8 Owls Species That Live in Maryland! (With Pictures)
Ever wondered about the owls in Maryland? From the great horned owl to the barn owl, Maryland is a great place for owls. But how much do you know about these night birds? Let’s dive into the world of Maryland’s owls!
Maryland is home to 8 different owl species, each with unique traits. This guide will cover their looks, where they live, and how they act. If you love birds, and nature, or just want to learn more about local creatures, you’ll enjoy this. So, are you ready to learn about Maryland’s owls?
Owls in Maryland
Maryland is home to many owl species, both common and rare. Owls like the barred owl and great horned owl are often seen. But owls like the short-eared owl and snowy owl are less common.
The barred owl is well-known in Maryland for its unique call. It is 21 inches long with a 42-inch wingspan. The eastern screech owl is small but powerful, recognized by its high-pitched call. The great horned owl is also common, known for its deep hooting.
Other owls in Maryland include the northern saw-whet owl, long-eared owl, and snowy owl. These species add to the variety of owls in Maryland’s landscapes.
1. Great Horned Owl
- Scientific name – Bubo virginianus
- Lifespan – 28 (maximum)
- Size – 17 to 25 in
- Weight – 2.6 to 3.5 lb
- Wingspan – 3 to 5 ft
The great horned owl is a fascinating bird found in Maryland. It has tufted ears, mottled brown and gray feathers, and a strong body. Also, This bird is truly a sight to see.
Description and Identification
This owl can grow up to 25 inches long and have a wingspan of up to 5 feet. It’s one of the biggest owls in North America. Its unique ear tufts make the great horned owl easy to recognize.
Habitat and Behavior
These owls live in many places in Maryland, from dense woods to open fields. They are nocturnal hunters. They eat small mammals, birds, and even bigger animals like rabbits and waterfowl.
Nesting and Diet
- Great horned owls usually lay about 2 eggs per nest, but can have 1 to 4 eggs.
- The female takes 30-37 days to incubate the eggs before they hatch.
- The young owls stay in the nest for 6-7 weeks before they leave.
- They leave the nest around 10-12 weeks old.
- These owls have strong talons that need 28 pounds of force to open.
- During courtship, male and female great horned owls make special call duets.
Great horned owls are amazing hunters and can live in many places in Maryland. They are a wonder of the bird world.
2. Barred Owl
- Scientific name – Strix varia
- Lifespan – 24 years (oldest record)
- Size – 16 – 25 in
- Weight – 17 – 35 oz
- Wingspan – 38 – 49 in
The barred owl is a medium to large owl with a unique look. It has a special call, “Who cooks for you?” that fills Maryland’s forests. These owls are common in the state, living in mature forests. They like to nest in tree holes and old nests.
Appearance and Call
Barred owls are 17 to 20 inches long and have a wingspan of 39 to 43 inches. They weigh 17 to 37 ounces. They have a big head and dark eyes that make them stand out. Also, Their call sounds like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”
Habitat and Nesting
Barred owls live in mature forests in Maryland. They like to nest in tree holes or old nests. A study found that none of the 158 owls moved more than six miles from where they were first found.
These owls are often seen in the state. Their numbers have stayed the same or even grown over the years.
3. Barn Owl
- Scientific name – Tyto alba
- Lifespan – 2 – 4 years (wild)
- Size – 13 to 15 in
- Weight – 8 to 25 oz
- Wingspan – 31 to 37 in
The barn owl is a fascinating bird found in Maryland. It has a unique look with a heart-shaped face and pale feathers. These owls live in old barns and hunt small rodents at night. They fly silently over fields, using their sharp senses to catch prey.
Unique Appearance and Behavior
Barn owls stand out with their white and brown feathers and special face shape. They have amazing hearing and vision, helping them hunt at night. Their big eyes and heart-shaped face let them spot even the smallest movements and sounds.
Nesting and Prey
Barn owls nest in trees, old buildings, or special boxes. They lay 2-18 eggs on the floor of their home. These owls eat a lot of rats, up to 3,000 per year, helping the environment. But, their numbers are going down in Maryland because of less grassland, more rat poison, and losing homes.
