15 Types of Owls in Texas

1. What types of owls are found in Texas?

Texas has around 12 regular owl species, but your best odds are with Great Horned, Barred, Eastern Screech, Barn, and Burrowing Owls. Great Horned Owls are widespread, Barred Owls stick to east Texas forests, Eastern Screech Owls adapt to suburbs, Barn Owls haunt open country, and Burrowing Owls live in west Texas grasslands. Check ourowl identification hubfor photos and calls.

2. How can you tell different Texas owls apart?

Focus on size, ear tufts, eye color, and underpart pattern. Great Horned Owls are large with prominent tufts and yellow eyes. Barred Owls are similar size but lack ear tufts, have dark eyes, and horizontal barring on the chest. Eastern Screech Owls are small, with or without tufts, and come in gray or rufous morphs. Barn Owls have a heart-shaped white face and no ear tufts. For more detail, see ourTexas wildlife field guide.

3. Where in Texas do you have the best odds of seeing each species?

Great Horned Owls are statewide, even in cities. Barred Owls are most likely in east Texas swamps and riparian corridors. Eastern Screech Owls favor suburban parks and woodlots across the eastern half. Barn Owls prefer open farmland and grasslands, often roosting in barns or silos. Burrowing Owls are confined to the western prairies, often near prairie dog towns. Timing matters: most are nocturnal, so dawn and dusk are your windows.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

4. When is the best time of year to spot owls in Texas?

Late winter (January through March) is prime because owls are vocalizing and defending territories. Great Horned Owls start calling as early as December. Barred Owls call year-round but peak in late winter. Eastern Screech Owls are vocal on warm nights. Barn Owls are less seasonal but can be seen at dusk any time. For beginners, late winter evenings offer the best odds of a response call.

5. What are the most common lookalikes and how do you separate them?

The biggest confusion is between Great Horned and Barred Owls. Great Horned has ear tufts, yellow eyes, and a white throat patch. Barred has no tufts, dark eyes, and vertical streaks on the belly. Eastern Screech Owls can resemble small Great Horned but are much smaller and have a distinct trilling call. Barn Owls are unmistakable with their heart-shaped face. Check ourowl identification guidefor side-by-side comparisons.

6. What gear can help you enjoy your owl sightings?

You do not need much to start. A simple pair of binoculars and a field guide are enough. But if you want to keep a piece of the experience, Easy Street Markets offers owl-themed items that make great souvenirs. For example, thisHandcrafted Stoneware Owl Mugis perfect for your morning coffee after a night out.

Handcrafted Stoneware Owl Mug | Guatemalan Coffee Cup, 16 oz

This hand-molded ceramic mug features a warm cream tone with a folk art owl design, 16 oz capacity. A great way to remember your Texas owl adventures.Check Price and Availability

Cute Animals Sticker Pack

Includes a minimalist line-art owl sticker, water resistant and matte vinyl. Perfect for journals or field notebooks.Check Price and Availability

Wild Animal Magnet Set 3D Gold Lion Tiger

A woodland owl magnet with rustic wood grain background, handmade in the USA. A small reminder of the owls you spotted.Check Price and Availability

See more owl-inspired items in ourart prints collection.

7. Frequently asked questions about Texas owls

**Are there owls in Texas?** Yes, Texas has a healthy population of multiple owl species, many of which are resident year-round.

**What is the most common owl in Texas?** The Great Horned Owl is the most widespread and commonly observed.

**Where do barn owls live in Texas?** Barn Owls are found in open habitats like farms and grasslands, often roosting in man-made structures.

**Can I attract owls to my yard?** Providing nest boxes for Eastern Screech Owls and avoiding rodenticides are effective ways to encourage them.

**What time of day are Texas owls active?** Most owls are nocturnal or crepuscular, so dawn and dusk are best for sightings.

See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.