Snowy Owl

Owls of Michigan: (Pictures) Discover the Night Hunters

Owls in Michigan are particularly interesting because the state is home to a wide variety of species. From the impressive Great Horned Owl to the tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl, these nocturnal birds are a treat to observe.

What types of owls can you spot in Michigan? As a birdwatcher or simply an owl enthusiast, the diversity of these birds in our state offers a unique opportunity to learn and explore. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, Michigan’s owls provide endless wonder and excitement.

1. Great Horned Owl

Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl is one of the most impressive owls in Michigan. I find its large size and striking appearance truly fascinating. This owl can grow up to 25 inches tall with a wingspan reaching up to 4 feet.

One of its most notable features is the ear tufts on its head, which look like horns. Despite their name, these tufts aren’t actually ears. Instead, they help the owl blend into trees, making it harder for prey to spot them.

The Great Horned Owl has bright yellow eyes that seem to stare right through you. It’s mostly brown with some streaks of gray and white.

This owl is known for its diverse diet. It will eat almost anything, including small mammals, birds, and even other owls. I’ve read that it can hunt both during the day and at night, but it prefers the cover of darkness.

Great Horned Owls are also known for their distinctive hooting call. I’ve often heard their deep, rhythmic hoots echo through the forest at night. This is their way of marking territory and communicating with potential mates.

These owls can be found all year round in Michigan. They are most common from December to mid-May, when you can often spot them perched on tree branches or soaring in the sky.

2. Eastern Screech-Owl

Eastern Screech-Owl

One of the most interesting kinds of owls in Michigan is the Eastern Screech-Owl. This small owl is about the size of a robin. It is common in wooded areas, parks, and even backyards.

I love how adaptable these owls are. They make their homes in tree cavities and even use nest boxes that people put out. They stay hidden during the day, blending perfectly with the bark of trees.

At night, they become active. If you hear a mysterious, trilling sound in the night, it might be an Eastern Screech-Owl. They don’t actually screech, despite their name.

These owls come in two color morphs: gray and reddish-brown. Both colors provide them with excellent camouflage. I think it’s fascinating how they can be so well-hidden.

If you want to spot one, listen for their calls at night and look for them around dusk and dawn. They are not very big, so keep an eye out for small movements in the trees.

3. Barn Owl

Barn Owl

I’ve always been fascinated by the barn owl. These beautiful birds are found in Michigan’s farmlands and open fields. Their heart-shaped faces and ghostly white feathers make them easy to recognize.

Barn owls have excellent hearing. They can locate prey even in complete darkness. This helps them hunt small mammals like mice and voles.

It’s interesting to note that barn owls are sometimes called the ghost owl. Their silent flight and eerie calls give them a mystical quality. Despite this, they are helpful to farmers by controlling rodent populations.

Seeing a barn owl in the wild is a special experience. I’ve found them roosting in barns and abandoned buildings. They often prefer places where they can easily find food and stay hidden during the day.

4. Barred Owl

Barred Owl

The Barred Owl is one of my favorite owls to spot in Michigan. It has a distinctive hooting call that sounds like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” This call can often be heard in old forests and treed swamps.

This owl is pretty easy to recognize. It has brown-and-white-striped feathers and large, soulful brown eyes. I often find them perched quietly on tree limbs, blending well with the forest background.

Although originally from the east, the Barred Owl has made itself at home in many parts of Michigan. It can fly almost silently, making it a stealthy hunter. Its preferred habitats are woodlands, where it hunts small animals like rodents and birds.

The Barred Owl’s nickname, “hoot owl,” comes from its frequent vocalizations. Unlike some other owls, it’s not too shy, so spotting one isn’t as rare as you might think. It’s always a treat to hear its iconic call echoing through the woods.

5. Northern Saw-whet Owl

Northern Saw-whet Owl

The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a tiny bird with bright yellow eyes and a round, catlike face. This owl usually measures between 7 and 9 inches long. It has a wingspan of around 22 inches. Despite its small size, it has a strong personality and a fierce hunting style.

In Michigan, these owls are present throughout the year. They are more commonly found in the northern parts of the state. These owls are very nocturnal, making them hard to spot during the day.

One of my favorite things about the Northern Saw-whet Owl is its unique call. It’s a high-pitched, repeated “too-too-too” sound. Even if you can’t see them, you might hear them at night.

