Owls In New Hampshire, with its rich landscapes and varying climates, is home to a fascinating array of wildlife. Among the most captivating are the owls. These silent, nocturnal hunters have intrigued humans for centuries. Let’s dive into the world of owls in the Granite State.
List of 12 owls found in New Hampshire:
1. Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl is a fascinating bird known for its distinctive features and captivating presence. Here’s a simple breakdown of its description, habitat, behaviour, and some interesting facts.
- Size and Appearance: The Great Horned Owl is a large bird with a wingspan of about 4 to 5 feet. It has tufted feathers on its head that look like “horns,” giving it its name.
- Colour: Its body is mostly brown with a mix of lighter and darker shades. The face has a white patch, and its eyes are a striking yellow.
Habitat
- Location: These owls are found all over North America, from the cold Arctic to the warm deserts.
- Nesting: They prefer to nest in trees, but can also be found in cliffs, barns, and other tall structures.
Behaviour
- Diet: The Great Horned Owl is a carnivore, which means it eats meat. Its diet includes small mammals, birds, and even other owls.
- Hunting: They are nocturnal, hunting mostly at night using their excellent vision and hearing.
- Sound: Their call is a deep “hoo-hoo hoo-hoo,” which can be heard from a distance.
Interesting Facts
- The Great Horned Owl doesn’t actually have horns. The “horns” are just tufted feathers.
- They have strong talons that can exert a grip similar to that of a human adult’s hand.
- These owls are known to be very territorial and will defend their area fiercely.
- Their large eyes can’t move in their sockets, so they turn their heads to look around.
2. Snowy Owl
The Snowy Owl is an enchanting bird, often associated with snowy landscapes and cold climates. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of its description, habitat, behaviour, and some intriguing facts.
- Size and Appearance: The Snowy Owl is a sizable bird with a wingspan of about 4.2 to 4.8 feet. It’s known for its almost entirely white plumage, which helps it blend into snowy environments.
- Colour: Predominantly white, with some individuals having scattered dark spots or bars. The males tend to be whiter than the females.
Habitat
- Location: These owls are native to the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. During winter, they might migrate to southern Canada and the northern United States.
- Nesting: Snowy Owls prefer to nest on the ground, often on mounds or hillocks, to get a better view of their surroundings.
Behaviour
- Diet: Being a carnivore, the Snowy Owl primarily feeds on lemmings. When lemmings are scarce, they might eat other small mammals, birds, and fish.
- Hunting: Unlike many other owls, Snowy Owls are diurnal, meaning they can hunt both during the day and at night.
- Sound: Their call is a loud, sharp “krek-krek” sound, especially when they feel threatened or are defending their territory.
Interesting Facts
- Snowy Owls have excellent camouflage for snowy landscapes, making them almost invisible against a backdrop of snow.
- They can turn their heads up to 270 degrees, allowing them to look behind them without moving their bodies.
- In years when lemming populations boom, Snowy Owls can lay up to 11 eggs. In leaner times, they might lay only 3 or 4.
- Despite their serene appearance, they are fierce predators and can take down prey larger than themselves.
3. Northern Saw-whet Owl
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a small yet captivating bird, known for its endearing appearance and mysterious nature. Here’s a concise breakdown of its description, habitat, behaviour, and some fascinating facts.
- Size and Appearance: The Northern Saw-whet Owl is one of the smallest owls, with a wingspan of about 16.5 to 18.9 inches. It has a round face, big yellow eyes, and no ear tufts.
- Colour: Its plumage is brown with white streaks and spots. The face is pale with a white “Y” shape between the eyes.
Habitat
- Location: This owl is found across North America, from southern Alaska and Canada down to central Mexico.
- Nesting: They prefer to nest in cavities, often using old woodpecker holes in trees.
Behaviour
- Diet: The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a carnivore, primarily feeding on small mammals like mice and voles. They also eat insects and small birds occasionally.
- Hunting: They are nocturnal hunters, using their keen hearing and sight to locate prey in the dark.
- Sound: Their call is a series of high-pitched toots, which can be continuous and last for several minutes.
Interesting Facts
- The name “saw-whet” comes from one of their calls that sounds similar to the whetting (sharpening) of a saw.
