16 Types Of Owls In Washington State (With Locations)

Washington State, with its diverse habitats ranging from coastal areas to dense forests and high mountains, is home to a variety of owl species. Each species has adapted to its environment in remarkable ways, showcasing the incredible versatility and resilience of these birds. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the characteristics, habitats, and behaviors of these Night Hunters.

Owls In Washington State

1. Great Horned Owl

Great Horned Owl is known for its striking appearance, characterized by large, bright yellow eyes and tufts of feathers on its head that resemble horns. The Great Horned Owl is one of the most adaptable birds in Washington State, making its home in a variety of habitats, from dense forests to city parks.

These owls are known for their powerful hunting skills, preying on a variety of animals, including rodents, rabbits, and even other birds. Their distinctive hoot, a deep, resonating ‘hoo-hoo-hoo,’ is a familiar sound in the quiet of the night.

2. Northern Saw-whet Owl

Northern Saw-whet Owl, Despite its size, this owl is a fierce hunter, primarily preying on small rodents. The Northern Saw-whet Owl is named for its unique call, which sounds similar to a saw being sharpened on a whetstone. These owls prefer dense forests, where their brown and white feathered bodies blend seamlessly into the tree bark. They’re elusive creatures, often hiding during the day and hunting at night.

3. Barred Owl

Barred Owl is known for its distinctive ‘Who cooks for you?’ call. The Barred Owl is a larger species, with a round head, dark eyes, and a pattern of vertical brown bars on its chest. These owls prefer older forests with large trees, where they can nest and hunt for their preferred prey, including small mammals and birds. The Barred Owl is a sight to behold, with its soulful eyes and graceful flight.

4. Eastern Screech Owl

Eastern Screech Owl doesn’t screech but instead emits a soft, melodious trill. The Eastern Screech Owl is a small bird, but it’s full of character. They come in two color variations – a gray phase and a reddish-brown phase, both providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. These owls are versatile hunters, feeding on a diet of insects, small rodents, and occasionally small birds.

5. Western Screech Owl

Western Screech Owl, This small, robust owl is a master of disguise, blending seamlessly into the trees with its grey-brown feathers. The Western Screech Owl is a nocturnal creature, coming alive at night to hunt for insects, small mammals, and even small birds. Its call is a series of short, whistled notes, a serenade that adds to the symphony of the night. Despite their small size, these owls are full of personality and are a joy to observe.

6. Boreal Owl

Boreal Owl, a secretive bird that calls the dense forests of Washington home. This medium-sized owl is known for its large, yellow eyes and white-spotted brown feathers. The Boreal Owl is a silent hunter, swooping down on its prey with precision and grace. Its diet consists mainly of small mammals, particularly voles. The Boreal Owl’s call is a series of soft, low hoots, a sound that adds to the enchanting ambiance of the forest at night.

7. Long-eared Owl

Long-eared Owl is known for its long ear tufts, which are actually feathers that give the appearance of ears. The Long-eared Owl is a creature of the night, hunting for small mammals and birds under the cover of darkness. These owls prefer dense forests and woodland edges, where they can roost during the day and hunt at night. The call of the Long-eared Owl is a deep ‘hoo-hoo-hoo,’ a sound that adds to the mystery of the night.

8. Short-eared Owl

Short-eared Owl, This medium-sized owl has short ear tufts, which are often difficult to see, giving it its name. The Short-eared Owl is one of the few owl species that are active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk. These owls prefer open areas like grasslands and marshes, where they hunt for small mammals. The call of the Short-eared Owl is a bark-like ‘bark-bark-bark,’ a sound that adds a unique touch to the soundscape.

9. Snowy Owl

Snowy Owl is known for its stunning white plumage, which provides excellent camouflage in snowy environments. The Snowy Owl is a rare visitor to Washington State, often spotted during the winter months when it migrates from the Arctic. These owls are skilled hunters, preying on a variety of animals, including rodents and birds.

10. Burrowing Owl

Burrowing Owl, a bird that’s known for its unique living arrangements. Unlike most owls, the Burrowing Owl makes its home in burrows in the ground, often taking over abandoned prairie dog holes. These small owls are active during the day, hunting for insects, rodents, and small birds. The Burrowing Owl’s call is a series of short, sharp notes, a sound that adds a unique touch to the soundscape.

11. Great Gray Owl

Great Gray Owl is known for its distinctive appearance, characterized by a large, rounded head, a gray face with no ear tufts, and yellow eyes. The Great Gray Owl is a creature of the forest, hunting for small mammals under the cover of darkness. The call of the Great Gray Owl is a series of deep, resonating hoots, a sound that adds to the mystery of the night.

12. Northern Pygmy Owl

Northern Pygmy Owl is known for its fearless nature, often taking on prey larger than itself. The Northern Pygmy Owl is active during the day, hunting for small mammals and birds. These owls prefer forested habitats, where they can roost during the day and hunt at night. The call of the Northern Pygmy Owl is a series of high-pitched notes, a sound that adds a unique touch to the soundscape.

