Types of Owls

Owl species divide into two families the Barn Owls (Tytonidae) and the Tree Owls (Strigidae), based on physical differences. Generally the barn owls, like the one in the top picture, are characterized by long legs, a heart shaped face and small eyes.

Depending on the source, between 19-21 owl species, divided into eleven genera, are common residents of the United States. The Barn Owl is the sole Tytonidae representative.

• Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
• Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus)
• Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)
• Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)
• Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)
• Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)
• Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
• Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
• Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum)
• Mountain PYgmy-Owl (Glaucidium )
• Northern Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium gnoma)
• Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio)
• Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii)
• Whiskered Screech-Owl (Megascops trichopsis)
• Elf Owl (Micrathene whitneyi)
• Flammulated Owl (Otus flammeolus)
• Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis)
• Barred Owl (Strix varia)
• Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa)
• Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula)

Some Owl Facts

The Elf Owl is considered the smallest owl in the Unted States.

The Great Gray Owl is considered the largest owl in the United States.

Owls have fourteen vertebrae in their necks, allowing them to turn their heads 180^o.

Owls have some of the best hearing in the bird world.

Anyone around a forest at night knows that owls are very vocal. Each owl species produces a set of self-identifying sounds. The stereotypical hooting sound is often accompanied by a variety of screeching and barking sounds.

Owls swallow their prey whole. The non-nutrition portions of the prey such as fur, bones, teeth and feathers, are excreted in the form of pellets.

© 2008-2011. Patricia A. Michaels