Owls in Vermont: identification guide and where to start looking

1. What are the most common owl species in Vermont?

Vermont hosts seven breeding owl species. The great horned owl is the most widespread, with its large size, prominent ear tufts, and yellow eyes. The barred owl is equally common in mature forests, lacks ear tufts, and has dark brown eyes. The eastern screech-owl is small, with ear tufts, and comes in gray and red morphs. Less common but regular are the northern saw-whet owl, long-eared owl, short-eared owl, and snowy owl (irruptive in winter).

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2. How can you tell great horned owls from barred owls?

Great horned owls are the larger of the two, with distinct ear tufts and yellow eyes. Barred owls are slightly smaller, round-headed, with dark brown eyes and a barred pattern on the chest. Their calls are different: great horned owls produce a low, resonant hooting sequence ("hoo-hoo hoo hoo"), while barred owls have a loud, rhythmic call that sounds like "who cooks for you, who cooks for you all." Great horned owls prefer open woodlands and edges; barred owls stick to dense, swampy forests.

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3. Where in Vermont are you most likely to spot owls?

Start with the Champlain Valley: Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area and Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge offer good odds for great horned and barred owls. In the Green Mountains, the moderate elevations and mixed forests around Groton State Forest are reliable. For short-eared owls in winter, check open grasslands at Lake Champlain's border. The Northeast Kingdom's remote forests are excellent for northern saw-whet owls. Most owls stick to perches at woodland edges, so scan the treeline near fields or wetlands.

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4. What time of year is best for owl sightings in Vermont?

Late winter (February through March) is the most active period. Great horned and barred owls begin calling to establish territories as early as January. Early spring (April to May) brings fledglings leaving nests, making owls more visible during the day. Summer is quieter; owls are less vocal. Fall offers a second peak as young disperse. Winter draws snowy owls south along Lake Champlain. For the best odds, visit at dusk or dawn year-round.

5. What field marks should you look for when identifying owls?

Focus on size, ear tufts, eye color, and chest pattern. Great horned owls are large (18-25 inches) with tufts. Barred owls have no tufts, a round head, and a cross-barred chest. Eastern screech-owls are small (6-10 inches) with tufts and a streaked belly. Northern saw-whet owls are tiny (7-8 inches), no tufts, with a white V between yellow eyes. Long-eared owls have long tufts close together and a fine streaked chest. Short-eared owls have very small tufts (almost invisible), a pale face, and black wing tips in flight.

6. How do you identify owls by their calls?

Great horned owls: deep, slow hoots: "hoo-hoo hoo hoo." Barred owls: two-parted call: "who cooks for you, who cooks for you all." Eastern screech-owls: a descending whinny or a long, single trill. Northern saw-whet owls: a series of short, high-pitched whistles: "too-too-too." Long-eared owls: a soft, low hoot repeated every few seconds. Short-eared owls: a raspy bark, especially during courtship flights.

7. How can you keep the memory of your owl sighting?

After a successful sighting, bring a piece of that experience home. Start with a simple line-art owl sticker for your journal or laptop, then consider a handcrafted owl mug for your morning coffee. These items make great conversation starters and daily reminders of Vermont's quiet hunters.

### Cute Animals Sticker Pack

This minimalist line-art owl sticker is matte vinyl, water-resistant, and perfect for journals or laptops.Check Price and Availability

### Handcrafted Stoneware Owl Mug | Guatemalan Coffee Cup, 16 oz

Hand molded ceramic mug in a warm cream tone with a bright eyed folk art owl. 16 oz.Check Price and Availability

### Wild Animal Magnet Set 3D Gold Lion Tiger

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

For more ways to bring Vermont's birds into your space, browse ourowl art prints.

8. Where can I find guided owl walks or tours in Vermont?

Several organizations offer guided owl walks in Vermont during late winter. The North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier hosts a annual Owl Prowl in March. The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) in Quechee runs programs throughout the year. Your hotel or local Airbnb host may also know prime spots. Below is a quick tool to find owl-themed tours and accommodations near you.

9. Frequently Asked Questions about Vermont Owls

**Are snowy owls common in Vermont?** Snowy owls are irruptive migrants from the Arctic. They appear in Vermont irregularly, usually from November to March. Watch frozen Lake Champlain shorelines and agricultural fields.

**Do barn owls live in Vermont?** Barn owls are extremely rare in Vermont and not considered breeding residents. They are occasionally recorded in the Champlain Valley.

**What is the smallest owl in Vermont?** The northern saw-whet owl, at 7-8 inches and a wingspan of 16-18 inches.

**Can I attract owls to my backyard?** Leave dead trees (snags) standing for nesting cavities. Install a nest box for eastern screech-owls or barred owls if you have suitable habitat. Avoid using rodenticides.

**What should I do if I find a baby owl on the ground?** Leave it alone unless it is injured or in immediate danger. Fledglings spend time on the ground learning to fly. Parents are nearby. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator if needed.

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