Twice a month, experts at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture answer your questions in a column called….
What types of owls live in Washington State?
Of the 19 total owl species living in North America, 15 can be found living in Washington State at various points throughout the year. The fact that our state has such an amazing diversity of habitats makes it one of the best places on the continent to see owls. From the cities and suburbs, to the maritime forests along the coast, to the dry mountain forests of central and eastern Washington, and finally to the open landscapes of the Columbia Plateau, a diverse range of owl species are able to make their homes in Washington State.
Nearest to Seattle, one is likely to see the Great Horned Owl, a large, dark brown owl with distinctive “ear-tufts” that makes its home in parks, open woodlands and agricultural areas. Or you may also see the Barred Owl, a medium-sized brown owl whose call is phoneticized as “Who Cooks for You, Who Cooks for You.”
Other owls that might be found in the Puget Sound region include the Barn Owl, the Western Screech Owl, the Northern Pygmy Owl, the Short-Eared Owl, the Northern Saw-whet Owl, rarely the Northern Spotted Owl and erratically the Snowy Owl.
East of the Cascades, birds like the Flammulated Owl and the Long-eared Owl make homes in Ponderosa Pine forests and open woodlands respectively, while the Burrowing Owl prefers agricultural areas or grasslands.
The mountains of Northeastern Washington are one of the best places in North America to find three boreal forest owls: the Great Gray Owl, Northern Hawk Owl and the Boreal Owl, normally found only in Canada and Alaska.
While these owls are living around and even amongst us, it isn’t always easy to spot them unless you know where to look. If you are interested in birding, the Burke Museum has a brand new exhibit, The Owl and the Woodpecker. Curated and photographed by Paul Bannick, the exhibit will be featured during the Burke Museum’s first ever Birds at the Burke event this Sunday, April 17, from 10 – 3 pm, where you can visit the exhibit and learn more about birding in nature and in your own backyard.
Got a question for next time?
Previously on Ask the Burke: