8 Types of Owls in North Dakota

1. Which owl species can you find in North Dakota?

North Dakota has eight regularly occurring owl species: Great Horned Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, Western Screech-Owl (rare), Barred Owl, Great Gray Owl (uncommon), Snowy Owl (winter visitor), Northern Saw-whet Owl, and Long-eared Owl. Short-eared Owls also breed in grasslands. Each has distinct habitat preferences and field marks.

2. What are the most useful ID markers for North Dakota owls?

Start with size and ear tufts. Great Horned Owls are large with prominent tufts and yellow eyes. Barred Owls are similar size but lack ear tufts and have dark eyes. Eastern Screech-Owls are small with ear tufts, gray or reddish morphs. Snowy Owls are large, white with variable barring. Long-eared Owls have long ear tufts set close together. Look for facial disc shape and eye color.

3. Where in North Dakota do people usually spot owls first?

The best places are the badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, along the Little Missouri River, and the wooded river bottoms of the Missouri River near Bismarck. In winter, check open farm fields and lake shores for Snowy Owls. For Great Gray Owls, try the Turtle Mountains in late fall. Check out ourNorth Dakota wildlife hubfor more location details.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

4. Are there burrowing owls in North Dakota?

Yes, burrowing owls are a unique feature of the North Dakota grasslands, particularly in the western half of the state. Unlike most owls, they are active during the day and nest underground in abandoned prairie dog burrows. Look for them standing on mounds or fence posts in open country from late April through September. Their long legs and bright yellow eyes make them easy to identify once you find their preferred prairie dog towns.

5. What is the best season for confident owl sightings in North Dakota?

Winter (December to February) offers the best chance for Snowy Owls and higher visibility in leafless trees. Late winter through early spring (February to April) is the peak calling season for Great Horned and Barred Owls, making them easier to locate at night. Summer evenings can be good for Eastern Screech-Owls in riparian areas.

6. How do you separate similar looking owl species?

Great Horned and Long-eared Owls both have ear tufts but differ in size (Great Horned is much larger) and eye color (yellow vs orange). Barred and Great Gray Owls are both large and earless but Barred has dark eyes and vertical chest streaks, while Great Gray has yellow eyes and finer barring. Eastern and Western Screech-Owls are nearly identical; rely on range and voice. See ourowl identification guidefor more tips.

7. How do screech-owl populations differ across the state?

The Eastern Screech-Owl is the most common small owl in North Dakota, primarily found in the wooded eastern and central regions. They thrive in mature deciduous trees along rivers and in urban parks. In contrast, the Western Screech-Owl is extremely rare and limited to the far western edges of the state. Identifying them usually requires hearing their distinct calls, as the Eastern species has a whinny-like sound while the Western has a 'bouncing ball' rhythm.

8. What time of day and weather conditions are best for owl spotting?

Owls are most active at dusk and dawn, but some like Snowy and Short-eared hunt during daytime. Overcast days can extend hunting hours. Listen for calls in the hour after sunset. Winter snow cover makes white owls easier to spot. Dawn in early spring is prime for hearing territorial hooting.

9. When you spot an owl, what should you look for to confirm the species?

Note the overall size (compare to a crow, hawk, or goose), presence of ear tufts, eye color (yellow, dark, or orange), facial disc shape (heart-shaped or round), and underpart pattern (streaks, bars, or plain). For example, a large, earless owl with dark eyes and white chest bars is a Barred Owl. Carry a field guide or use a birding app.

10. What gear can help you get the most out of your owl watching?

A good pair of binoculars (8x42 recommended), a headlamp with a red light to avoid disturbing birds, and a notepad or phone for documenting calls. For photography, a telephoto lens at 300mm or more. If you want to show your love for owls, check out ourowl-themed art printsand other items below.

11. Where can I find owl-themed merchandise to celebrate my sightings?

After a successful outing, you might want a keepsake. Easy Street Markets offers a selection of owl-inspired goods. Here are a few picks:

Handcrafted Stoneware Owl Mug

A hand-molded ceramic mug with a cute folk art owl design. Perfect for your morning coffee while planning your next owl outing.Check Price and Availability

Cute Animals Sticker Pack - Owl Sticker

A simple line-art owl sticker, matte vinyl. Great for journaling or your water bottle.Check Price and Availability

Wild Animal Magnet Set - Owl Magnet

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

For more, browse ourowl wall artfor a permanent reminder of your sightings.

See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.

12. Frequently asked questions about owls in North Dakota?

What is the largest owl in North Dakota? The Great Horned Owl is the largest resident species, while the Snowy Owl is a similarly large winter visitor. Are owls protected in North Dakota? Yes, all owls are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and state law. Can you hear owls during the day? While most are nocturnal, you can occasionally hear Great Horned Owls hooting on cloudy afternoons. What do North Dakota owls eat? Most species prey on small mammals like voles and mice, though larger owls will take rabbits or even other birds.