Guide to Common Owl Species

Learn to identify different owl species by their appearance, calls, and behavior patterns.

Great Horned Owl

• Largest common owl
• Distinctive ear tufts
• ”Who-who-who” call
• Found throughout North America

Barn Owl

• Heart-shaped face
• No ear tufts
• Screech call
• Pale coloration

Eastern Screech Owl

• Small size
• Red or gray morphs
• Trilling call
• Common in suburban areas

Identification Tips

Visual Clues

• Size
• Ear tufts
• Face shape
• Eye color
• Plumage patterns

Auditory Clues

• Call types
• Timing of calls
• Duration
• Pitch variations