This owl mainly eats deer mice and other small mammals. It uses its sharp beak to tear its prey into smaller, easier-to-eat pieces. Even a single mouse can provide multiple meals for this little predator.

It’s fascinating to know that while they are common, they are still a rare sight due to their nocturnal habits. If you ever get the chance to hear or see one, it’s quite a treat!

6. Snowy Owl

Snowy Owl

I’ve always been amazed by the Snowy Owl. This bird is a real standout with its bright white feathers. You can sometimes spot them in Michigan during the winter months. They migrate from the Arctic to find food and escape the harshest cold.

Snowy Owls are one of the heaviest owl species in North America. The males are often whiter, while females and young ones have more dark spots. They have mesmerizing yellow eyes that really stand out.

In the Arctic, these owls mainly eat lemmings. When they come to Michigan, they adjust their diet to include rodents and other small animals. I love hearing their calls, which are deep and resonant.

Many birdwatchers eagerly await their arrival each winter. It’s a special treat to spot a Snowy Owl sitting on a snowy field or sand dune. Their presence adds a bit of magic to the winter landscape.

Snowy Owls are truly unique and fascinating birds.

7. Long-eared Owl

Long-eared Owl

The Long-eared Owl can be pretty hard to find in Michigan. This owl loves to hide in dense woodlands. They rely on their great camouflage to stay hidden from predators. When they get scared, they usually just fly away.

I’ve noticed that Long-eared Owls are not very territorial. They don’t mind other owls being around. They are mostly active at night, making them even harder to spot during the day.

These owls have seen their numbers drop by 91% since 1970. It’s so sad to see such a decline in their population.

Long-eared Owls have long, ear-like tufts that make them easy to identify. They also have a soft, hooting call that you might hear in the woods at night.

If you ever want to see one, you might have better luck by using call playback at night near their habitat. This method can help increase your chances of detecting them. Just remember to be patient!

8. Short-eared Owl

Short-eared Owl

I often enjoy spotting Short-eared Owls in Michigan. These medium-sized owls have long wings and short tails. They stand out with their tawny, streaked breasts and paler bellies. Their round faces and small ear tufts give them a distinct look.

Short-eared Owls are unique because they hunt during the day. Most other owls stick to nighttime hunting. They fly low over fields, making them easier to see.

During winter, many Short-eared Owls head to southern states. Yet, I can still catch sight of them hunting in open areas here. Their erratic flight pattern and pale wing patches make them easy to spot when they’re on the move.

These owls are a real treat to observe. Whether perched or in flight, their presence adds excitement to any birdwatching outing in Michigan.

9. Northern Hawk Owl

Northern Hawk Owl

The Northern Hawk Owl is an interesting bird. It doesn’t stick to the usual habits of most owls. Instead, it behaves more like a hawk. It hunts during the day and has a long tail, making it look quite different from other owls.

These owls are found mainly in boreal forests. They sometimes wander into Michigan during winter. When they do, birdwatchers get excited and rush to catch a glimpse.

Northern Hawk Owls have yellow eyes and an oval body. They often perch on tall, solitary trees, scanning the ground for prey. They eat birds, rodents, and other small mammals.

One cool thing about them is how they hunt. They sit still and watch for movement below. Then, they swoop down quickly to catch their meal. Sometimes, they will even dive into the snow to catch prey hiding under the surface.

Hearing one is also a treat. Male Northern Hawk Owls emit a rhythmic, whistling sound that lasts about 14 seconds. It’s a unique experience if you’re lucky enough to hear it.

I always enjoy spotting a Northern Hawk Owl. They bring a bit of excitement to my birdwatching adventures in Michigan.

10. Boreal Owl

Boreal Owl

The Boreal Owl is a charming little bird that I find fascinating. It measures about 8.3 to 11 inches in length. Its wingspan is between 21.5 to 24.5 inches.

This owl has striking yellow eyes set in a round face, giving it a distinct look. Boreal Owls prefer mature coniferous forests in northern regions.

Though they are rare visitors to Michigan, you might spot one during winter months. They feast mainly on small mammals and birds.

Another interesting fact is their population status. They are generally not considered at risk. If you’re lucky enough, you might just hear their calls echoing through the woods.

Habitat of owls in Michigan

Snowy Owl

Michigan’s owls find homes across various types of landscapes, including dense forests, open grasslands, and lush wetlands. Each species has its own preferred environment where it can hunt and nest most effectively.

