10 Types of Owls in Utah
Utah is home to a surprising variety of owl species, from the massive Great Horned Owl to the tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl. Most are active at dawn and dusk, and several species can be found year-round across the state's diverse habitats.
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
- May, June, April
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
10 types of owls recorded in Utah
10 owl species have a verified observation record in Utah 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 3 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.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
2,685 verified observations on iNaturalist of owl have been recorded in Utah, most often in May, June, April.
When owl are recorded in Utah
Utah is home to a surprising variety of owl species, from the massive Great Horned Owl to the tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl. Most are active at dawn and dusk, and several species can be found year-round across the state's diverse habitats.
What types of owls are found in Utah?
Utah hosts at least ten owl species regularly. The most widespread include the Great Horned Owl, Barn Owl, and Western Screech-Owl. Other species like the Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, Burrowing Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, and Flammulated Owl are present but harder to find. The Great Gray Owl is a rare winter visitor in northern Utah. For detailed species profiles, visit ourowl identification hub.
How can you tell Utah's owls apart?
Focus on size, ear tufts, and eye color. Great Horned Owls are large with prominent ear tufts and yellow eyes. Barn Owls are medium-sized with a white heart-shaped face. Western Screech-Owls are small with ear tufts and yellow eyes, but they are much smaller than Great Horned. Burrowing Owls are small, long-legged, and often seen on the ground. Long-eared Owls have long ear tufts set close together, while Short-eared Owls have barely visible tufts and hunt during the day. The best way to tell them apart is by habitat and behavior. For more on lookalikes, check outUtah wildlife spotting guides.
Where in Utah do people usually spot owls first?
Start with open habitats near water or agriculture. Antelope Island State Park is a reliable spot for Short-eared Owls. Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area often has Barn Owls in the old structures. The Wasatch Front foothills are good for Great Horned and Western Screech-Owls. In southern Utah, watch for Burrowing Owls near prairie dog towns. The best approach is to listen for calls at dusk in areas with mixed brush and trees. For more region-specific advice, see ourUtah wildlife page.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best time of day or year to see owls in Utah?
Owls are most active during twilight hours. Early morning and late evening give you the best odds. The breeding season from February to May is ideal because owls are more vocal and visible while feeding young. Winter can also be good for spotting roosting owls in bare trees. Summer heat often pushes owls to be active only at night. Start with a dusk outing in early spring for the best chances.
What travel tools help you find owls in Utah?
Use the interactive map above to explore owl-friendly areas, check recent sightings, and find the best local parks and reserves. Pair it with ourfield-tested tips for watching owls.
How can you responsibly view owls without disturbing them?
Keep a respectful distance, especially near nests. Owls are sensitive to human presence during breeding. Use binoculars and do not play calls to attract them. Flash photography can startle them. Stick to known viewing areas and never approach a roosting owl. For more ethical watching advice, visit ourwildlife ethics guide.
What owl-themed items can you find at Easy Street Markets?
After a day out spotting, you can bring a piece of Utah's owl magic home. Here are some favorites:
Handcrafted Stoneware Owl Mug
Folk art style with warm cream tones and a bright eyed owl design. Great for morning coffee after a night hike.Check Price and Availability
Cute Animals Sticker Pack
Simple line-art owl sticker. Matte vinyl finish. Perfect for journals and laptop lids.Check Price and Availability
Wild Animal Magnet Set
Woodland owl magnet with rustic wood grain background. Handmade in the USA.Check Price and Availability
Browse our full collection ofowl art printsandowl mugsfor more ways to celebrate your sightings.
Frequently asked questions about owls in Utah
**How many owl species live in Utah?** At least ten species are regular: Great Horned, Barn, Western Screech, Long-eared, Short-eared, Burrowing, Northern Saw-whet, Flammulated, and occasionally Great Gray and Snowy. **What is the most common owl in Utah?** Great Horned Owl is the most widespread and often heard at night in suburban areas. **Can you see owls during the day in Utah?** Short-eared Owls hunt at dawn and dusk, and sometimes in daylight. Burrowing Owls are also active during the day. **Where can I hear owl calls in Utah?** Listen in foothills and farmland at dusk. Great Horned gives a deep hooting, Barn Owl gives a harsh screech. Check ourowl call libraryfor samples. **Are there any endangered owls in Utah?** The Burrowing Owl is a species of concern in some areas. Always observe from a distance and report sightings to local bird groups.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What types of owls are found in Utah?+
Utah hosts at least ten owl species regularly. The most widespread include the Great Horned Owl, Barn Owl, and Western Screech-Owl. Other species like the Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, Burrowing Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, and Flammulated Owl are present but harder to find. The Great Gray Owl is a rare winter visitor in northern Utah. For detailed species profiles, visit ourowl identification hub.
How can you tell Utah's owls apart?+
Focus on size, ear tufts, and eye color. Great Horned Owls are large with prominent ear tufts and yellow eyes. Barn Owls are medium-sized with a white heart-shaped face. Western Screech-Owls are small with ear tufts and yellow eyes, but they are much smaller than Great Horned. Burrowing Owls are small, long-legged, and often seen on the ground. Long-eared Owls have long ear tufts set close together, while Short-eared Owls have barely visible tufts and hunt during the day. The best way to tell them apart is by habitat and behavior. For more on lookalikes, check outUtah wildlife spotting guides.
Where in Utah do people usually spot owls first?+
Start with open habitats near water or agriculture. Antelope Island State Park is a reliable spot for Short-eared Owls. Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area often has Barn Owls in the old structures. The Wasatch Front foothills are good for Great Horned and Western Screech-Owls. In southern Utah, watch for Burrowing Owls near prairie dog towns. The best approach is to listen for calls at dusk in areas with mixed brush and trees. For more region-specific advice, see ourUtah wildlife page. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best time of day or year to see owls in Utah?+
Owls are most active during twilight hours. Early morning and late evening give you the best odds. The breeding season from February to May is ideal because owls are more vocal and visible while feeding young. Winter can also be good for spotting roosting owls in bare trees. Summer heat often pushes owls to be active only at night. Start with a dusk outing in early spring for the best chances.
What travel tools help you find owls in Utah?+
Use the interactive map above to explore owl-friendly areas, check recent sightings, and find the best local parks and reserves. Pair it with ourfield-tested tips for watching owls.
How can you responsibly view owls without disturbing them?+
Keep a respectful distance, especially near nests. Owls are sensitive to human presence during breeding. Use binoculars and do not play calls to attract them. Flash photography can startle them. Stick to known viewing areas and never approach a roosting owl. For more ethical watching advice, visit ourwildlife ethics guide.
What owl-themed items can you find at Easy Street Markets?+
After a day out spotting, you can bring a piece of Utah's owl magic home. Here are some favorites: ### Handcrafted Stoneware Owl Mug Folk art style with warm cream tones and a bright eyed owl design. Great for morning coffee after a night hike.Check Price and Availability ### Cute Animals Sticker Pack Simple line-art owl sticker. Matte vinyl finish. Perfect for journals and laptop lids.Check Price and Availability ### Wild Animal Magnet Set Woodland owl magnet with rustic wood grain background. Handmade in the USA.Check Price and Availability Browse our full collection ofowl art printsandowl mugsfor more ways to celebrate your sightings.
Keep exploring
More places to see owl
More wildlife in Utah