Wisconsin is home to a fascinating variety of owls, each with its own unique characteristics and habits. As a bird enthusiast, I find these creatures absolutely captivating, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about them. Why are these 11 species so special? They each play a vital role in the ecosystem and bring their own charm to the state’s diverse wildlife.
From the towering Great Horned Owl to the tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl, Wisconsin’s owls can be found in different habitats across the state. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just curious about these nocturnal predators, you’ll find there’s a lot to discover and appreciate about the owls of Wisconsin.
1. Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl is one of the most well-known owls in Wisconsin. We often see them in various habitats, from forests to urban areas. These owls are large, with a wingspan up to 5 feet.
They have striking ear tufts that resemble horns, giving them their name. Their plumage is brown and gray, which helps them blend into their environment.
Their deep hooting call is unmistakable and can be heard at night. The Great Horned Owl is a powerful hunter, capable of catching prey as large as skunks and rabbits. They are also known to hunt in pairs.
2. Snowy Owl
The Snowy Owl, also known as Bubo scandiacus, is one of the most striking owls you’ll find in Wisconsin. With its bright white feathers, it stands out against the winter landscape.
Snowy Owls are large birds, with females being larger than males. They can have a wingspan of up to 5 feet. These owls are built for cold climates, and you can often spot them in open fields and along shorelines.
They migrate to Wisconsin during the winter. Some years, their numbers are low, making sightings rare. This makes spotting a Snowy Owl a special experience.
Their diet mainly consists of small mammals, like lemmings. In Wisconsin, they might also hunt for other small animals. Watching a Snowy Owl hunt is fascinating. These owls are powerful and efficient predators.
When you go out looking for Snowy Owls, it’s best to head to places with open, snowy fields. Keep your binoculars handy and stay patient. You might just catch a glimpse of these majestic birds.
3. Barred Owl
The Barred Owl is one of my favorite owls to spot in Wisconsin. It has a round head and dark streaks on its pale underparts. These owls are known for their distinctive calls, which sound like eerie laughter when males and females call together.
Barred Owls can be found in deciduous and coniferous forests. They often use abandoned nests of other birds or tree cavities for their own nests.
They are primarily nocturnal but may be active during the day in areas with low human disturbance. It’s always thrilling to hear their unique hooting sound while hiking through the woods.
4. Eastern Screech-Owl
I find the Eastern Screech-Owl to be quite fascinating. It’s a small, stocky owl with a large head and almost no neck. These owls have pointed ear tufts that they often raise.
Their color can vary greatly. Some are gray, while others are a reddish-brown, perfect for blending in with tree bark. They have bright yellow eyes that really stand out.
These owls are active at night. They hunt small birds and mammals. It’s more common to hear them than to see them. Their call sounds like a descending whinny followed by a long trill.
Eastern Screech-Owls are often found in woods, parks, and even suburban areas. They like to roost and nest in tree cavities and can sometimes be found in backyard nest boxes. If you hear a mysterious trill at night, it might be one of these little owls.
5. Northern Saw-whet Owl
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a tiny owl with a catlike face and bright yellow eyes. I find these owls fascinating because of their oversized heads and fierce attitudes.
They are common in the forests of northern North America, including parts of Wisconsin. They prefer dense thickets and areas with conifers and thick understory.
These owls hunt mostly at night and are very quiet. They mainly eat mice and other small mammals. Despite their small size, they are skilled hunters.
In winter, they are found across the U.S., and their numbers can vary greatly from year to year. Though fairly common, they are shy and can be hard to see. I think spotting one in the wild is always a special experience.
6. Long-eared Owl
The Long-eared Owl is a fascinating bird that you can find in Wisconsin. They have unique long ear tufts. They also have an orange face and a slender body, making them quite distinctive.
These owls prefer living in forests with open areas. They often nest in old magpie, crow, and hawk nests. If you’re looking to spot one, try searching in dense foliage or high trees.
Long-eared Owls are present in Wisconsin throughout the year. Their coloration helps them blend into their surroundings, making them hard to see. They usually stay hidden among the branches, but with patience, you might get lucky!
7. Short-eared Owl
The Short-eared Owl is medium-sized, with a wingspan between 34 to 43 inches. They have mottled brown and buff feathers which provide excellent camouflage in grasslands.
In Wisconsin, we often spot Short-eared Owls during the winter months. They migrate south from Canada to spend the colder seasons here. From November to February, these owls are usually seen in the southern part of the state.
One of the unique features of the Short-eared Owl is their barely visible ear tufts. These tufts only show when the owl is in a defensive pose. Their round facial disk and bright yellow eyes make them easily recognizable if you’re lucky to see one up close.
When hunting, Short-eared Owls fly low over fields and open areas, looking for small mammals like voles and rats. Their flight style is buoyant and resembles that of a giant moth.
8. Boreal Owl
Boreal Owl is a small owl with a body length of about 8 to 11 inches and weighs between 3.3 to 7.6 ounces. Despite its small size, the Boreal Owl has a surprising wingspan, often reaching up to 24 inches.
This owl is quite elusive. You’ll mostly find it in dense forests, where it hunts small mammals like mice and voles. Its facial disc is striking with a pattern that helps it focus sound, making it an excellent hunter at night.
The Boreal Owl has a unique call. It sounds like a series of quick whistles, which can sometimes be heard echoing through the woods. If you’re lucky, you might hear it on a quiet night.
