Wisconsin is home to a diverse range of owl species, each with its own unique characteristics and habitat preferences. This article aims to shed light on these fascinating creatures, providing valuable information about the nine species of owls found in the region. From the majestic great-horned owl to the elusive snowy owl, readers will discover the size, habits, and preferred habitats of each owl species. With captivating photos accompanying the descriptions, this article offers a captivating glimpse into the enchanting world of Wisconsin’s owls.
Barred Owl
Size
The Barred Owl is a medium-sized owl, measuring about 16 to 25 inches in length. It has a wingspan of approximately 38 to 49 inches. In terms of weight, these owls can range from 1 to 2.3 pounds.
Habitat
Barred Owls can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, swamps, and wetlands. They prefer areas with dense vegetation and mature trees. These owls are also known to adapt well to suburban areas with parks and large gardens.
Unique Characteristics
One of the unique characteristics of the Barred Owl is its distinct call, which sounds like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” These owls have a rounded head with striking dark eyes and no ear tufts. They have a brownish overall color with vertical bars on their chest and belly, hence the name “barred” owl.
Range
Barred Owls can be found throughout the eastern and southern parts of the United States, as well as in parts of Canada. In Wisconsin, they are relatively common and can be found in various regions of the state.
Behavior
These owls are primarily active at night, hunting for small mammals such as mice, voles, and rabbits. They are known to perch on branches and wait for their prey before swooping down to catch it. Barred Owls are also skilled at camouflage, blending in with their surroundings to avoid detection.
Preferred Habitat
Barred Owls prefer to nest in cavities in mature trees, but they will also use abandoned nests made by hawks or squirrels. They are monogamous and will reuse the same nest year after year. These owls are generally adaptable and can withstand a range of climatic conditions.
Photos
[Insert photos of the Barred Owl here]
Eastern Screech Owl
Size
The Eastern Screech Owl is a small owl species, measuring about 6 to 9 inches in length. They have a wingspan of approximately 18 to 24 inches. In terms of weight, they typically range from 4 to 8 ounces.
Habitat
Eastern Screech Owls can be found in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and suburban areas with old trees. They are known to nest in tree cavities, utilizing old woodpecker holes or natural hollows.
Unique Characteristics
One of the unique characteristics of the Eastern Screech Owl is its ability to change its coloration. These owls can be either gray or reddish-brown, depending on their habitat and the surrounding tree bark. They also have distinctive ear tufts on the top of their heads.
Range
Eastern Screech Owls are found throughout much of the eastern and central parts of the United States, including Wisconsin. They can also be found in parts of Canada and Mexico.
Behavior
These owls are primarily active at night and are known for their distinctive trilling or whinnying call. They are skilled hunters, preying on a variety of small animals such as mice, insects, and small birds. Eastern Screech Owls are generally solitary and territorial.
Preferred Habitat
Eastern Screech Owls prefer areas with a mix of forested areas and open spaces, as they rely on these open areas for hunting. They also require mature trees for nesting and roosting.
Photos
[Insert photos of the Eastern Screech Owl here]
Great Gray Owl
Size
The Great Gray Owl is one of the largest owl species, measuring about 24 to 33 inches in length. It has a wingspan of approximately 53 to 60 inches. In terms of weight, these owls can range from 1 to 3 pounds.
Habitat
Great Gray Owls can be found in boreal forests, mainly in areas with dense coniferous trees, such as spruce or fir. These owls require large areas of intact forest habitat for hunting and nesting.
Unique Characteristics
One of the unique characteristics of the Great Gray Owl is its large facial disc, which acts as a sound collector, enabling them to locate prey with precision. They have a round head with yellow eyes and no ear tufts. The plumage of these owls is predominantly gray, with intricate patterns that provide excellent camouflage.
Range
Great Gray Owls are predominantly found in the northern parts of North America, including Alaska and Canada. In Wisconsin, they are considered rare and typically found in the northernmost areas of the state.
Behavior
These owls are most active during the twilight hours, known as crepuscular, and at night. They are skilled hunters, specializing in capturing small mammals like voles and mice. Great Gray Owls are also known for their silent flight, making it easier for them to surprise their prey.