- Despite their small size, they are efficient predators and can catch prey up to their own size.
- When threatened, they adopt a “freeze” behaviour, elongating their body to resemble a tree branch.
- They are known to migrate, but their migration patterns are still not entirely understood, adding to their mysterious nature.
4. Barred Owl
The Barred Owl is a mesmerising bird, known for its soulful eyes and haunting calls. Here’s a clear breakdown of its description, habitat, behaviour, and some compelling facts.
Description
- Size and Appearance: The Barred Owl is a medium-sized owl with a wingspan of about 3.3 to 4.3 feet. It has a rounded head without ear tufts and large, dark eyes.
- Colour: Its plumage is predominantly grey-brown with white horizontal barring on the chest and vertical streaks on the belly. The face is pale with a dark ring around the eyes.
Habitat
- Location: This owl is commonly found in the eastern half of North America, but its range has been expanding to the west.
- Nesting: Barred Owls prefer to nest in tree cavities, but they might also use old nests of other birds or platforms.
Behaviour
- Diet: As a carnivore, the Barred Owl’s diet consists mainly of small mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
- Hunting: They are nocturnal, but it’s not uncommon to see them hunting during the day, especially in cloudy weather.
- Sound: Their call is a distinctive “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” which can echo through the woods.
Interesting Facts
- Barred Owls are known to be quite vocal, especially during their breeding season. They have a variety of calls, from barks to hoots and screams.
- Unlike many other owl species, Barred Owls have dark eyes instead of the typical yellow.
- They are known to be very territorial and might even aggressively defend their territory against other owls, like the Spotted Owl.
- In areas where their habitat overlaps with the Spotted Owl, the two species have been known to interbreed, producing “Sparred Owl” hybrids.
5. Great Gray Owl
The Great Gray Owl stands as a majestic sentinel of the northern forests, known for its impressive size and regal demeanour. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its description, habitat, behaviour, and some noteworthy facts.
- Size and Appearance: The Great Gray Owl is one of the largest owls by length, with a wingspan of about 4.5 to 5 feet. Despite its size, it’s surprisingly lightweight. It has a large, rounded head with no ear tufts and a distinctive white “bowtie” marking below its beak.
- Colour: Its plumage is a mix of grey, white, and brown with fine streaks and barring. The face is surrounded by a large, circular facial disc that enhances its hearing.
Habitat
- Location: This owl is typically found in the boreal forests of Canada, Alaska, and the northern parts of the U.S. Rockies. It also extends into northern Europe and Asia.
- Nesting: Great Gray Owls prefer to nest on broken-topped trees or large platforms, often reusing nests of other large birds.
Behaviour
- Diet: Being a carnivore, its primary food source is small mammals, especially voles. They have an incredible ability to detect prey under thick snow cover.
- Hunting: They are mainly crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. However, they can also hunt during the day or night.
- Sound: Their call is a series of deep, resonant “whoo” sounds, which can be heard over long distances.
Interesting Facts
- Despite being one of the tallest owls, the Great Gray Owl weighs less than other large owls like the Snowy Owl or the Great Horned Owl.
- Their large facial discs act like parabolic reflectors, directing sound to their ears and enabling them to pinpoint the location of hidden prey.
- In winter, they can plunge into the snow to catch rodents that are active beneath the snow layer.
- The Great Gray Owl has a very calm demeanour and might allow humans to approach quite closely, but it’s always essential to respect their space and not disturb them.
Related article: Ducks in New Hampshire: A Comprehensive Guide
6. Eastern Screech-Owl
The Eastern Screech-Owl is a petite yet charismatic bird, known for its piercing calls and ability to blend seamlessly into its surroundings. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of its description, habitat, behaviour, and some captivating facts.
- Size and Appearance: The Eastern Screech-Owl is a small owl, with a wingspan of about 18 to 24 inches. It has tufted “ears” or feathered horns and large, yellow eyes.
- Colour: It comes in two primary colour morphs: grey and rufous (reddish-brown). Both morphs have intricate patterns that help them camouflage against tree bark.
Habitat
- Location: This owl is found throughout the eastern half of North America, from Canada to Mexico.
- Nesting: Eastern screech owls prefer to nest in tree cavities, and they often take over old woodpecker holes. They also readily use nest boxes provided by humans.
