Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways
- Owls have unique features such as asymmetrical ears and tubular, immobile eyeballs that aid in their hunting abilities.
- There are over 10,000 known species of birds, with about 250 species of owls worldwide.
- In Michigan, there are 11 different owl species, including the Eastern screech owl, snowy owl, and great-horned owl.
- Owls can be spotted in various parks and game lands in Michigan.
- To successfully spot owls, one should use binoculars, listen for their calls, and move slowly and quietly.

Owls are some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. Their unique bodies make them master hunters. Plus, their sleek feathers make them some of the most beautiful birds in the sky.
Many owls have asymmetrical ears that allow for better hearing. Misaligned ears allow them to pinpoint the location of their prey with accuracy. Their eyeballs are also tubular and immobile. These features give owls better depth perception and allow them to hone in on their prey.
There are over 10,000 known species of birds in the world. Yet, researchers believe the true number is much larger than that. There are about 250 species of owls in the world, but only eleven owls live in the state of Michigan.
The eleven owls in Michigan are:
- Eastern screech owl
- Snowy owl
- Great-horned owl
- Barred owl
- Northern saw-whet owl
- Long-eared owl
- Great-gray owl
- Northern-hawk owl
- Boreal owl
- Barn owl
Do you want to try birding, but aren’t sure how to go about finding an owl? Follow the guide below for some helpful tips on spotting owls. Know which owls you’re likely to find, where you’re likely to find them, and be quiet as you search. Don’t forget your binoculars!
Whether you live in Michigan or are visiting, there are plenty of places to spot owls. Check out some of the game lands and parks for the best viewing.
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1. Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio)

- Estimated Population: 560,000 Mature Individuals (Decreasing)
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Eastern screech owls are common across Michigan. They live in woodland areas and in suburban neighborhoods. They make their homes in the holes in trees and in nest boxes for birds.
These beautiful birds are small animals that only grow to about 10 in (25.4 cm) in height. The males are smaller than the females but have deeper voices.
Due to their small size, they are often prey for larger owl species, crows, birds of prey, and even mammals.
Despite their small size, they are quite distinguishable. This is due to the two large tufts of feathers at the tops of their heads that look like ears. Those who don’t know any better often mistake screech owls for baby great-horned owls. The mistake occurs because of the ear tufts that make them look similar.
Their bodies are a mottled gray, brown, or red. Red individuals are rarer. They only make up about a third of the eastern-screech owl population.
While communicating with one another, they produce various high-pitched calls.
2. Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)

- Estimated Population: 14-28,000 Mature Individuals (Decreasing)
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
Snowy owls are one of the biggest owls in the state. Their bodies can reach lengths of up to 27 in (68.6 cm), and they can weigh up to 6 lbs (2.7 kg).
Besides their size, their snowy-white appearance is the most noticeable thing about them. These majestic birds have striking yellow eyes that help them stand out above the rest.
Mature males and females are distinguishable by their feather colors. Juveniles have dark barring across their bodies that they lose as they age.
Males completely lose that barring, becoming completely white as adults. Adult females keep some of their barring into adulthood.
Snowy owls spend much of their time in the arctic during the breeding season. They come south to Michigan in the winter during the non-breeding season. These owls don’t migrate much further south than Michigan, and their numbers in the state vary from year to year.
They prefer wide open spaces where they can easily fly, like along shorelines and fields.
Snowy owls were revered throughout history. They can be seen depicted in European cave paintings.
3. Great Horned Owl (Bubo virinianus)

- Estimated Population: Stable
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Great horned owls are another very common species in Michigan. Unlike most of the owls on this list, they live in Michigan throughout the year. You will commonly see them in larger nesting boxes, or in the nests of other birds, which they steal.
Like snowy owls, great-horned owls are huge. Their bodies can reach up to 25 in (63.5 cm) in length, and they can weigh up to 5 lbs (2.3 kg). Their wingspans can stretch from 3-5 ft (0.9-1.5 m).
They are called “horned” owls because of the large tufts of feathers that stick up from their heads. They also have penetrating yellow eyes that give them an intimidating stare.
Great-horned owls are big, ferocious predators. They can take down animals larger than themselves. They have been known to eat ospreys, peregrine falcons, prairie falcons, and other owls.
The clenching force of a great-horned owl’s talons is incredible, requiring 28 pounds of force (12.7 kg) to open. The strength of their talons is enough to quickly sever the spine of most animals.
4. Barred Owl (Strix varia)