To help the barn owls in Maryland, groups like the Calvert Nature Society work to make homes for them. They also watch over the birds. The Barn Owl Nest Box Monitoring program and the Farmland Raptor Project study and protect this amazing bird.
4. Eastern Screech-Owl
- Scientific name – Megascops asio
- Lifespan – 14 years (oldest record)
- Size – 6.5 – 10 in
- Weight – 4 – 8 oz
- Wingspan – 18 – 24 in
The eastern screech owl is a small, stocky owl found in Maryland and the eastern United States. They have two main colors: gray and reddish-brown. These owls are under 9 inches tall, making them smaller than many other owls. Yet, they are great hunters at night, eating small birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
Eastern screech owls live in various woodlands, including cities and suburbs. They like to nest in tree holes. Their unique “whinny” call can be heard in the evenings. They help keep the number of rodents and insects down.
In spring, these owls start to breed. Females lay 2-6 eggs that take about 26 days to hatch. The baby owls stay with their parents for weeks, learning how to hunt and survive. Eastern screech owls live in Maryland all year and their numbers seem stable across North America.
Eastern screech owls are loved for their looks, behavior, and role in nature. These small owls are a favorite among birdwatchers and nature lovers.
5. Short-Eared Owl
- Scientific name – Asio flammeus
- Lifespan – 4 years
- Size – 13 – 17 in
- Weight – 7.3 – 16.8 oz
- Wingspan – 33 – 40 in
The short-eared owl is a winter visitor to Maryland, known for its unique look and migration patterns. These owls have small ear tufts and a mix of brown and buff feathers. They are a joy to see as they fly over open areas like grasslands and marshes during the cold months.
Identification and Migration
Short-eared owls come to Maryland in the winter, moving from their summer homes in the northern U.S. and Canada. They travel up to 1,200 miles, making them a thrill for birdwatchers. With a wingspan of about 42 inches, they are easy to spot in flight. They often carry their prey in their talons, a behavior not seen in many owls.
Habitat and Nesting
These owls like wide-open areas like grasslands and marshes for hunting small mammals like voles and mice. They build their nests under grass tufts or mounds, often in groups where the land is good for them. Females lay 4 to 14 eggs, with about 5 to 7 on average. The young owls leave the nest in about 4 weeks after hatching.
The number of short-eared owls in Maryland has stayed steady, but they are listed as a Common Bird in Steep Decline. This is because of habitat loss and fragmentation. By keeping open areas safe, we can keep enjoying these winter visitors.
| Owl Species | Length (inches) | Wingspan (inches) | Distinguishing Call | Abundance in Maryland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barred Owl | 21 | 42 | Loud hooting and caterwauling | Common |
| Eastern Screech-Owl | 8.5 | 20 | High-pitched descending whinny | Common |
| Great Horned Owl | 22 | 44 | Low, gruff hooting | Common |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | 8 | 17 | Repeated tooting whistle | Less Common |
| Short-eared Owl | 15 | 38 | Hoarse, raspy, cat-like calls | Less Common |
| Barn Owl | 16 | 42 | Shrill, loud, hissing | Less Common |
| Long-eared Owl | 15 | 36 | Single, one-second long hooting | Less Common |
| Snowy Owl | 23 | 52 | N/A | Rare Visitor |
Maryland’s owl population shows the state’s rich natural habitats. These habitats support a wide variety of owls. Whether you want to see a common barred owl or the rare snowy owl, Maryland is a great place to explore.
6. Northern Saw-whet Owl
- Scientific name – Aegolius acadicus
- Lifespan – 7 years (wild)
- Size – 7 to 9 in
- Weight – 2.2 to 5.4 oz
- Wingspan – 17 to 22 in
The northern saw-whet owl is the smallest owl in Maryland. It has a round head, brown feathers, and a unique “whetting” call. These owls live in forests in the northern U.S. and Canada. They sometimes pass through Maryland in the fall and winter.
Description and Range
Not many northern saw-whet owls live in Maryland, but over 10,000 have been tracked by Project Owlnet. This project started in 1994 and has tracked more than 217,000 saw-whet owls. They live from southern Alaska to the Atlantic Coast and as far south as the Great Smoky Mountains.
