Owls have been long associated with wisdom, mystery and the night sky, making them a captivating species of bird. In the state of Virginia, several species of owl have been observed, providing insight into their behavior and interaction with the environment. Virginia’s geography and topography create a unique habitat for owls, which contributes to their successful population. The coastal plains, Appalachian Mountains, and Piedmont region of the state provide a wide range of landforms and ecosystems, allowing owls to thrive. The diverse range of flora and fauna in the state also provides a wide range of food sources for the owls. This article will explore the different species of owls found in Virginia and how their presence is affected by the state’s geography.
Owls IN VIRGINIA
Read on to learn more about the 8 owls that visit Virginia.
Barn Owl
- Tyto alba
- Size: 16″ (40 cm)
Identification and Color: A medium-sized owl with short tails and rounded wings. Barn owls have rounded heads, dark eyes, and relatively long legs. They have white on their faces, on their body, and underneath their wings. On top, they are a mix of greys and browns.
Habitat and Behavior: Found all over the United States in all seasons. Prefers to be in large areas of woodlands, farmlands, or grasslands. Likes to fly low at night to hunt in the open areas.
Diet: The Barn Owl eats small rodents like voles, mice, and shrews. May also eat some birds or lizards.
What does a Barn Owl sound like?
American Barn Owl (Tyto furcata) · call
Luiz C. Silva
Campo Mourão, Paraná, Brazil
More Barn Owl Facts
Barred Owl
- Strix varia
- Size: 20″ (51 cm)
Identification and Color: A large, stocky owl with rounded tail feathers and dark eyes. Underneath, they have dark and light streaks. On the top of their bodies, they have brown and white barring.
Habitat and Behavior: Typically found in the eastern half of the United States and some parts of Canada. Likes being in woodlands and forests that are nearby water sources. Usually quiet in the daytime with occasional calls, and hunts during the night.
Diet: The majority of the Barred Owl’s diet is small mammals. Mice, squirrels, and rabbits are favorites.
What does a Barred Owl sound like?
Barred Owl (Strix varia) · song
Kayla Brown
Valley of the Giants – South Flat, Lincoln County, Oregon, United States
More Barred Owl Facts
Eastern Screech-owl
- Megascops asio
- Size: 9″ (23 cm)
Identification and Color: Pointed tufts on the ears stand out on a short and stocky body. They have yellow eyes on a large head. A square and short tail with rounded wings. They are patterned to mimic tree bark in grey, white, and brown colors.
Habitat and Behavior: A mostly permanent resident in the eastern half of the United States. Likes woodlands, forests, and farm groves that are located near water. A vocal bird that forages at night mainly from watching on a perch.
Diet: The Eastern Screech Owl eats large insects like beetles, crickets, and moths. Will also eat small rodents.
What does an Eastern Screech Owl sound like?
Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio) · song
Nick Komar
Loveland, Larimer County, Colorado, United States
More Eastern Screech Owl Facts
Great Horned Owl
- Bubo virginianus
- Size: 25″ (64 cm)
Identification and Color: They have large, easily distinguished ear tufts on top of their heads. White patches on their necks and reddish-brown faces. They have grey and brown mottling all over their bodies. Yellow eyes and rounded heads.
Habitat and Behavior: Found all over North America for all seasons. Likes a varied habitat, including woodlands, swamps, and deserts. They may also be around cities or suburbs. Nocturnal hunting at night.
Diet: The Great-horned Owl enjoys a varied diet of mammals and birds. Diet is dependent on their current region.
What does a Great-horned Owl sound like?
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) · call, song
Michael & Katie LaTour
Green Township (near Mount Orab), Brown County, Ohio, United States
More Great-horned Owl Facts
Long-eared Owl
- Asio otus
- Size: 16″ (41 cm)
Identification and Color: Medium-sized owls that have very long ear tufts. A slender body and somewhat squared head. Ear tufts are black and orange. They have a complex pattern of black, brown, and white. They have orange outlining their faces and white marks near their yellow eyes.
Habitat and Behavior: Breeds in northern North America and winters in the south across the country. They prefer a mixture of open woodlands and dense forests. Will nest in tall trees and forage in open areas. Very vocal birds that will wait until night to hunt.
Diet: The Long-eared Owl enjoys small mammals or rodents. Mice, voles, and gophers are a part of the diet.
What Does a Long-eared Owl sound like?
Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) · begging call
Paolo Zucca
Leno, Provincia di Brescia, Lombardia, Italy
More Long-eared Owl Facts
Northern Saw-whet Owl
- Aegolius acadicus
- Size: 8″ (20 cm)
Identification and Color: A small owl that has a large and rounded head. Yellow eyes and white in the middle of their faces. T hey have brown and white speckles on the rest of their heads. White and brown streaking on their underparts, with brown and white spots on top.
Habitat and Behavior: Located throughout much of the United States, except the far south. Also, in parts of Canada and along the north-western coastline. They prefer forests and groves that are dense to breed. Active mainly at night, they perch and remain hidden during the day.
Diet: The Northern Saw-whet Owl eats mall rodents and occasionally birds and insects.
What does a Northern Saw-whet Owl sound like?
Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) · call
Ron Overholtz
Grandview Campground, White Mountains, Inyo County, California, United States
More Northern Saw-whet Owl Facts
More Short-eared Owl Facts
- Asio flammeus
- Size: 17″ (43 cm)
Identification and Color: Rounded heads, big wings that are rounded, and a short tail. They have pale yellow and white on their faces. Yellow eyes are outlined in black. White and brown streaky underparts, and black, white, and brown intricate top of their bodies.
Habitat and Behavior: Found throughout much of North America, excluding the southwest. They like open area grasslands, prairies, and marshes. Will hunt in the daytime, staying low to the ground, and may also hunt near dawn and dusk.
Diet: The Short-eared Owl mainly eats small rodents.
What does a Short-eared Owl sound like?
Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) · alarm call
Hannu Varkki
Säräisniemi, Vaala, Kainuu, Finland
More Short-eared Owl Facts
Snowy Owl
- Bubo scandiacus
- Size: 27″ (69 cm)
Identification and Color: Large owls that are 20 to 27 inches in length. They have bulky bodies and rounded heads with yellow eyes. The Snowy Owl is predominantly white but does have black or brown markings speckling about.
Habitat and Behavior: Located in the far north of North America, starting in Canada. Likes open areas and can be found on shorelines, prairies, and marshes. Often flying and perching low to the ground.
Diet: The Snowy Owl has a varied diet including lemming
Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) · call, voice of threatening, zoo collection
Morioka Zoological Park ZOOMO
Morioka Zoological Park ZOOMO, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan
More Snowy Owl Facts
Conclusion
With their unique characteristics and abilities, Owls bring beauty and diversity to our landscape. Because of their declining populations, it is important to take steps to protect them. Conservation efforts such as protecting their habitat, minimizing light pollution, and reducing the use of pesticides can help to ensure that we have healthy owl populations in our state for years to come. By working together to protect these amazing creatures, we can ensure that they continue to be a part of Virginia’s natural heritage.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other articles about birds in Virginia.