- Estimated Population: Increasing
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Barred owls are common across conifer forests in Michigan year-round. They are adept at climbing trees using their sharp talons and beaks. They grab the bark and flap their wings to help themselves up.
They have dark eyes with yellow bills. Their feathers are mottled white and brown with noticeable barring.
It’s easy to identify these owls with their unique, distinguishable call. When they hoot, they sound like they’re saying, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you?”
They are also unique in that they usually travel in pairs.
They are skilled hunters with keen eyesight and precise targeting. They watch for prey high up in the trees, looking out for the slightest bit of movement. Once they spot their prey, they lock in on it and swoop down to scoop it up in their talons.
The most common predator of the barred owl is the great-horned owl. Barred owls will usually change territories if they know a great-horned owl is in the area.
5. Northern Saw-Whet Owls (Aegolius acadicus)

- Estimated Population: 2,000,000 Mature Individuals (Decreasing)
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Even smaller than the eastern-screech owl is the northern saw-whet owl. Their bodies only grow to about 8.3 in (21 cm) in length and up to 5.3 oz (151 g) in weight.
Their tiny size and natural coloration make these owls difficult to see. They are light to dark brown with white mottling. Their large, bright yellow eyes help them to stand out, though.
Despite their small size, these owls often catch prey nearly the size of themselves. They are expert hunters who frequently go after small rodents and birds.
It is thought that these birds got their name due to one of the many unique sounds it produces. While calling, it sounds like a saw being sharpened on a whetting stone.
These birds live in some parts of the state year-round, but most are only present for part of the year. Northern residents usually stop by over the summer. Southern residents are seen mostly over winter.
Though they are hard to spot, you may get lucky. Northern saw-whets enjoy housing in small nesting boxes found in backyards.
6. Long-Eared Owls (Asio otus)

- Estimated Population: 2.2-3.7 Million Mature Individuals (Decreasing)
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Residents of central Michigan are likely to see long-eared owls year-round. In northern Michigan, residents are only likely to see them in the summer. Yet, in the south, residents are more likely to see them over winter. Long-eared owls breed in central Michigan.
Despite living in the state year-round, you’ll be unlikely to see long-eared owls. They have slender bodies, they fly high in the air, and they roost at the top of trees. They are also nocturnal, only coming out at night, making them more difficult to spot.
It’s easier to hear these birds than it is to see them. Their loud calls can often be heard up to 0.7 mi (1 km) away.
Like great-horned owls, long-eared owls have tufts of feathers that resemble ears. Their tufts are far longer, though, giving them their name.
The rest of their body is a mottled gray-brown, and their faces are brownish-red. They are tall but skinny. They can grow to be 15 in (38.1 cm) in length, but only 15 oz (425 g) in weight.
7. Short-Eared Owl (Asio flammeus)

- Estimated Population: 1.2-2.1 Million Mature Individuals (Decreasing)
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
It’s very difficult to spot short-eared owls in Michigan because they don’t come to the state often. Still, residents have occasionally seen the birds throughout the state. Plus, short-eared owls are more likely to be seen during the daytime than many other species.
Short-eared owls prefer open habitats. So, they are more common in states with marshes and grasslands. They even nest on the ground, rather than in trees.
They are even harder to spot because they don’t make much sound. They generally only call each other in the springtime when they’re ready to mate.
These owls are moderate in size, growing to about 16 in (40.6 cm) long, and 13 oz (368.5 g) in weight.
They have ear tufts, but they are small and sometimes impossible to see. They have piercing yellow eyes rimmed in black. Their pale facial disk makes their eyes stand out even more.
8. Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa)

- Estimated Population: 50-99,999 Mature Individuals (Increasing)
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Great gray owls are also uncommon throughout Michigan. Yet, they are sometimes spotted in the northern half of the state.
These owls are magnificent hunters, using their keen sense of smell to catch prey. Their hearing is so good that they can hear rodents scurrying through the snow.
These large owls can grow up to 30 in (76.2 cm) in length. They have gray, mottled feathers and a white band under their chin. Over the white band is a splash of black that resembles a bow tie.
Although they are one of the tallest owls in the United States, it’s not very big. It weighs nearly nothing, and its large size is owed mostly to all the feathers it has. The snowy owl and great-horned owl are both bigger than the great-gray owl.
9. Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula)

- Estimated Population: 100-299,999 Mature Individuals (Stable)
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
These owls are most common in Canada and Alaska and are very rare in Michigan.
Northern hawk owls are tiny, but easy to spot because of their striking plumage. Their bodies are dark gray to black with white mottling. Even more distinct are their pale yellow eyes.
Unlike most owls, northern hawk owls are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day. They are excellent hunters because they are swift flyers with remarkable eyesight.
Northern hawk owls can see prey up to half a mile away. They perch in their trees, looking for prey. Once they spot something, they swoop down on the unsuspecting animal.
10. Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus)

- Estimated Population: 730,000-1.81 Million Mature Individuals (Stable)
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Boreal owls are also very rare in Michigan but may be spotted occasionally.
Boreal owls are small and stout with thick bodies. Still, females grow larger than males. Sometimes, females can reach twice the size of a male.
Their heads are flat with bright yellow eyes. They have stout bodies with no ear tufts and short tails. A boreal owl’s body is light to dark brown with white mottling. Their facial disks are light gray with a brown border.
Like the northern hawk owl, they hunt by perching high up in the trees. When they spot their prey, they swoop down and catch it at high speed. They mostly eat rodents, small birds, and insects.
11. Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

- Estimated Population: 4-9.9 Million Mature Individuals (Stable)
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Barns owls are rare in Michigan, but not because they are occasional visitors. They are year-round residents in the southern parts of the state, but their numbers are in decline.
These stunning birds have long, slender bodies. Their dark eyes starkly contrast with their pale faces. A barn owl’s wings are rounded, and its tails are short, which gives it a distinct flight style. At night, they sometimes appear all white.
Females have more color than males, having redder feathers and more spots on the chest. Usually, females with more color are healthier. They tend to be more resistant to parasites and diseases. Males also seem more likely to help more colorful females with nesting duties.
There are 46 known kinds of barn owls, with the North American barn owl being the largest. The smallest comes from the Galapagos Islands and is about half the size of the North American barn owl.
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The Best Places To Spot Owls In Michigan

Some areas in Michigan are better for spotting owls than others.
Upper Peninsula
The upper peninsula in the northern part of the state is best for spotting species not common in the state. This area might be the only place you’ll see owls from Canada and the more northern parts of the United States.
Pointe Mouillee State Game Area
The Pointe Mouillee State Game Area is an excellent place to spot owls. Be careful if you choose to walk here, though, as it’s a hunting area.
Know whether it’s hunting season before you go, and wear the proper gear, so you’re easily spotted.
Some of the owls commonly spotted here include:
- Eastern-screech owl
- Great-horned owl
- Snowy owl
- Long-eared owl
- Short-eared owl
- Barn owl (used to be common here, but not anymore — you may get lucky!)
Seney National Wildlife Refuge
The Seney National Wildlife Refuge is another wonderful place to spot owls. All the owls on this list can be seen here, except the barn owl and eastern-screech owl.
Isle Royale National Park
The Isle Royale National Park is an excellent option for birdwatchers. The snowy owl, barn owl, and eastern-screech owl haven’t been seen here, but you’re likely to see the others on the list.
The Best Way To Spot Owls

Most owls are nocturnal, and they’re naturally elusive predators, so it’s not easy to spot them. You can make your owl-spotting hobby more successful, though. Just follow some of the following tips.
Use Binoculars

Binoculars are a must for any kind of bird watching. You’re unlikely to see any owls without them, even if you follow the rest of our tips. Owls are out most at night when our eyesight isn’t good. They also tend to be far away, making them even harder to spot.
Listen for Upset Songbirds

Songbirds are common prey for owls, so they don’t like owls being around. Most owls sleep during the day, so they are more vulnerable. Songbirds often gang up on unsuspecting sleeping owls in an attempt to chase them out of the area.
Listen for Owls