Behaviour
- Diet: As a carnivore, it feeds on a variety of prey, including insects, small mammals, birds, and even amphibians and reptiles.
- Hunting: They are primarily nocturnal, hunting under the cover of darkness using their keen senses of sight and hearing.
- Sound: Their call is not a screech as the name suggests, but rather a series of trills and whinnies.
Interesting Facts
- The Eastern Screech-Owls ability to camouflage is exceptional. When threatened or resting, they stretch out and close their eyes, blending in with the tree bark.
- Despite their small size, they are fierce hunters and can take down prey larger than themselves.
- They are known to cache or store extra food in tree crevices for later consumption.
- The Eastern Screech-Owl’s eyes are fixed in their sockets, so they turn their heads (up to 270 degrees) to look around.
7. Boreal Owl
The Boreal Owl, also known as the Tengmalm’s Owl in some regions, is a secretive and enchanting bird of the northern forests. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its description, habitat, behaviour, and some intriguing facts.
- Size and Appearance: The Boreal Owl is a medium-small owl, with a wingspan of about 21 to 24 inches. It has a rounded head without ear tufts and large, yellow eyes.
- Colour: Its plumage is greyish-brown with white spots. The face is pale with a distinct white “eyebrow” and a dark border around the facial disc.
Habitat
- Location: This owl inhabits boreal forests across Canada, northern USA, Scandinavia, and northern Asia.
- Nesting: Boreal Owls prefer to nest in tree cavities, often using old woodpecker holes. They are also known to use nest boxes if provided.
Behaviour
- Diet: As a carnivore, the Boreal Owl primarily feeds on small mammals, especially voles. Insects and small birds can also be part of their diet.
- Hunting: They are mainly nocturnal, relying on their acute hearing to locate prey under the snow or in dense vegetation.
- Sound: Their call is a series of soft, repeated whistles, often increasing in tempo.
Interesting Facts
- The Boreal Owls population can fluctuate significantly based on the availability of their primary prey, voles.
- They have an asymmetrical skull structure, with one ear higher than the other. This unique adaptation helps them pinpoint the exact location of sounds.
- In some cultures, the Boreal Owl is considered a harbinger of change or a messenger of the forest spirits.
- Despite their elusive nature, they can occasionally be seen during the day, especially in the winter months.
Read also: Red, Orange, and Yellow Birds in New Hampshire
8. Short-eared Owl
The Short-eared Owl is a nomadic bird of open landscapes, known for its diurnal habits and striking appearance. Here’s a structured breakdown of its description, habitat, behaviour, and some captivating facts.
Description
- Size and Appearance: The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl, with a wingspan of about 33 to 40 inches. It has a rounded head with very small ear tufts, which are often hard to see, and large, yellow eyes.
- Colour: Its plumage is a mix of brown, tan, and white with dark streaks. The underwings are notably pale, making them easily identifiable in flight.
Habitat
- Location: This owl has a broad global distribution, found across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and some Pacific islands.
- Nesting: Unlike many owls, Short-eared Owls nest on the ground in open areas, often hidden among tall grasses or shrubs.
Behaviour
- Diet: As a carnivore, it primarily feeds on small mammals like voles and mice. Birds, insects, and amphibians can also be part of their diet.
- Hunting: Unique among owls, they are often diurnal, meaning they hunt during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Sound: Their call is a series of sharp barks and yips, often heard during their aerial displays.
Interesting Facts
- Short-eared Owls are one of the most widely distributed owls in the world, found on every continent except Antarctica and Australia.
- They are known for their impressive aerial displays during the breeding season, which include wing-clapping beneath their bodies.
- Their population can fluctuate based on prey availability, leading them to be nomadic and often move to areas with higher prey densities.
- Despite their global distribution, they face threats from habitat loss, especially in regions where open grasslands are being converted for agriculture or development.
9. Northern Hawk Owl
The Northern Hawk Owl is a distinctive bird, blending the characteristics of hawks and owls, and is admired for its agile hunting skills and striking appearance. Here’s a systematic breakdown of its description, habitat, behaviour, and some fascinating facts.
- Size and Appearance: The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium-sized owl, with a wingspan of about 27 to 30 inches. It has a long tail and a rounded head without ear tufts, giving it a hawk-like silhouette.