Forests

Many owls in Michigan thrive in forest habitats. The Great Horned Owl and Barred Owl are commonly found in deciduous and mixed forests. These forests offer plenty of prey such as small mammals, birds, and insects.

Old-growth forests provide lots of mature trees with natural cavities for nesting. When I visit places like the Huron-Manistee National Forest, I often spot these owls perched high up, blending in with the tree bark.

Dense tree cover also helps owls hide from predators. The Eastern Screech-Owl prefers woodland edges and groves where it can hunt more effectively. Birds like the Boreal Owl thrive in northern coniferous forests.

Grasslands

Grasslands and open fields are another habitat where Michigan’s owls can prosper. Species like the Short-Eared Owl are often seen hunting over agricultural fields and prairies. These open areas have tall grasses that house many small mammals and insects.

One of my favorite spots to observe these owls is the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.

The Northern Hawk Owl also enjoys semi-open areas where it can perch on tall structures and spot prey from a distance. Grasslands provide excellent hunting grounds during the late afternoon and early morning when prey activity is higher.

Wetlands

Wetlands host a variety of owls in Michigan. Snowy Owls are occasional visitors during the winter months, coming to areas around the Great Lakes. These wetlands offer abundant food sources, especially during migrations.

The Long-Eared Owl loves the shrubs and small trees around swamps and marshes. I’ve found their nests hidden in thick willow and alder branches near wetland areas.

Wetlands also attract Northern Saw-Whet Owls, which prefer dense, wet habitats, often near water bodies. These spots are ideal for nesting and provide ample hunting opportunities, especially during spring and fall migrations.

Diet and hunting behavior

owl sits on a branch

Owls in Michigan are fascinating predators with diverse diets and unique hunting behaviors. These birds have adapted to various habitats and have developed specialized techniques to catch their prey.

Prey types

Michigan owls prey on a variety of animals. Great Horned Owls eat mammals like rabbits, skunks, and even other birds. Snowy Owls hunt lemmings, voles, and birds. I’ve noticed that Eastern Screech Owls often catch insects, small rodents, and even small birds.

Northern Saw-Whet Owls are interesting because they prefer small mammals like mice and shrews. Different species, like the Barn Owl, mainly feed on rodents such as mice and rats. It’s fascinating how each owl species has a preferred type of prey that matches its hunting skills and habitat.

Hunting techniques

These owls use a variety of techniques to hunt. Most owls, including the Great Horned Owl, hunt at night (nocturnal hunting). They use their excellent night vision and silent flight to surprise their prey. Snowy Owls, which sometimes hunt during the day, rely on their keen eyesight.

Owls like the Eastern Screech Owl and Northern Saw-Whet Owl use a sit-and-wait approach, perching quietly until they spot their prey. It’s amazing how they can stay so still and then strike with incredible speed. Barn Owls have a unique method; they fly low over open fields to catch rodents, using their excellent hearing to locate prey even in the dark.

Their hunting techniques show just how adaptable and skilled these Michigan owls are, making them top predators in their environments.

Conservation efforts

Barn Owl

Efforts to protect owls in Michigan focus on addressing habitat loss and various conservation programs. These initiatives are crucial to maintaining healthy owl populations.

Current threats

Owls in Michigan face several threats. Habitat loss is one of the biggest issues. Forests are often cleared for development, reducing the places where owls can live and hunt.

Human disturbance is another problem. Owls are sensitive to noises and activities that disrupt their environment. This can affect their breeding and feeding habits.

Pollution also poses a threat. Chemicals used in agriculture can poison the small mammals that owls feed on. This affects the whole food chain, including the owls themselves.

Climate change adds to these challenges. Warmer temperatures can change the habitats that certain owls, like the Great Gray Owl, need to survive.

Ongoing projects

Several projects are underway to help Michigan’s owls. Non-profit organizations, like the Michigan Audubon Society, lead many of these initiatives.

One important project is the owl-banding program. This program helps monitor owl populations by tagging individual birds. Data collected from this is used to study migration patterns and population health.

Another key effort involves habitat restoration. This includes planting native trees and shrubs that provide shelter and food for owls. Conservation groups also work to protect large areas of land from development.

Public education is also a focus. Programs teach people about owl conservation and how they can help. This includes tips on minimizing disturbances and creating owl-friendly habitats in their own backyards.

Supporting these initiatives can make a big difference for Michigan’s owls.

Related: Doves of Michigan Species, Warblers of Michigan Species, Orioles of Michigan Species

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