10 Species of Owls in Virginia (With Pictures and Identification)

Virginia hosts a numerous fluctuate of owl species, each with distinctive traits and behaviors. From the silent glide of the Barn Owl to the distinctive hoots of the Barred Owl, these nocturnal birds are vital elements of the native ecosystem.

This info covers 10 owl species usually current in Virginia’s forests, fields, and wetlands. You’ll uncover identification concepts along with dimension, plumage, calls, and habitats, along with helpful photographs.

Birdwatchers and nature followers will purchase worthwhile insights into recognizing and appreciating these excellent owls all through their outdoors excursions in Virginia.

Widespread Owls Current in Virginia

Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

The Barn Owl is effectively recognizable by its distinctive heart-shaped white face and golden-buff plumage. Its feathers are mushy and pale compared with completely different owls, with a mix of gentle tan and gray on the once more and wings. This owl’s underparts are sometimes white or creamy, making it stand out in low-light circumstances. Not like many owls, the Barn Owl lacks excellent ear tufts.

With regards to dimension, Barn Owls are medium-sized, measuring spherical 13 to fifteen inches in dimension, with a wingspan of about 38 to 43 inches. Their slender our our bodies and prolonged legs give them a sleek look in flight. Their silent flight is aided by specialised feathers that cut back noise, letting them hunt stealthily at night.

Barn Owls are primarily nocturnal hunters that depend upon their distinctive listening to to search out prey resembling small mammals, significantly mice and voles. They sometimes hunt over open fields, meadows, and farmland, silently gliding low above the underside. Their distinct screeching title is completely completely different from the on a regular basis hoots of various owls and may very well be heard all through their nighttime hunts.

In Virginia, Barn Owls favor open habitats resembling farmland, grasslands, and rural areas with barns or abandoned buildings the place they’ll nest. They are much much less widespread in carefully forested areas nonetheless would possibly roost in gap timber or outdated constructions. Conservation efforts have helped maintain Barn Owl populations throughout the state, no matter habitat loss.

Japanese Screech-Owl (Megascops asio)

The Japanese Screech-Owl is a small, stout owl acknowledged for its great camouflage. It’s accessible in two major coloration morphs: gray and rufous (reddish-brown). Every morphs have intricate patterns of streaks and spots that help them combine into tree bark. This owl has small ear tufts that appear like little horns, aiding in its identification.

This species is relatively small, measuring about 6 to 10 inches in dimension with a wingspan spherical 18 to 24 inches. No matter its small dimension, it is a fierce predator. Its compact physique and broad wings allow it to maneuver merely by the use of dense forested areas the place it typically hunts.

Japanese Screech-Owls are largely nocturnal nonetheless can sometimes be heard calling at dusk. Their title is a specific whinny or trill, completely completely different from screeches, which is how they obtained their title. They feed on a numerous weight-reduction plan along with bugs, small mammals, birds, and even small reptiles, exhibiting their adaptability in quite a few environments.

In Virginia, Japanese Screech-Owls are widespread and adapt correctly to every rural woodlands and suburban areas with mature timber. They nest in pure cavities or outdated woodpecker holes and sometimes use nest containers. Their presence is often detected by their haunting calls echoing by the use of wooded neighborhoods at night.

Good Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

The Good Horned Owl is doubtless one of many largest and strongest owls in North America. It is merely acknowledged by its excellent ear tufts, sometimes known as “horns,” and big yellow eyes. Its plumage is mottled gray-brown with a white patch on the throat, providing great camouflage in a variety of habitats.

This owl typically measures 18 to 25 inches prolonged, with a formidable wingspan of three.3 to 4.8 ft. Males are barely smaller than females. Their sturdy talons and extremely efficient beak allow them to take down quite a lot of prey, along with mammals as big as rabbits and skunks, along with birds and reptiles.

Good Horned Owls are largely nocturnal nonetheless sometimes vocalize sooner than dusk and at dawn. Their well-known deep hooting title is a sequence of “hoo-hoo-hoo” notes that carry over prolonged distances. They’re solitary and territorial birds that nest in a variety of locations, sometimes using abandoned nests of various big birds.

In Virginia, Good Horned Owls inhabit forests, swamps, and even suburban areas. They’re extraordinarily adaptable and often nest in tall timber, cliff ledges, or big constructions. Their potential to thrive in quite a few environments makes them one of many widespread big owls throughout the state.

