Types of Owls in Texas

Texas is home to a wide variety of owls, with 11 species of owls occurring in the state. These owls can be found in different habitats, from woodlands to deserts, and range in size from the tiny Elf Owl to the large Great Horned Owl. The most common owls in Texas are the Barn Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl and Long-eared Owl.

Barn Owl

The Barn Owl is one of the most widespread owls in Texas, occurring in most regions of the state. It is a medium-sized owl with a distinctive heart-shaped face and white underparts. It is found in open habitats such as grasslands, agricultural fields, and wetlands, and is usually seen hunting over open terrain.

Eastern Screech-Owl

The Eastern Screech-Owl is a small owl found in wooded habitats throughout Texas. It is grayish-brown in color, with pinkish-gray underparts and a white facial disk. It is an agile flier and is often seen hunting for insects and small rodents near the ground.

Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl is the largest and most widely distributed owl in Texas. It is a large, powerful bird with a gray-brown body and white underparts. It is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, deserts, and even cities. It is an aggressive hunter and feeds mainly on small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Barred Owl

The Barred Owl is a medium-sized owl found in wooded habitats throughout Texas. It is a grayish-brown bird with white spots and dark barring on its wings and tail. It is often seen hunting during the day, and its diet includes small mammals, birds, and insects.

Long-eared Owl

The Long-eared Owl is a small, slim owl found in wooded habitats throughout Texas. It is pale gray-brown in color, with white underparts and a distinctive long ear tufts. It is an agile hunter and feeds mainly on small mammals and birds.

Conclusion

Texas is home to a variety of owl species, ranging from the tiny Elf Owl to the large Great Horned Owl. The most common species in the state are the Barn Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl and Long-eared Owl. All of these species can be found in different habitats, from woodlands to deserts.