Owls in Massachusetts

The seven species of owls that nest in Massachusetts, and four species that do not nest in Massachusetts are listed below beginning with those that are the most conspicuous, common, or widespread. Check the following links for more information about each species, including their geographical distribution, preferred habitats, and what they look like and sound like*.

Follow the links below to help identify your owl.   Breeding Owls of Massachusetts Great Horned      listen    ||    see photo    ||    read more  Barred      listen    ||    see photo    ||    read more  Eastern Screech      listen    ||    see photo    ||    read more  Northern Saw-whet      listen    ||    see photo    ||    read more  Long-eared      listen    ||    see photo    ||    read more  Barn      listen    ||    see photo    ||    read more  Short-eared      listen    ||    see photo    ||    read more    Occasional Visitors to Massachusetts Snowy      listen    ||    see photo    ||    read more  Boreal      listen    ||    see photo    ||    read more  Great Gray      listen    ||    see photo    ||    read more  Northern Hawk      listen    ||    see photo    ||    read more  Found your owl?  Map it!

* All owl sounds are from Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Voices of North American Owls.