Owls
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Owls, like Eagles, Falcons, Osprey, and Hawks, are birds of prey.
Contents
Barn Owls
Barn Owl
(Tyto alba)
Typical Owls
Eastern Screech Owl
(Otus asio)
Small, stocky owl with large head and no neck. Pointed ear tufts are often raised. Varies in color from gray to bright rufous (reddish-brown). Intricate pattern is perfect for camouflage against tree bark. Yellow eyes. Active at night when they prey on small birds and mammals. More often heard than seen; listen for its descending whinny and longer trill. Roosts and nests in cavities, including nest boxes. Found in a variety of habitats with trees, particularly near water.
Great Horned Owl
(Bubo virginianus)
Snowy Owl
(Nyctea scandiaca)
The Snowy Owl can be found in Western New York during the winter months from late November through March.
They can be found along the Buffalo Waterfront, large, somewhat flat fields and even small airports in WNY.
Beautiful owl. Completely white with variable amount of black markings. In general, old males are the whitest, while immature females have the most dark markings. Favors lakeshores and coastal areas with fields, marshes, piers, and sand dunes in winter. Breeds on arctic tundra and irrupts south in numbers only some winters.
Barred Owl
(Strix varia)
Long-Eared Owl
(Asio otus)
Short-Eared Owl
(Asio flammeus)
Medium-sized owl, more frequently seen in the daytime than other owls. Especially active around dawn and dusk, when it flies lazily over open fields or marshes in search of small mammals. Overall rather pale brown, palest on belly, with streaks and spots on wings and chest. Large buffy patch near the wingtips easily visible in flight. Females darker brown than males. Rarely heard vocalizing away from breeding grounds, where it makes a low series of hoots and a variety of harsh barking noises.
Northern Saw-Whet Owl
(Aegolius acadicus)