Owls in Massachusetts: 8 species of owls live in Massachusetts

For researchers and owl lovers, Massachusetts is a paradise state. You must be going through this article to learn about Owls in Massachusetts, i.e., which species of owls are home to, and about them.

The various forests, parks, beaches, and conservation areas located in the Massachusetts region are a paradise for several species of owls. Different species of owls living here have different characteristics, such as some species hunt at night, and some species are active and hunt during daylight hours.

However, as a bird lover, I will share with you an overview of the different owl species that live in Massachusetts, and their behavior, which will provide more information about Owls in Massachusetts.

The most common owl in Massachusetts

Massachusetts shelters eight species of owls, some of which are counted as endangered by the IUCN. Anyway, I have elaborated below about 8 species of owl known as owl of Massachusetts.

Great Horned Owl

Distributed across North, Central, and South America, Mexico, and northern Alaska, a large species of owl is the great-horned owl (Bubo virginianus). They have a striking appearance, two horns on either side of the head (actually tufts of feathers), and a deep hoot.

They are better known for building their nests in forests, deserts, mountains, and almost everywhere in cities and villages. They prefer small vertebrates and birds as prey, but they also prey on larger animals such as rabbits, skunks, mice, squirrels, etc. Sometimes they hunt and eat fish.

Weight: Male – 1.3 kg to 2.6 kg.
Female – 1.6 kg to 3 kg.
Wingspan: Male – 39 to 57 inches (99 to 145 cm).
Female – 46 to 63 inches (117 to 160 cm).
Height: Male – 18 to 25 inches (46 to 64 cm).
Female – 20 to 28 inches (51 to 71 cm).
Eggs: Lay 2 to 3 eggs a year.
Color: mottled gray-brown.
Mating Season: late January through early February.

This species of owl is named as Great Horned Owl due to its large size and horn-shaped feather clusters on both sides of the head.

They are known for attacking any animal that comes near their young. The sight and cry of this species of owl is very sharp.

Babies stay under the care and protection of their parents for about 6 to 7 weeks. Their eyes are the largest among owl species.

They stay with their mates during the breeding season and both raise the young.

Barn owl

Humans are most acquainted with the barn owl for its heart-shaped face. For these medium-sized owls, most of the planet is home, and they prefer grasslands, farms, and woodlands. Small animals including mice, rats, and bats are part of their diet.

Their feathers’ color makes it easier for them to blend in with the surroundings. Barns, artificial constructions, abandoned houses, etc. serve as their homes.

Weight: Male – 330 to 470 grams.
Female – 470 to 620 grams.
Wingspan: Male – 31 to 37 inches (80 to 95 cm).
Female – 35 to 41 inches (90 to 105 cm).
Height: Male – 13 to 16 inches (32 to 40 cm).
Female – 14 to 18 inches (35 to 45 cm).
Eggs: Lay 4 to 18 eggs a year.
Color: Gray-brown
Mating Season: March through June.

This owl species is known as the Barn owl because it is seen more often in barns. This species of owl generally spends life with one mate.

For roughly five weeks, babies remain with their parents. Their eyes are darker than other owls. Their heart-shaped face catches greater attention. Except for Antarctica, they are present on nearly every continent.

Barred owl

Barred owls can be seen across a wide range of North America, southern Canada, and Mexico. Deciduous and mixed forests are their preferred habitat, but they can be found in wetlands, open fields, and even suburban habitats.

In the list of their favorite foods, there are some small mammals and small vertebrates including bats, mice, rats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

They usually stay with one mate during the breeding season. Their body feathers are streaked with brown and gray colors that help them blend in with the environment.

Weight: Male – 470 grams to 1 Kg 50 grams.
Female – 650 grams to 1 Kg 200 grams.
Wingspan: 39 to 43 inches (99 to 109 cm).
Female – 41 to 45 inches (104 to 114 cm).
Height: Male – 16 to 20 inches (43 cm to 48 cm).
Female – 20 to 26 inches (47 cm to 53 cm).
Eggs: Lay 2 to 4 eggs a year.
Color: brown and white.
Mating Season: February through August.

Babies usually stay and are cared for by their parents for up to 6 weeks. The eye of this species of owl is yellow. Barred owls are named based on the color of the feathers on their body.

