By Avian Feathers Team
Published June 2025
New York’s forests, fields, and even cities are home to a surprising variety of owls. Some stay year-round, while others only visit in winter. From tiny tree-dwellers to silent snow-colored hunters, here are ten owls you might encounter in the Empire State.
1. Eastern Screech-Owl
This small owl blends in perfectly with tree bark. They come in gray or reddish-brown versions and have big yellow eyes. You’ll often hear their soft trills at night before you see them. They nest in tree cavities and even use nest boxes in backyards.
Size
Length: 6–10 in (16–25 cm)
Wingspan: 18–24 in (46–61 cm)
Weight: 4–8 oz (113–227 g)
Scientific Name: Megascops asio
2. Great Horned Owl
One of the most powerful owls in North America. They have big “ear” tufts, bright yellow eyes, and a deep hooting voice. These owls can take down prey as large as skunks or rabbits. You’ll see them in forests, parks, and even on city edges.
Size
Length: 18–25 in (46–64 cm)
Wingspan: 40–57 in (102–145 cm)
Weight: 2–5.5 lbs (0.9–2.5 kg)
Scientific Name: Bubo virginianus
3. Barred Owl
With soulful dark eyes and a hoot that sounds like “Who cooks for you?”, Barred Owls are forest dwellers. They hunt at night and perch quietly during the day. Look for them in wooded areas near water.
Size
Length: 17–20 in (43–51 cm)
Wingspan: 39–43 in (99–110 cm)
Weight: 1–2.5 lbs (500–1130 g)
Scientific Name: Strix varia
4. Northern Saw-whet Owl
Tiny and round-headed, these owls look almost like stuffed toys. They’re shy and often hide in thick branches during the day. Their high-pitched “toot-toot-toot” call is hard to miss at night.
Size
Length: 7–8.5 in (18–22 cm)
Wingspan: 17–22 in (43–56 cm)
Weight: 2.3–5.3 oz (65–150 g)
Scientific Name: Aegolius acadicus
5. Snowy Owl
These striking white owls migrate south from the Arctic in winter. You’ll see them sitting out in the open on beaches, airfields, or snowy fields. Their piercing yellow eyes and black speckles make them unforgettable.
Size
Length: 20–28 in (52–71 cm)
Wingspan: 49–59 in (125–150 cm)
Weight: 3.5–6.5 lbs (1.6–3 kg)
Scientific Name: Bubo scandiacus
6. Long-eared Owl
With long ear tufts and streaky brown feathers, these owls are great at hiding. They roost in dense trees during the day and hunt small mammals at night. They’re more often heard than seen.
Size
Length: 13–16 in (33–40 cm)
Wingspan: 35–39 in (90–100 cm)
Weight: 7–15 oz (200–430 g)
Scientific Name: Asio otus
7. Short-eared Owl
These owls hunt during the day, especially at dawn and dusk. You’ll see them gliding over grasslands and marshes. Their wings have bold markings and their ear tufts are tiny or not visible at all.
Size
Length: 13–17 in (34–43 cm)
Wingspan: 33–43 in (85–110 cm)
Weight: 7–17 oz (200–475 g)
Scientific Name: Asio flammeus
8. Barn Owl
Barn Owls have heart-shaped faces and pale feathers. They’re ghostly silent in flight and hunt mostly by sound. Though rare in New York, you may spot one in old barns or open countryside.
Size
Length: 12–15 in (30–38 cm)
Wingspan: 31–37 in (80–95 cm)
Weight: 14–24 oz (400–700 g)
Scientific Name: Tyto alba
9. Boreal Owl
Very secretive and rare in New York. These small owls live mostly in northern forests. They have big yellow eyes and no ear tufts. They come down into New York occasionally during winter.
Size
Length: 9–10.5 in (23–27 cm)
Wingspan: 20–24 in (50–61 cm)
Weight: 3.5–7 oz (100–200 g)
Scientific Name: Aegolius funereus
10. Northern Hawk Owl
A very rare visitor from the far north. This owl looks and behaves like a hawk, often hunting in the daytime. It has a long tail and narrow body and perches high to scan for prey.
Size
Length: 14–17 in (36–44 cm)
Wingspan: 28–31 in (71–79 cm)
Weight: 8–16 oz (220–450 g)
Scientific Name: Surnia ulula
Where to Spot Owls in New York
New York’s forests, fields, and even cities are home to a surprising variety of owls. Some stay year-round, while others only visit in winter. From tiny tree-dwellers to silent snow-colored hunters, here are ten owls you might encounter in the Empire State.
- Eastern Screech-Owl. Look for these small owls, in gray or reddish-brown versions, blending in with tree bark. They nest in tree cavities and even use nest boxes in backyards.
- Great Horned Owl. These powerful owls with “ear” tufts can be seen in forests, parks, and even on city edges.
- Barred Owl. Look for these forest dwellers in wooded areas near water. They have soulful dark eyes and a distinctive hoot.
- Northern Saw-whet Owl. Tiny and round-headed, these shy owls often hide in thick branches during the day. Their high-pitched call is hard to miss at night.
- Snowy Owl. These striking white owls migrate south in winter. You’ll see them sitting out in the open on beaches, airfields, or snowy fields.
- Long-eared Owl. Great at hiding due to their long ear tufts and streaky brown feathers. They roost in dense trees during the day.
- Short-eared Owl. These owls hunt during the day, especially at dawn and dusk. Look for them gliding over grasslands and marshes.
- Barn Owl. Though rare in New York, you may spot one in old barns or open countryside. They have heart-shaped faces and pale feathers.
- Boreal Owl. Very secretive and rare in New York. These small owls live mostly in northern forests and occasionally visit during winter.
- Northern Hawk Owl. A very rare visitor from the far north. This owl often hunts in the daytime and perches high to scan for prey.
New York’s owls are full of mystery and magic. Which one have you spotted on your nighttime walks?