13. Flammulated Owl

Flammulated Owl is known for its flame-like markings, which give it its unique name. The Flammulated Owl is a creature of the forest, preferring habitats with old, large trees. These owls are nocturnal, hunting for insects under the cover of darkness. Their call is a soft, low hoot, a sound that adds a touch of mystery to the night.

14. Spotted Owl

Spotted Owl, a bird that’s known for its distinctive appearance. This medium-sized owl is characterized by its dark brown body and white spots, a pattern that provides excellent camouflage in the forest. The Spotted Owl is a creature of the night, hunting for small mammals under the cover of darkness. Their call is a series of hoots, a sound that adds to the symphony of the night.

15. Barn Owl

Barn Owl is known for its heart-shaped face and pale, golden-brown body. The Barn Owl is a versatile bird, making its home in a variety of habitats, including barns and other human-made structures. These owls are skilled hunters, preying on a variety of rodents. The call of the Barn Owl is a screech, a sound that adds a unique touch to the soundscape.

16. Tengmalm’s Owl

Tengmalm’s Owl is known for its round head, large yellow eyes, and brown body with white spots. The Tengmalm’s Owl is a creature of the forest, hunting for small mammals under the cover of darkness. Their call is a series of soft hoots, a sound that adds to the mystery of the night.

Popular Owl Spotting Places In Washington state

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Located near Olympia, the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for birdwatchers. Its diverse habitats, including marshes, grasslands, and forests, attract a variety of owl species. Here, you might spot a Great Horned Owl perched in a tree or a Short-eared Owl hunting at dusk. The refuge offers guided birdwatching tours, providing an excellent opportunity to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park, with its vast forests and high-altitude habitats, is a great place to spot owls. The park’s quiet, undisturbed forests are perfect for owls like the Northern Spotted Owl and the Northern Pygmy Owl. Remember to bring your binoculars and a good bird guide to help identify the different species.

Discovery Park

Located in Seattle, Discovery Park is an urban oasis for owls. The park’s extensive trail system takes you through a variety of habitats, increasing your chances of spotting owls like the Barred Owl or the Western Screech Owl. The park’s location in the city makes it a convenient spot for a day of birdwatching.

Skagit Wildlife Area

The Skagit Wildlife Area, located in the Skagit River Valley, is a prime location for spotting owls. The area’s diverse habitats attract a variety of owl species, including the Short-eared Owl and the Barn Owl. The wildlife area’s vast open spaces provide excellent viewing opportunities.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park, with its old-growth forests and high mountains, is a haven for owls. Here, you might spot a Northern Spotted Owl or a Western Screech Owl. The park’s remote location and pristine habitats make it a fantastic place for birdwatching.

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Located near the Columbia River, the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to spot owls. The refuge’s diverse habitats attract a variety of owl species, including the Great Horned Owl and the Barn Owl. The refuge offers guided birdwatching tours, providing an excellent opportunity to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge, located in the eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains, is a prime location for spotting owls. The refuge’s diverse habitats, including wetlands, meadows, and forests, attract a variety of owl species. Here, you might spot a Great Gray Owl or a Northern Pygmy Owl.

North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park, with its rugged mountains and dense forests, is a haven for owls. The park’s remote location and diverse habitats make it a fantastic place to spot a variety of owl species, including the Northern Spotted Owl and the Great Gray Owl. The park’s extensive trail system offers plenty of opportunities for birdwatching.

Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge

Located on the Olympic Peninsula, the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to spot owls. The refuge’s diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and grasslands, attract a variety of owl species. Here, you might spot a Short-eared Owl hunting at dusk or a Western Screech Owl perched in a tree.

Wenatchee National Forest

Wenatchee National Forest, with its vast forests and high-altitude habitats, is a prime location for spotting owls. The forest’s quiet, undisturbed habitats are perfect for owls like the Northern Pygmy Owl and the Great Horned Owl. Remember to bring your binoculars and a good bird guide to help identify the different species.

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

Located in eastern Washington, the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for birdwatchers. Its diverse habitats, including wetlands, forests, and grasslands, attract a variety of owl species. Here, you might spot a Great Gray Owl or a Northern Saw-whet Owl. The refuge offers guided birdwatching tours, providing an excellent opportunity to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Gifford Pinchot National Forest, with its old-growth forests and high mountains, is a great place to spot owls. Here, you might spot a Spotted Owl or a Western Screech Owl. The forest’s remote location and pristine habitats make it a fantastic place for birdwatching.

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, located in the western part of Washington State, is a prime location for spotting owls. The forest’s diverse habitats, including old-growth forests and high-altitude habitats, attract a variety of owl species. Here, you might spot a Northern Spotted Owl or a Great Gray Owl.

Best Time And Season For Spotting

Spring and early summer are often the best times to spot owls. During these months, owls are more active as they hunt to feed their young. Winter can also be a good time for owl spotting. Snowy Owls, for instance, migrate south during the winter months and can sometimes be seen in Washington State during this time.

Evening and early morning hours, known as the ‘crepuscular’ hours, are generally the best times of day to spot owls, as many species are most active during these times. The Great Horned Owl and the Barred Owl, for example, are known for their twilight hunting habits.