Preferred Habitat
Great Gray Owls are strongly associated with boreal forests, where they rely on open areas within the forest for hunting. They prefer areas with a mix of forest and open meadows or marshes.
Photos
[Insert photos of the Great Gray Owl here]
Great-Horned Owl
Size
The Great-Horned Owl is a large owl species, measuring about 18 to 25 inches in length. It has a wingspan of approximately 36 to 60 inches. In terms of weight, these owls can range from 2 to 5 pounds.
Habitat
Great-Horned Owls are incredibly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, open woodlands, deserts, and even urban areas. They are known to nest in various locations, such as tree cavities, cliffs, or even on man-made structures.
Unique Characteristics
One of the unique characteristics of the Great-Horned Owl is its prominent ear tufts on the top of its head, which resemble horns. These tufts are not actually ears but are used for camouflage and communication. They have intense yellow eyes and a facial disk that aids in sound reception.
Range
Great-Horned Owls have an extensive range and can be found throughout the Americas, from northern Canada to South America. In Wisconsin, they are relatively common and can be found in various habitats throughout the state.
Behavior
These owls are primarily active at night and are known for their deep hoots that echo through the night. They are powerful hunters, capable of taking down prey larger than themselves. Great-Horned Owls feed on a variety of animals, including rabbits, squirrels, and birds.
Preferred Habitat
Great-Horned Owls are adaptable and can thrive in a range of habitats. They prefer areas with a mix of trees for nesting and open areas for hunting. These owls can also tolerate urban environments, often nesting near residential areas or parks.
Photos
[Insert photos of the Great-Horned Owl here]
Long-Eared Owl
Size
The Long-Eared Owl is a medium-sized owl, measuring about 13 to 16 inches in length. It has a wingspan of approximately 35 to 39 inches. In terms of weight, these owls can range from 7 to 15 ounces.
Habitat
Long-Eared Owls are typically found in various habitats, including open woodlands, marshes, and grasslands. They prefer areas with conifers or dense shrubs, where they can roost and nest.
Unique Characteristics
One of the unique characteristics of the Long-Eared Owl is its long ear tufts that resemble horns. These tufts are not actually ears but serve as a visual display to communicate with other owls. Their plumage is a mix of brown, buff, and white, providing excellent camouflage in their habitat.
Range
Long-Eared Owls have a broad range, spanning across North America, Europe, and Asia. In Wisconsin, they are considered relatively common and can be found in various regions of the state.
Behavior
These owls are primarily active at night and are known for their “roosting” behavior, where they gather in small groups during the day. Long-Eared Owls are skillful hunters, specializing in capturing small mammals like mice and voles.
Preferred Habitat
Long-Eared Owls prefer habitats with a mix of trees, shrubs, and open areas for hunting. They require dense vegetation for roosting and nesting, providing them with protection and camouflage.
Photos
[Insert photos of the Long-Eared Owl here]
Northern Hawk Owl
Size
The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium-sized owl, measuring about 14 to 17 inches in length. It has a wingspan of approximately 27 to 35 inches. In terms of weight, these owls can range from 5 to 9 ounces.
Habitat
Northern Hawk Owls can be found in a variety of habitats, including open coniferous forests, muskegs, and tundra. They inhabit areas with a high concentration of prey, often near meadows or other open spaces.
Unique Characteristics
One of the unique characteristics of the Northern Hawk Owl is its behavior of perching on the tops of trees, mimicking the appearance of a hawk. This tactic enables them to spot their prey from a distance. They have a slim body with a long tail, adapted for agile flight.
Range
Northern Hawk Owls have a circumpolar distribution, found in the northern parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. In Wisconsin, they are considered rare, with occasional sightings in the northernmost areas of the state.
Behavior
These owls are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, unlike most other owl species. They rely heavily on their exceptional eyesight to hunt small mammals, birds, and even insects. Northern Hawk Owls are known for their swift, hawk-like flight.
Preferred Habitat
Northern Hawk Owls prefer open areas within forests, where they can perch on prominent tree tops to hunt. They require areas with a mix of trees and open spaces for hunting.