These species of owls generally have a calm nature but sometimes grow aggressive to protect their young and territory. They are also noted for their extraordinary hooting sounds.

In addition to the barred owl, this owl is also known as the striped owl, northern barred owl, hoot owl, eight-hooter owl, etc. Barred owls are generally known as shy owls.

Eastern screech owl

The Eastern Screech Owl belonging to small owl species is native to eastern North America, southern Canada, and Mexico. Their reddish-gray color helps them blend in well with the gray morph tree bark, making them difficult to spot for their prey or predators.

Although they prefer wild environments, they have adapted to human civilization. The diet they prefer includes small birds, small reptiles, and small mammals such as mice, rats, and shrews.

Weight: Male – 150 to 194 grams.
Female – 166 to 227 grams.
Wingspan: Male – 18 to 22 inches (46 to 57 cm).
Female – 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm).
Height: Male – 6.3 to 9.4 inches (16 to 24 cm).
Female – 7.1 to 9.4 inches (18 to 24 cm).
Eggs: Lay 4 to 6 eggs a year.
Color: gray or red.
Mating Season: February through March.

They are best known for staying with one partner for life. Baby owls stay with their parents for 5-6 weeks. They sometimes use echolocation to hunt in low light.

Best known for their variable hoots, they can do that in a more versatile way than any other species of owl.

This species of owl is listed as an endangered species by the IUCN (The International Union for Conservation of Nature) In some cultures, this species of owl is considered a symbol of good luck.

Long-eared owl

Long-eared owl is a medium-sized owl found in several parts of North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. This species of owl is called the Long-eared owl because of two ear-shaped feather clusters on either side of their head.

They prefer a variety of human-abandoned habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The list of their favorite food includes various small birds, mice, rats, voles, etc.

Weight: Male – 160 to 330 g.
Female – 180 to 435 g.
Wingspan: Male – 35 to 40 inches.
Female – 38 to 42 inches.
Height: Male -13 to 16 inches.
Female – 14 to 18 inches.
Eggs: Lay 3 to 5 eggs a year.
Color: brown and white.
Mating Season: February through July.

Babies stay with their parents for 5 to 6 weeks. They spend several months with their mates during the breeding season. They form two tufts of feathers on either side of their heads that resemble cat ears.

They are commonly identified as peregrine owls that migrate during the winter months. The color of their eyes is yellow.

They nest in tree cavities of abandoned bird nests such as crow, and magpie nests. Their distinctive hoots are heard during mating and nesting.

Northern saw-whet owl

Northern saw-whet owl this owl can be found across a wide area of North America. It is a native owl of North America that chooses abandoned woodcuts, hollows of deciduous trees, and even near human habitations.

For their small size, they are found to be vulnerable to attack by other large predatory birds. Their preferred prey includes various small mammals including insects and small birds.

Weight: Male – 54 to 124 grams.
Female – 65 to 151 grams.
Wingspan: Male – 16 to 19 inches.
Female – 18 to 21 inches.
Height: Male – 6.7 to 8.7 inches.
Female – 7.1 to 8.3 inches.
Eggs: Lay 5 to 7 eggs a year.
Color: Reddish-brown with white spots.
Mating Season: March through July.

Babies stay in the care of their parents for about 5 to 6 weeks. Together with female owls, male owls also contribute to incubation and brooding. Like Long-eared owls, they are also categorized as migratory birds.

They are named Northern saw-whet owls because their call sounds like a saw and can be seen in the northern part of America.

Apart from the breeding season, they like to be alone all year round, so they are called solitary birds. Their hoot sounds like “too-too-toot”. Many like them for their small size.

Short-eared owl

Short-eared owl -This medium-sized owl is found in many islands including North and South America, Asia, Australia and, Antarctica, Europe. Grasslands, swamps, and open woodlands are their preferred habitats.

They hunt a variety of small birds and small mammals as prey. They form tufts of small ear-shaped feathers on either side of their heads. They apply their keen sense of hearing to trace their prey.

Weight: Male – 206 to 475 grams.
Female – 280 to 500 grams.
Wingspan: Male – 33.5 to 40.5 inches (85-103 cm).
Female – 36 to 42 inches (91-107 cm).
Height: Male – 13.4 to 16.9 inches (34-43 cm).
Female – 14.2 to 17.3 inches (36-44 cm).
Eggs: Lay 4 to 7 eggs a year.
Color: White spots on brown spots.
Mating Season: March through June.

