Owls in North Dakota: identification guide and where to start looking

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

Winter (December-February) offers the best chance for Snowy Owls and higher visibility in leafless trees. Late winter through early spring (February-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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.