Barred Owl (Strix varia)

The Barred Owl is believed for its placing look and distinctive title. It has brown eyes (in distinction to the yellow eyes of many owls) and a spherical head with out ear tufts. Its plumage choices horizontal barring on the chest and vertical streaks on the abdomen, which provides it its title. The overall coloration is a mix of brown and white, providing great forest camouflage.

Barred Owls are medium to large-sized, measuring 16 to 25 inches in dimension with a wingspan between 38 and 49 inches. Their rounded wings and big dimension allow them to glide silently by the use of dense forests whereas wanting. They’ve sturdy legs and sharp talons to grab prey.

Their title is often described as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” which is effectively recognizable and usually heard throughout the woods of Virginia. Barred Owls hunt primarily at night nonetheless might also be energetic at dusk or dawn. Their weight-reduction plan incorporates small mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.

In Virginia, Barred Owls favor mature deciduous and blended forests, sometimes near water sources like rivers or swamps. They nest in big tree cavities or abandoned nests of various raptors. These owls are pretty widespread and play an important operate in forest ecosystems as prime nocturnal predators.

Northern Seen-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)

The Northern Seen-whet Owl is a small, secretive owl with a cute, rounded face framed by white “eyebrows” and big yellow eyes. Its plumage is brown with white spots on the highest and once more, whereas the underparts are white with brown streaks. This species is believed for its elusive habits and tiny dimension.

Measuring solely 7 to eight.5 inches prolonged, the Northern Seen-whet Owl has a wingspan of 16 to 24 inches. It’s doubtless one of many smallest owls in Virginia. No matter its dimension, it is an atmosphere pleasant hunter that relies on stealth and shock to catch small mammals, significantly rodents, and often bugs.

Their title comes from the distinctive saw-like sound they make, which resembles a observed being sharpened. This title is most ceaselessly heard all through the breeding season in spring and early summer season season. Northern Seen-whet Owls are primarily nocturnal and like dense forest habitats the place they’ll maintain hidden.

In Virginia, these owls are typically current in mature forests, significantly in mountainous or distant areas. They nest in tree cavities and are acknowledged to migrate transient distances all through the winter. As a consequence of their secretive nature, they are much much less usually seen nonetheless are present all through acceptable habitats all by the state.

Prolonged-eared Owl (Asio otus)

The Prolonged-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl recognizable by its prolonged, slender ear tufts that all the time seem as if “horns” when raised. Its facial disc is pale with an orange-buff coloration throughout the eyes and a darkish outline, giving it a placing look. The plumage is mottled brown and buff with vertical streaks on the chest, providing great camouflage amongst tree branches.

Measuring about 13 to 16 inches in dimension, the Prolonged-eared Owl has a wingspan of roughly 35 to 40 inches. It has a slim physique and prolonged wings tailor-made for silent flight by the use of dense forests. Its slender profile permits it to squeeze by the use of thick vegetation as a result of it hunts.

This owl is primarily nocturnal and relies on stealth to catch small mammals resembling mice and voles. It typically hunts by perching quietly after which swooping down on prey. Their calls are mushy, low-pitched hoots or whistles, sometimes heard all through the breeding season at night.

In Virginia, Prolonged-eared Owls inhabit dense woodlands, significantly coniferous or blended forests, and often roost communally in thick evergreen stands all through winter. They nest in abandoned nests of various birds, resembling hawks or crows, typically in distant forested areas away from human disturbance.

Fast-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)

The Fast-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl with shorter ear tufts which may be sometimes not seen, giving it a round-headed look. Its facial disc is pale with yellow eyes and a darkish rim throughout the face. The plumage is mottled brown and buff with streaks on the chest, which helps it combine in with open grassy habitats.

Fast-eared Owls typically measure 13 to 17 inches prolonged, with a wingspan between 33 and 43 inches. They’ve broad wings with distinctive darkish patches near the “wrists,” aiding identification all through flight. Their flight is buoyant and moth-like as they patrol open fields.

Not like many owls, Fast-eared Owls are typically energetic all through the day, significantly at dawn and dusk. They hunt over grasslands and marshes, feeding totally on small mammals resembling voles. Their calls embody transient barks and harsh “kek-kek” sounds heard all through the breeding season.

In Virginia, Fast-eared Owls favor open habitats like marshes, meadows, and coastal grasslands. They’re most ceaselessly seen in winter after they migrate south from northern breeding grounds. Their elusive nature makes sightings a specific cope with for birders throughout the state.

Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)

The Snowy Owl is an enormous, placing owl acknowledged for its predominantly white plumage, which provides great camouflage in snowy environments. Males are often practically pure white, whereas females and youthful birds have additional darkish barring and spots. This owl has good yellow eyes and a rounded head with no ear tufts.

Snowy Owls are big birds measuring 20 to twenty-eight inches in dimension, with a formidable wingspan of 49 to 57 inches. Their dimension and dense feathers help them survive chilly climates, and so they’re among the many many heaviest owls in North America.

These owls are diurnal and often hunt all through daytime, feeding completely on lemmings and completely different small mammals. Their wanting technique entails flying low over open terrain or sitting patiently and swooping down on prey. Snowy Owls are acknowledged for his or her daring habits and tolerance of individuals.

In Virginia, Snowy Owls are unusual winter visitors, typically seen alongside coastal areas or open fields all through irruption years when meals is scarce farther north. Their presence is unpredictable, attracting many birdwatchers hoping for a glimpse of this spectacular arctic buyer.

Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus)

The Boreal Owl is a small, secretive owl species primarily current in northern forests nonetheless typically exhibiting in Virginia all through irruption years. It has a spherical head with out ear tufts, big yellow eyes, and a specific white facial disk bordered by darkish brown. Its plumage is brown with white spots on the once more and streaked underparts.

Measuring about 8 to 10 inches in dimension with a wingspan of 18 to 24 inches, the Boreal Owl is compact and agile, well-suited for wanting in dense coniferous forests. Its small dimension helps it navigate thick foliage silently.

Boreal Owls are nocturnal hunters feeding totally on small mammals like voles and mice. Their vocalizations are mushy whistles or trills, sometimes heard all through the breeding season. As a consequence of their elusive nature and want for distant habitats, sightings are very unusual in Virginia.

Throughout the state, Boreal Owls are occasional winter visitors, primarily in mountainous or carefully forested areas such as a result of the Appalachians. They nest in tree cavities and depend upon mature forests for breeding and searching, making them inclined to habitat changes.

Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula)

The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium-sized owl with a singular look mixing traits of hawks and owls. It has a rounded head with out ear tufts, yellow eyes, and a protracted tail. Its plumage is grayish-brown with advantageous white spots and barred patterns, giving it a clean and sharp look.

Measuring spherical 14 to 17 inches prolonged with a wingspan of 30 to 34 inches, the Northern Hawk Owl is constructed for fast, agile flight in open forests and tundra edges. Its prolonged tail aids in maneuverability all through wanting.

Not like most owls, the Northern Hawk Owl is often energetic all through the day, wanting by perching visibly and swooping down on prey resembling small mammals and birds. Its title is a sharp, repetitive whistle sometimes heard in its boreal habitat.

In Virginia, the Northern Hawk Owl is a very unusual buyer, typically exhibiting up solely all through irruption years when northern meals offers fail. When present, it frequents open woodlands and forest edges, nonetheless as a consequence of its rarity, it is thought-about a specific sighting by birders.

FAQs About Owls in Virginia

What sorts of owls may very well be current in Virginia?

Virginia hosts quite a few owl species along with Barn Owl, Japanese Screech-Owl, Good Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Northern Seen-whet Owl, Prolonged-eared Owl, Fast-eared Owl, Snowy Owl, Boreal Owl, and the unusual Northern Hawk Owl.

Are owls energetic all through the day or night in Virginia?

Most owls in Virginia are nocturnal, which means they’re energetic at night. Nonetheless, some species similar to the Fast-eared Owl and Snowy Owl may even be energetic all through daytime, significantly at dawn or dusk.

What do owls in Virginia eat?

Virginia owls primarily eat small mammals resembling mice, voles, and rabbits. Some species moreover devour birds, bugs, amphibians, and reptiles, counting on availability and habitat.

The place do owls in Virginia typically reside and nest?

Owls in Virginia inhabit a variety of habitats along with forests, woodlands, farmlands, marshes, and open fields. Nesting web sites vary by species, ranging from tree cavities and abandoned nests to barns and outdated buildings.

How can I decide an owl by its title in Virginia?

Each owl species has a specific title. As an illustration, the Barred Owl’s title seems like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” whereas the Japanese Screech-Owl produces a whinny or trill. Listening rigorously at night would possibly assist decide native owls.

Are any owls in Virginia endangered or protected?

All owls in Virginia are protected beneath the Migratory Fowl Treaty Act, which prohibits harming or disturbing them. Whereas most species are safe, habitat loss can threaten some populations, making conservation important.