Owls in Wyoming: identification guide and where to start looking

1. What owl species can you find in Wyoming?

Wyoming hosts a variety of owls. The most common is the Great Horned Owl, with its deep hoots and prominent ear tufts. Barn Owls favor open grasslands and often nest in abandoned barns. Burrowing Owls live in prairie dog towns in the eastern part of the state. Long-eared Owls are secretive and prefer dense trees. Short-eared Owls hunt over marshes at dusk. The Great Gray Owl is rare but occasionally seen in the Yellowstone area. Each species has distinct field marks: Great Horned has yellow eyes and a large frame; Barn Owl has a heart-shaped white face; Burrowing Owl is small and long-legged; Long-eared Owl has a slim silhouette with long tufts.

2. Where in Wyoming are owls most often seen?

Start in the Bighorn Basin, especially along the Shoshone and Bighorn Rivers where cottonwood groves attract Great Horned and Long-eared Owls. The Laramie Plains and shortgrass prairies east of the Laramie Range are good for Burrowing and Short-eared Owls. Barn Owls frequent the agricultural areas around the North Platte River. For Great Gray Owls, try the moist forests of Yellowstone National Park in summer. For more on Wyoming's wildlife, explore ourWyoming wildlife page.

3. When is the best time to spot owls in Wyoming?

Owls are most active at dawn and dusk, so plan outings around these times. Late spring (May to June) is ideal for seeing adults feeding young. Fall migration brings a second peak for Short-eared and Long-eared Owls. Winter can be good for Great Horned Owls, which breed early. Avoid midday when owls are roosting and hard to spot. For detailed timing tips, visit ourowl identification hub.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

4. How can you identify a Great Horned Owl from a Long-eared Owl?

Both have ear tufts, but they differ in placement and size. Great Horned Owls have widely spaced tufts that look like horns, large yellow eyes, and a bulky body. Long-eared Owls have tufts that are close together and more vertical, along with orange eyes and a slim frame. In flight, Great Horned has broad wings; Long-eared has narrower wings and a more erratic pattern. Check the facial disc: Great Horned's is round with a sharp V, while Long-eared's is more oval.

5. What field marks should you focus on for Wyoming owls?

Focus on ear tufts (present or absent), eye color (yellow, orange, brown), facial disc shape (heart, round, oval), and overall size. Plumage patterns help with cryptic species: Great Horned has dark barring; Barn Owl has light back with speckles; Burrowing Owl has spotted brown and white. Pay attention to habitat and time of day. For a full reference, browse ourbird wall artfor visual aids.

6. Where can you learn more about Wyoming's owls?

Check ourowl identification hubfor detailed profiles and range maps. TheWyoming wildlife pagecovers other species you might encounter. If you want to bring the prairie home, explore ourbird wall art. For planning your trip, the travel widget below can help find nearby viewing spots.

7. How does the travel widget help plan your owl watching trip?

Use this travel widget to find accommodations and guided tours near prime owl habitats. It pulls real-time data for the best lodges and viewing platforms based on your search criteria.

8. What owl-themed items are available at Easy Street Markets?

After a day of spotting, bring home a memento. Our owl-themed gear focuses on practical use and sharp design.

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

Hand molded ceramic mug in a warm cream tone with a bright-eyed owl folk art design. Perfect for your morning coffee.Check Price and Availability

### Cute Animals Sticker Pack | Owl Minimalist Line Art

Simple line-art owl sticker in matte vinyl. Great for journals and laptops.Check Price and Availability

### Wild Animal Magnet Set | Owl Woodland Refrigerator Magnet

Rustic wood grain background with a woodland owl design. Handmade in the USA.Check Price and Availability

9. Frequently asked questions about owls in Wyoming

**Are there snowy owls in Wyoming?** Snowy Owls are rare visitors. They appear during winter irruptions, most often in the northern plains and near Sheridan. Your best chance is between November and February in open fields.

**What is the largest owl in Wyoming?** The Great Horned Owl is the largest, reaching up to 25 inches tall with a 5-foot wingspan. The Great Gray Owl is similar in length but lighter, with a larger facial disc.

**Do owls live in the Grand Teton area?** Yes. Great Horned and Great Gray Owls inhabit the forests of Grand Teton National Park. Listen for calls near the Snake River at dawn.

**How do I tell a Burrowing Owl from a Short-eared Owl?** Burrowing Owls are smaller, have long legs, and live in prairie dog burrows. Short-eared Owls are larger, have short legs, and hunt in flight over grasslands. BurrowingOwls are diurnal; Short-eared are crepuscular.

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