks along the Red River – Eastern Screech-Owls are common. **How do I attract owls to my backyard?** Install a nest box for kestrels or screech-owls, avoid rodent poison, and leave dead snags if safe.

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