Photos
[Insert photos of the Northern Hawk Owl here]
Northern Saw-Whet Owl
Size
The Northern Saw-Whet Owl is a small owl species, measuring about 7 to 8 inches in length. It has a wingspan of approximately 16 to 18 inches. In terms of weight, these owls typically range from 2 to 5 ounces.
Habitat
Northern Saw-Whet Owls can be found in various habitats, including coniferous forests, deciduous woodlands, and mixed forests. They are known to nest in tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes.
Unique Characteristics
One of the unique characteristics of the Northern Saw-Whet Owl is its small size and adorable appearance. They have large round heads with bright yellow eyes and no ear tufts. Their plumage is a mix of reddish-brown, white, and gray, providing unique camouflage.
Range
Northern Saw-Whet Owls have a broad range, spanning across North America, from coast to coast. In Wisconsin, they are considered relatively common and can be found in various regions of the state.
Behavior
These owls are primarily active at night and are known for their soft whistling calls, reminiscent of the sound made when sharpening a saw. They primarily feed on small mammals like mice and voles, as well as insects.
Preferred Habitat
Northern Saw-Whet Owls prefer areas with a mix of trees, favoring coniferous forests for nesting and roosting. They rely on dense vegetation for protection and have a preference for areas with a high population of prey.
Photos
[Insert photos of the Northern Saw-Whet Owl here]
Short-Eared Owl
Size
The Short-Eared Owl is a medium-sized owl, measuring about 13 to 17 inches in length. It has a wingspan of approximately 33 to 43 inches. In terms of weight, these owls can range from 8 to 19 ounces.
Habitat
Short-Eared Owls can be found in various habitats, including grasslands, marshes, and open farmlands. They prefer areas with low vegetation and open spaces, where they can hunt for prey.
Unique Characteristics
One of the unique characteristics of the Short-Eared Owl is its distinctive facial disk that is not as prominent as in other owl species. They have bright yellow eyes and no ear tufts. Their plumage is a mix of brown, buff, and white, providing excellent camouflage in their habitat.
Range
Short-Eared Owls have a wide distribution, found in Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. In Wisconsin, they are considered relatively common and can be found throughout the state.
Behavior
These owls are primarily active during the twilight hours, known as crepuscular. They are known for their unique flight pattern, where they often glide low over the ground. Short-Eared Owls primarily feed on small mammals like mice and voles.
Preferred Habitat
Short-Eared Owls prefer open habitats with low vegetation, such as grasslands and marshes. They require areas with a mix of open spaces and patches of vegetation for hunting and nesting.
Photos
[Insert photos of the Short-Eared Owl here]
Snowy Owl
Size
The Snowy Owl is a large owl species, measuring about 20 to 28 inches in length. It has a wingspan of approximately 49 to 59 inches. In terms of weight, these owls can range from 3 to 6.5 pounds.
Habitat
Snowy Owls primarily inhabit arctic tundra regions, both in North America and Eurasia. During the winter months, they migrate south and can be found in a variety of open habitats, including coastal dunes, farmlands, and airports.
Unique Characteristics
One of the unique characteristics of the Snowy Owl is its striking white plumage, providing excellent camouflage in snowy environments. They have bright yellow eyes and a round head with no ear tufts. Snowy Owls are also known for their keen vision.
Range
Snowy Owls have a circumpolar distribution, found in the arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. In Wisconsin, they are considered rare, with occasional winter sightings in the northernmost areas of the state.
Behavior
These owls are primarily diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, unlike most other owl species. They are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals like lemmings, voles, and rabbits. Snowy Owls are known for their ability to soar and hover effortlessly.
Preferred Habitat
Snowy Owls prefer areas with open habitats, such as tundra and open fields. They require expansive areas for hunting and nesting, usually far from human settlements.
Photos
[Insert photos of the Snowy Owl here]
In conclusion, Wisconsin is home to a diverse array of owl species, each with its own unique characteristics and adaptations. From the medium-sized Barred Owl to the majestic Snowy Owl, these birds of prey enrich the natural beauty of the state. Whether perched in the dense forests, hunting in open grasslands, or soaring over marshes, these owls play an important role in maintaining the delicate balance of their ecosystems. Observing these owls in their natural habitats is a true delight for any bird enthusiast or nature lover.