- Colour: Its plumage is dark brown with white spots on the upper parts and streaks on the chest and belly. The face is pale with a dark border, and it has bright yellow eyes.
Habitat
- Location: This owl is native to the boreal forests and tundra regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.
- Nesting: Northern Hawk Owls nest in tree cavities, often those created by woodpeckers, or on broken tree tops.
Behaviour
- Diet: As a carnivore, it primarily preys on small mammals, especially voles and lemmings. Birds are also a significant part of their diet.
- Hunting: They are mainly diurnal, hunting during the day. Their hawk-like appearance is matched by their hunting style, often observing from a perch and then swooping down on prey.
- Sound: Their call is a series of sharp notes, often repeated several times.
Interesting Facts
- The Northern Hawk Owl’s name derives from its hawk-like behaviour and appearance, making it a unique blend of raptor and owl characteristics.
- Unlike many owls, the Northern Hawk Owl has a keen vision in daylight, which aids its diurnal hunting habits.
- They are known to be very territorial and can be aggressive in defending their nests from potential threats.
- Despite their preference for cold climates, they are non-migratory and tend to stay in their breeding range year-round, unless food scarcity pushes them to move.
10. Barn Owl
The Barn Owl is an iconic and ethereal bird, often associated with old barns and moonlit nights. Recognized for its heart-shaped face and haunting calls, it holds a special place in folklore and nature alike. Here’s a structured breakdown of its description, habitat, behaviour, and some captivating facts.
- Size and Appearance: The Barn Owl is a medium-sized owl, with a wingspan of about 31 to 37 inches. It has a distinctive heart-shaped facial disc, long legs, and no ear tufts.
- Colour: Its upper parts are golden-brown with grey and white speckles, while the underparts are pure white. The face is also white, contrasting with its dark, beady eyes.
Habitat
- Location: This owl has a vast global distribution, found on every continent except Antarctica. Its adaptability means it can thrive in diverse regions.
- Nesting: True to its name, the Barn Owl often nests in barns, as well as other man-made structures and natural tree cavities.
Behaviour
- Diet: As a carnivore, it primarily feeds on small mammals, especially rodents. Its exceptional hearing allows it to locate prey even in complete darkness.
- Hunting: They are primarily nocturnal, using their acute sense of hearing to hunt in the dark.
- Sound: Their call is a long, eerie screech, quite different from the typical “hoot” associated with most owls.
Interesting Facts
- Barn Owls have one of the most efficient digestive systems among birds. They regurgitate indigestible parts, like bones and fur, as compact pellets.
- Their face acts like a sound funnel, channelling sound to their ears and allowing them to pinpoint the exact location of their prey.
- Barn Owls are often called “ghost owls” because of their silent flight and pale coloration, which can make them seem ghostly in the moonlight.
- They play a crucial role in controlling rodent populations, making them beneficial to farmers.
11. Long-eared Owl
The Long-eared Owl is a mysterious and elusive bird, known for its slender tufts and deep, soulful eyes. Often hidden within dense foliage, its presence is usually revealed by its distinctive calls. Here’s a systematic breakdown of its description, habitat, behaviour, and some intriguing facts.
- Size and Appearance: The Long-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl, with a wingspan of about 35 to 40 inches. Its most distinguishing feature is the long feathered tufts on its head, which resemble ears.
- Colour: Its plumage is a mix of brown, grey, and white with vertical streaks on the underparts. The facial disc is pale with a noticeable orange hue, contrasting with its yellow eyes.
Habitat
- Location: This owl is found across North America, Europe, and Asia, preferring temperate regions.
- Nesting: Long-eared Owls typically nest in trees, often taking over the abandoned nests of other birds, such as crows or magpies.
Behaviour
- Diet: As a carnivore, it primarily feeds on small mammals like voles and mice. Birds, especially smaller species, can also be part of their diet.
- Hunting: They are predominantly nocturnal, relying on their keen hearing to locate prey in the dark.
- Sound: Their call is a deep “hoo” sound, repeated several times, often with variations in pitch.
Interesting Facts
- The “ears” of the Long-eared Owl are not actual ears but feathered tufts. Their real ears are hidden on the sides of their head, covered by feathers.