Nesting and Behavior
Northern saw-whet owls nest in tree holes and natural gaps. They eat small rodents and insects. Some breed in western Maryland during summer. In winter, they’re seen on the Eastern Shore and Assateague Island, moving south for food and shelter.
7. Long-Eared Owl
- Scientific name – Asio otus
- Lifespan – 12 years (recorded)
- Size – 14 to 16 in
- Weight – 7.8 to 5.3 oz
- Wingspan – 35 to 39 in
The long-eared owl is a medium-sized bird with a slender body and long ear tufts. It has mottled brown and buff feathers that help it hide in dense forests and woodlands. These owls make a unique “hooooo” sound while hunting small mammals near their forest homes.
Appearance and Call
The long-eared owl stands out with its long, narrow ear tufts. Its feathers are mottled brown and buff, perfect for hiding in trees. The long-eared owl’s call is a soft “hooooo” sound heard at night in the forest.
Habitat and Nesting
Once common in Maryland, the long-eared owl now mostly passes through the state. They live in dense forests and woodlands, nesting in old birds’ homes like crows or hawks. Finding a long-eared owl is hard because they are secretive and live in hidden spots.
8. Snowy Owl (Rare Visitor)
- Scientific name – Bubo scandiacus
- Lifespan – 10 (average)
- Size – 20 – 28 in
- Weight – 56 – 104 oz
- Wingspan – 50 – 57 in
The snowy owl is a bird that catches the eye in Maryland. These big, white owls with dark spots are from the Arctic tundra. They sometimes visit Maryland in winter, especially near the coast.
Striking Appearance
Snowy owls stand out with their beautiful look. They weigh 3-6 pounds, with females bigger than males. Their white feathers and dark patterns are easy to spot. Their bright yellow eyes add to their noble look.
Range and Behavior
These birds live in the Arctic but move south for food in winter. They can travel far, sometimes reaching places like northern Virginia and Texas. They hunt during the day, eating small rodents, birds, and other tundra animals.
Seeing a snowy owl in Maryland is rare but exciting for bird lovers and nature fans. Their unique look and behavior make them unforgettable.
Attracting Owls to Your Backyard
If you live in an area with tall trees and lots of greenery, you might attract owls. By making your backyard a safe place for them, you could see these amazing birds up close. Owls need special places to live and hunt, and you can make those for them.
Owls Found In Other Different Regions
Providing Nesting Structures
Small owls like the Screech Owl and Barn Owl might use nest boxes. Make sure to put these boxes in quiet spots away from people. Big owls like the Great Horned Owl and Long-eared Owl like natural nests in trees or snags.
Creating Suitable Habitat
To draw owls to your yard, create a space they like. They like areas with open spaces and lots of greenery. Plant native trees and shrubs that help small animals and birds, owls’ food sources. Keep outdoor lights off at night to help owls hunt better.
Learn what owls need to live and nest in Maryland. By doing so, you can invite these amazing birds to visit your yard. Always protect local wildlife and follow the Migratory Bird Treaty Act when trying to attract owls.
| Owl Species | Nesting Preference | Habitat Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Screech Owl | Nest boxes, tree cavities | Wooded areas, near fields or streams |
| Barn Owl | Nest boxes, barns, abandoned buildings | Open fields, grasslands, agricultural areas |
| Great Horned Owl | Open nests from other large birds, broken tops of snags | Forested areas, near open spaces like meadows or fields |
| Long-eared Owl | Open nests from other large birds, broken tops of snags | Coniferous or mixed forests, near open areas |
Final Thoughts
Maryland is home to many owl species, each with its special traits. From the big great horned owl to the small northern saw-whet owl, these birds are key to the state’s ecosystems. Learning about them helps us appreciate their role in nature.
If you love birds and nature, or just wonder at the world, exploring Maryland’s owls is exciting. These birds, with their unique looks and ways of hunting, show us the balance in nature. By protecting these owls, we help keep Maryland’s environment healthy.
When you go to see these amazing birds, do it carefully and with respect for their homes. With patience and a keen eye, you might see the incredible things Maryland’s owls can do. Seeing these birds up close can deepen your love for nature.