Spotting a Boreal Owl can be a real treat. They are not as common as some other owls, but they add a special charm to Wisconsin’s diverse owl population.
9. Northern Hawk Owl
The Northern Hawk Owl is a fascinating bird. It has a long tail and a slim build, almost reminding me of a hawk. These owls are usually found in the far north, but sometimes they make their way down to Wisconsin.
I love how unique their faces look. They have a smooth, rounded head without ear tufts. Their bright yellow eyes and white face with black borders give them a striking appearance.
Unlike most owls, the Northern Hawk Owl hunts during the day. It prefers open areas with scattered trees. It’s amazing to watch them swoop down to catch their prey.
When they call, it’s a high-pitched, rapid whistle. It’s quite different from the hoots of other owls. If you hear this call in the woods, you might be lucky enough to spot one nearby.
These owls are skilled hunters. They primarily eat small mammals but will also catch birds. It’s incredible how they can spot prey from great distances.
10. Barn Owl
Barn Owls have a distinctive heart-shaped face with white, ghostly features. Their feathers are a mix of orangey tan and grey on their back, head, and wings. This gives them a somewhat ethereal appearance.
Barn Owls are rather slender and have long legs. They usually hunt at night and prefer open fields. Their diet mainly consists of small mammals like mice and voles. These owls are known for their silent flight, which allows them to sneak up on their prey without making a sound.
In Wisconsin, Barn Owls are considered rare. You can feel lucky when you spot one. They often nest in old barns or buildings, which is how they got their name. Seeing a Barn Owl up close is always a special experience because of their unique look and graceful presence.
11. Great Gray Owl
The Great Gray Owl is the largest owl by length in the world. Despite its size, it blends well into the forest backdrop.
I find these owls mostly in the remote northern forests. They have amazing hunting skills, even in harsh conditions. They can locate prey under thick snow thanks to their incredible hearing.
Spotting a Great Gray Owl isn’t easy. They are fairly uncommon and tend to stay away from populated areas. You always feel lucky when you get a chance to see one. Their majestic presence is unforgettable.
These owls are year-round residents in Wisconsin. Their striking appearance, with a large facial disk and piercing yellow eyes, makes them stand out. Keep an eye out for these magnificent birds during your travels through Wisconsin’s wild areas.
Habitat and distribution
Owls in Wisconsin can be found in various locations, often within state parks or wildlife areas. Each species has its own preferred habitat, ranging from forests to open fields.
Where to find owls in Wisconsin
I’ve found owls in many of Wisconsin’s state parks and conservancies. Yellowstone State Wildlife Area and Pheasant Branch Conservancy are good spots. The University of Wisconsin Arboretum is another popular place for owl sightings. Owls also make their homes in Pine Island State Wildlife Area and Big Hill Park.
Preferred habitats
The type of habitat an owl prefers depends on the species.
Great Horned Owls like woodlands and forests.
Barn Owls stick to open fields and grasslands.
Eastern Screech-Owls enjoy suburban areas with lots of trees.
Snowy Owls often hang out in open fields and tundra-like areas during the winter.
These birds adapt to various environments as long as there’s food and shelter.
Behavior and diet
Owls in Wisconsin display fascinating hunting techniques and have diverse dietary preferences. These behaviors are crucial for their survival and success in the wild.
Hunting techniques
Owls are silent hunters. They use their incredible hearing and vision to locate prey even in complete darkness. Some species, like the Northern Hawk Owl, hunt by sight and can spot prey from half a mile away.
Owls often perch silently and wait, using surprise to capture their prey. Their flight is nearly silent due to their unique feather structure, allowing them to sneak up on prey without being heard.
Dietary preferences
The diet of Wisconsin’s owls is varied. Great Horned Owls enjoy small mammals like rabbits and rodents, while Northern Saw-whet Owls prefer insects and smaller creatures.
Eastern Screech-Owls eat a mix of insects, small birds, and mammals. Snowy Owls, often found in open areas, hunt larger prey like ducks and hare. Each owl’s diet is influenced by its habitat and hunting skills.
Conservation status
Owls in Wisconsin face several threats but benefit from various conservation efforts aimed at preserving their populations and habitats.
Threats to owls
Owls in Wisconsin face various challenges. Habitat loss due to deforestation and urban development significantly affects their living spaces. Pesticides and rodenticides also pose dangers, as these chemicals can poison owls when they eat contaminated prey. Additionally, vehicle collisions are a common threat, especially for species that hunt near roadsides.
Climate change, altering the availability of prey and suitable nesting areas, further complicates their survival. Illegal hunting and the pet trade, though not as prevalent, add to the list of pressures on these avian predators.
Conservation efforts
Several initiatives aim to protect and conserve Wisconsin’s owl species. Habitat preservation is crucial, so many programs focus on protecting forests and other natural areas. Creating and maintaining owl nest boxes helps provide safe nesting sites. Restrictions on pesticide use and promoting organic farming reduce the risks of poisoning.
Education and awareness campaigns inform the public about the importance of owls in the ecosystem. Wildlife rehabilitation centers also play a critical role, treating injured owls and releasing them back into the wild.
Related: Hummingbirds of Wisconsin Species, Woodpeckers of Wisconsin Species, Wrens of Wisconsin Species