- They are known for their communal roosting behaviour during winter, where several individuals may roost together in a single tree.
- When threatened or disturbed, the Long-eared Owl adopts a “tree-like” posture, elongating its body and compressing its feathers to resemble a tree branch.
- Their silent flight, a characteristic of many owls, is due to specialised wing and feather structures that reduce flight noise.
12. Burrowing Owl
The Burrowing Owl is a unique and charismatic bird, standing out not just for its appearance but also for its unusual ground-dwelling habits. Often seen standing upright near its burrow, this owl is a delightful sight in open landscapes. Here’s a systematic breakdown of its description, habitat, behaviour, and some captivating facts.
- Size and Appearance: The Burrowing Owl is a small owl, with a wingspan of about 21 to 24 inches. It has long legs, a rounded head without ear tufts, and bright yellow eyes.
- Colour: Its plumage is brown with white spots and bars. The belly is lighter, often with variable amounts of spotting.
Habitat
- Location: This owl is found in the grasslands, deserts, and other open habitats of North and South America.
- Nesting: True to its name, the Burrowing Owl nests in burrows. While it can dig its own burrow, it often uses those abandoned by prairie dogs or ground squirrels.
Behaviour
- Diet: As a carnivore, it feeds on a variety of prey, including insects, small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
- Hunting: They are diurnal, meaning they can hunt both during the day and at night, a rarity among owls.
- Sound: Their call is a series of short, rhythmic notes, often described as a “coo-coo.”
Interesting Facts
- Unlike most owls, Burrowing Owls are often active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
- They have a unique defence mechanism: when threatened, they can mimic the rattling sound of a rattlesnake to deter predators from entering their burrows.
- Burrowing Owls have been observed to use mammal dung to decorate the area around their burrow. This is believed to help attract insects, which the owls can then feed on.
- Their populations are declining in many areas due to habitat loss and extermination of ground squirrels and prairie dogs, which create the burrows these owls rely on.
Where to Find Owls in New Hampshire
New Hampshire, with its dense forests and open landscapes, is a haven for various owl species. If you’re an owl enthusiast or just curious about these mysterious birds, this guide will help you discover where and when to spot them in the Granite State.
General Locations and Habitats
Owls have specific habitats they prefer, and New Hampshire offers a variety of these environments:
- Forests: Many owls, like the Barred Owl and Northern Saw-whet Owl, prefer the dense woodlands. Look for them in:
- White Mountain National Forest
- Bear Brook State Park
- Pisgah State Park
- Open Fields and Grasslands: Species like the Short-eared Owl and Burrowing Owl can be found in open areas. Good places include:
- The fields around Concord and Manchester
- Grasslands in the Connecticut River Valley
- Wetlands and Marshes: The Great Horned Owl and others might be spotted near water sources. Check out:
- The wetlands near Great Bay
- Marshy areas around Lake Winnipesaukee
Seasonal Patterns of Owl Sightings
Owl sightings can vary based on the time of year:
Spring and Summer:This is the breeding season for many owls. Listen for their calls at night, as they’re more vocal.
Young owlets might be seen near nests during the late spring.
Fall:Some owls, like the Northern Saw-whet Owl, migrate. This is a good time to spot them as they pass through New Hampshire.
Winter:Owls like the Snowy Owl might venture further south into New Hampshire during harsh winters. Look for them in open fields.
Tips for Spotting and Identifying Owls in the Wild
Spotting owls can be a thrilling experience. Here are some tips to increase your chances:
- Listen Carefully: Owls have distinct calls. Familiarise yourself with their sounds to locate them.
- Look at Dusk and Dawn: Many owls are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active during the early morning and late evening.
- Use Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars can help you spot owls perched high in trees.
- Tread Lightly: Move quietly and avoid sudden movements. Owls are sensitive to disturbances.
- Join a Birdwatching Group: Local groups often organize owl-spotting trips, providing expert guidance and a shared experience.
Conclusion
New Hampshire is a treasure trove for owl enthusiasts. With its diverse habitats and seasonal visitors, there’s always an opportunity to spot these magnificent birds. Whether you’re trekking through a dense forest or scanning the fields at dusk, remember to be patient, and respectful, and enjoy the magic of encountering an owl in the wild.