Find a spot where the air is still, and there aren’t many noises. Stay quiet and listen. You’ll know whether there are any owls in the area by listening for them. You are more likely to hear them if you go to the countryside. They tend to stay quiet in cities and towns. Still, you may have a chance to hear them at night when everything has calmed down.
It’s also helpful if you can distinguish the calls of different owl species. If you aren’t familiar with their calls, there are plenty of classes and videos to teach you.
Take Walks in the Evening, Around Sunset

Most owls are nocturnal, so they are more active when it’s dark. Yet, our eyesight is not great in the dark. So, it’s best to look for owls when the sun begins to go down, but we haven’t lost light completely. Look up high in the trees and rooftops where they often like to perch.
Know Where to Look in the Trees

Owls often prefer to roost in thick evergreens where they’re better camouflaged. This makes them harder to spot, but you’ll have an easier time if you know where to expect them.
While roosting in thinner trees, they’re most likely to sit close to the trunk where they’re difficult to spot. You’re most likely to spot them here in autumn and winter when the leaves have fallen.
Look for tree cavities, too. Some species prefer to roost inside tree holes rather than on their branches. If you get lucky, you may see one peeking out of their hole.
Move Slowly and Quietly

If you are loud or move too quickly, you’re likely to scare any owls away. By moving slowly and quietly, you’re more likely to see them, even in the daytime.
Look for Pellets, Feathers, and Poop

Owls molt their feathers and grow new ones every year. They also swallow their prey whole. So, they spit up the bones, fur, and insect scales in pellets littered on the ground. Spotting feathers and pellets is a sure sign there are owls around.
You can also look for their poop. Owls often rest in the same spot for days. So, their poop leaves large white stains on the ground below where they’re sleeping.
Know Which Owls Are Likely to Be In Your Area

Which owls may be in your area varies depending on the season and which part of the state you live in. You will be more successful spotting owls if you know which ones to look for. Knowing which owls to look for also helps you know which habitats to search.
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Owls in Michigan FAQs

Can You Keep Owls As Pets?
In most countries, it’s illegal to keep an owl as a pet without special permits. Most countries require prospective caretakers to undergo special training to get a permit. Often, you must build a special facility for the owl as well.
It is illegal to keep owls as pets in the United States as private citizens. Only licensed rehabilitators may keep owls. In some states, owls can be used for falconry as well.
Licensed rehabilitators may keep owls for these purposes:
Treatment
As part of a breeding program
Educational purposes
To act as foster parents for juvenile patients
Yet, the license holder doesn’t “own” the owl, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service do. They may take the birds back at any time if their needs aren’t being met.
Are Owls Considered Raptors?
Raptors are described as any kind of bird of prey. The word “raptors” comes from the Latin word “rapere,” which translates to “seize” or “plunder.” Raptors seize their prey by swooping down on them from above.
To be considered a raptor, a bird must have these four characteristics:
Hooked beak
Sharp talons
Keen eyesight
Carnivorous diet
Yet, owls have unique characteristics that set them apart from most raptors. They are nocturnal, while most other raptors are diurnal. They are also much fluffier than most raptors and fly almost silently. Hawks and eagles are built for long flights. Conversely, owls are built for shorter flights that require more energy. Their bulkier bodies also allow them to capture larger prey.
Do Owls Poop?
Yes, owls poop, but they don’t digest all their food, so they also produce pellets. The food that can be digested moves throughout the system and comes out as poop, just like any other animal.
Other things, like bones and fur, cannot be digested. These materials form into pellets which the owl regurgitates. Pellets are somewhat like vomit and are similar to a cat’s hairball.
How Do Owls Hunt?
Owls are expert hunters because they have a keen sense of hearing and can fly silently.
The first primary feather of each wing has a structural modification. The special modification allows for silent flying. Rather than being smooth like most birds, an owl’s first primary feather is serrated.
The serration disrupts the airflow over the wing. It gets rid of the noise usually created by air flowing over a smooth surface.
They also have remarkable hearing. It allows them to locate prey with incredible accuracy, even in complete darkness. Some owls can locate prey by sound alone.
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