Like most species of owls, the young stay with their parents for 5 to 6 weeks. They are often seen to nest in the ground and lay eggs.

They are later on the list of migratory birds, especially during winter they are seen to change their area.

They are named Short-eared owls due to having two small feather clusters like cat ears on either side of their head.

They are better known by many for “sky dancing”, as they dance in the sky while hunting. They are known as “grasshopper hawks” because they prey upon a lot of grasshoppers.

Snowy owl

The Snowy owl is one of the world’s largest owl species, native to the arctic tundra of North America, Europe, and Eurasia’s arctic and subarctic regions. They prefer to prey upon small mammals and small birds.

They are whiter in color than other owls, which serves to help them blend in with the snowy environment. They usually build their nests on the ground with some soft material like feathers or tree fibers, cotton which helps them to keep warm during very cold weather.

Weight: Male – 1 Kg 465 g to 1 Kg 810 g.
Female – 1 Kg 710 g to 2 Kg 430 g.
Wingspan: Male – 49.6 to 57.1 inches (126 to 145 cm).
Female – 54 to 60 inches (137 to 152 cm).
Height: Male – 20.5 to 25.2 inches (52 to 64 cm).
Female – 21.3 to 27.9 inches (54 to 71 cm).
Eggs: Lay 4 to 11 eggs a year.
Color: Black dot on white feather color.
Mating Season: March through May.

They mate only during the breeding season and prefer to be alone the rest of the year. Babies are roughly with their parents for 6 to 7 weeks.

This species of owl looks mostly white, which is why these species of owls appear attractive.

While other species of owls usually tend to hunt at night, this species of owl usually goes on hunting during daylight hours.

They are called Snowy owls because they are mostly from snowy places. They can fly up to a height of more than 1,000 miles in search of prey.

These species of owls have a bad reputation as they often attack humans. These species of owls are also nomadic like many species of owls.

Where to see owls in Massachusetts?

Although owls can be seen all over Massachusetts, certain areas are spotted as favorite places for owls. In all these places owls are easy to see and it’s easy to hear their hoots after sunset, and before sunrise.

If you’re a bird lover, and searching for a good place to see owls in Massachusetts, you can go through the list below described by me containing the details of several spots where you can view owls easily.

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary:

The Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is a 1,955-acre landscape created by a glaciation about 15,000 years ago.

It is one of the largest sanctuaries in Massachusetts where there are large boulders, and riverside trees that are perfect for sheltering wildlife.

Also with other birds, it is an ideal habitat for owls where barred owls and great horned owl species can be viewed.

Crane Beach (Ipswich):

Located in Massachusetts, this sandy beach has a 1,234-acre reserve. Where the owls are often seen hunting on open beaches with pine forests, and high ground.

But if you want to watch owls, you need to reach there right at dusk or before sunrise in winter, when owls are most active.

Salisbury Beach State Reservation in Salisbury:

Located near the Atlantic Ocean, Fort at Salisbury Point was built during the American Civil War and is now underwater. In 1931, the government declared this place as a national park.

Hundreds of thousands of people visit here every year for entertainment. Birds like green-winged teal, black duck, great blue heron, least sandpipers, pectorals, etc. are also a favorite place for owls.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge:

The sanctuary, which is located about 5 miles southeast of Newburyport, was created in 1942 as a habitat for migratory birds.

In 1985, another 12 acres of land were added to it, providing wildlife habitat as well as an area for the general public to hike, surf, fish, swim, and bird watching. It is known as the paradise kingdom of snowy owls.

Mass Audubon Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary:

Located in Massachusetts, the wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 624 acres. The woodlands, wetlands, and riparian areas of the Charles River are favored by Great horned owls and Pileated woodpeckers.

Besides, there are painted turtles, great blue herons, wood ducks, and river otters for human entertainment.

To have a view of the Great horned owls that live here, you have to visit either in the evening or in the early morning. There are centers to treat and care for injured and orphaned owls.

Audubon Sharon Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary extends over an area of 1,500 acres, in which there are forests, open fields, and wetlands, including a memorial with herb gardens, small museums, sugar houses, and gardens to attract birds and butterflies.

Various programs on environmental awareness are conducted here during the summer. The area is said to be the perfect habitat for owls, so it’s very easy to have a clear view of owls.

Horseneck Beach State Reservation:

Administered by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, this preserve is located on nearly 800 acres of land on the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular destination for the public.

It is also a favorite habitat for owls as well as various wild birds, where owls are most easily seen before dusk and sunrise.

East Beach (New Bedford):

Located in Massachusetts, this beach is visited by many people for walking, to see sailing boats, and swimming.

Many people come here in search of clams, slipper shells, oysters, whelks, and colorful mermaid’s toenails.

In this open beach, as a favorite habitat for wintering migratory birds, hunting owls are often seen gathering. Owl lovers can plan to visit this beach to enjoy the sight of owls.

Madaket Beach (Nantucket):

This beach stretches across a wide area of the Atlantic Ocean. People come here for picnics and evening walks on this beach.

The sunset from this beach is beautiful so many people come here to watch the sunset. It is an ideal habitat for owls where one can see owls hunting at dusk and dawn.

Nauset Beach (Orleans):

Nauset Beach is a popular beach located in Massachusetts. This 9.7 km beach attracts tourists almost throughout the year for swimming, sunbathing, leisurely walks, watching the sunrise, and enjoying the natural beauty.

The wide-open beach is a favorite spot for owls. The owls shelter in the trees around this place, on the beach they hunt and eat a variety of small vertebrates.

Duxbury Beach:

Spread over an area of about 7.3 km in the charming town of Duxbury, Massachusetts, Duxbury Beach is teeming with tourists almost year-round due to its rich history and serene beauty.

Fort Andrew and Fort Standish, built during the Civil War, are historic and tourist attractions. This beach is a remarkable spot for nocturnal birds of prey, so owls can often be seen here.

How to Attract Owls in Massachusetts?

Owls usually do not build their nests; they use the nests of other birds or animals or take shelter in tree hollows or abandoned houses.

If you live in Massachusetts and want to attract owls to your area, you can create wooden owl boxes around your neighborhood.

Screech owls have been found to prefer living in man-made wooden boxes. Other species of owls are also attracted to these boxes.

You can also put a bowl of water for birds to bathe or drink, which can draw all birds, including owls. Owls like to hunt in dim light, so keep dim lights around your house.

Cut back any tall grass near your home to allow owls to hunt easily. Pets like your dog and cat can cause trouble for owls, so shut them indoors at dusk or dawn, when owls are most active.

Large owls in Massachusetts

Two large species of owls commonly seen in Massachusetts are the Great Horned Owl and the Barred Owl.

The Great Horned Owl averages 1,000 to 2,200 grams in weight and 19 to 35 inches in length. Barred owls, on the other hand, weigh an average of 450 to 700 grams and a length of 16 to 25 inches.

However, the Barred Owl is counted as one of the largest owls found in Massachusetts, but it is generally listed as a medium-sized owl.

FAQs

Q. what owls live in Massachusetts?

Ans: Barn owl, Barred owl, Eastern screech owl, Great horned owl, Long-eared owl, Northern saw-whet owl, Short-eared owl, and Snowy owl can be seen in Massachusetts.

Q. What kind of owls live in western Massachusetts?

Ans: The horned Owl, Barred Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Barn Owl, Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, Eastern Barn Owl, and Snowy Owl are the owls of western Massachusetts.

Q. What kind of owls live in eastern Massachusetts?

Ans: The horned Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Barred Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Snowy Owl, Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl, Long-eared Owl, and Eastern Barn Owl are known as owls of eastern Massachusetts.

Q. What is the most common owl in Massachusetts?

Ans: The most common owls that one can see in Massachusetts are the Great Horned Owl, Snowy Owl, Barn Owl, Barred Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Long-Eared Owl, Northern Saw-Whet Owl, and Short-Eared Owl.

Q. Do owls live in Massachusetts?

Ans: Yes, Massachusetts is an ideal place for owls, with eight species of owls.

Conclusion

The 8 species of owls in Massachusetts mentioned above enrich the state’s natural diversity with each of their unique characteristics and behaviors. From the haunting calls of barred owls to the white feathers of snowy owls, it is the creative beauty that captivates our attention.

But with time due to our negligence, several species of owls are now on the endangered list. They contribute to preserving our ecosystem by hunting small insects, and small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. We must help protect this beautiful and diverse bird.