Types of Owls in Nebraska (with Pictures)

great horned owl

We’ll present the most frequent owls in Nebraska, along with pictures and important information. Only trustworthy sources were used to gather the data, which was then double-checked by an ornithologist.

Some people may be surprised to learn that there are even owls in our state! In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of owls that can be found in Nebraska. We will also provide some information about each owl species, including their size, diet, and habitat. If you’re interested in learning more about Nebraska’s owl species, keep reading!

Most Common Owls of Nebraska

Great Horned Owl

Great Horned Owl

Great Horned Owl Scientific name: Bubo virginianus

The great horned owl is one of the most common owls in Nebraska. These owls are large, with a wingspan that can reach up to five feet. They are also one of the heaviest owl species, weighing up to three pounds. Great horned owls are nocturnal predators, and their diet consists mostly of small mammals, such as rabbits and rodents. These owls can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and even urban areas.

Great horned owls are very adaptable birds and can thrive in a variety of different environments. They are often seen perched atop tall trees, where they can scan the area for prey. Great horned owls are also known for their distinctive call, which is often described as “hoo hoo” or “whoo-hoo.”

Great Horned Owl range map

Barred Owl

Barred Owl

Barred Owl Scientific name : Strix varia

The barred owl is another common owl species in Nebraska. These owls are smaller than great horned owls, with a wingspan of about four feet. Barred owls are also more slender than great horned owls. Their diet consists mostly of small mammals, but they will also eat birds, amphibians, and reptiles. Barred owls can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and even urban areas.

Barred owls are very vocal birds, and their calls can be heard throughout the night. These owls are also known for their distinctive barred markings, which give them their name. Barred owls are often seen perched in trees or on fence posts, where they can watch for prey.

Barred Owl range map

Burrowing Owls

Burrowing Owls

Burrowing Owl Scientific name: Athene cunicularia 

The burrowing owl is a small owl species that is only found in the Great Plains region of the United States. These owls are unique because they live in burrows dug by other animals, such as prairie dogs. Burrowing owls eat mostly insects, but they will also consume small mammals and birds. They are diurnal predators, meaning they are active during the day. These owls can be found in grasslands and other open habitats.

Burrowing owls are very secretive birds and are difficult to see. They are often mistaken for mice or other small rodents when they are perched on the ground. Burrowing owls have a wingspan of about two feet and weigh only a few ounces. They make a variety of calls, including whistles, hoots, and chuckles.

Burrowing Owl range map

Long-eared Owls

long-eared owls

Long-eared owl scientific name: Asio otus

The long-eared owl is a medium-sized owl that is found throughout Nebraska. These owls have long ear tufts, which are actually feathers. Their diet consists mostly of small mammals, but they will also eat birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Long-eared owls are nocturnal predators. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. These owls are relatively common in Nebraska, but they are not often seen because they are quite shy and secretive.

Long-eared Owl range map

Short-eared Owls

Short-eared Owls

The short-eared owl scientific name: Asio flammeus

The short-eared owl is a small owl species that is found throughout Nebraska. These owls have short ear tufts, which are not actually feathers. Their diet consists mostly of small mammals, but they will also eat birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Short-eared owls are diurnal predators. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands and other open habitats. These owls are relatively common in Nebraska, but they are not often seen because they are quite shy and secretive.

Both long-eared and short-eared owls can be found in Nebraska. These two owl species are very similar in appearance and diet. However, there are a few key differences between them. Long-eared owls are nocturnal predators, while short-eared owls are diurnal predators. Long-eared owls are found in a variety of habitats, including forests and urban areas. Short-eared owls are only found in open habitats, such as grasslands. Both owl species are quite shy and secretive, so they are not often seen.

Related post: Types of Owls in Mississippi

Short-eared Owl range map

Northern Hawk-Owl

northern-hawk owl

The northern saw-whet owl is a small owl species that is found throughout Nebraska. These owls have a distinct call that sounds like a saw being sharpened. Their diet consists mostly of small mammals, but they will also eat birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Northern saw-whet owls are nocturnal predators. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests and grasslands. These owls are relatively easy to spot, thanks to their bright white plumage. If you’re lucky enough to see one of these beautiful creatures, be sure to take a moment to appreciate it!

Despite their small size, northern saw-whet owls are fierce predators. They have sharp talons and beaks that they use to kill their prey. Northern saw-whet owls are also very agile, which allows them to catch prey that is much larger than themselves.

Northern saw-whet owls have a number of adaptations that help them survive in cold climates. Their feathers provide insulation and they have a thick layer of fat under their skin that helps keep them warm. They also have a large metabolic rate, which allows them to generate heat even when they’re inactive.

Northern saw-whet owls are monogamous birds and both the male and female help take care of the young. The chicks stay with their parents for several months after hatching. Northern saw-whet owls are one of the few owl species that are known to mate for life.

Northern Hawk Owl

American Barn Owl

American Barn Owls

The American barn owl is a medium-sized owl that is found throughout Nebraska. These owls are pale in color with dark eyes. Their diet consists mostly of small mammals, but they will also eat birds, reptiles, and amphibians. American barn owls are nocturnal predators. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including barns, forests, and grasslands.

American barn owls are considered common in Nebraska. They can be found throughout the state, but they are most often seen in rural areas. These owls play an important role in controlling rodent populations and are a welcome sight on any farmstead. American barn owls provide hunters with good sport, as they are difficult to hunt due to their nocturnal habits.

Barn Owl range map

Boreal Owl

Boreal Owl

These owls are brown or gray in color, with white spots on their wings. Boreal owls are nocturnal predators, and their diet consists mostly of small mammals, such as mice and voles. They will also eat birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Boreal owls can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and even urban areas. In Nebraska, boreal owls are most commonly found in the western part of the state.

Boreal owls are relatively small owls, with a body length of about 12 inches. They have large eyes and ears, which help them to see and hear their prey. Boreal owls also have long talons, which they use to kill their prey. These owls are silent flyers, and they can hunt successfully in complete darkness.

The boreal owl is a fascinating bird, and it is one of the many different types of wildlife that can be found in Nebraska.

Boreal Owl range map

Northern Saw-Whet Owl

Northern-Saw-whet Owl

The Northern Saw-Whet Owl is a small owl with a round head and no ear tufts. It has yellow eyes and a black beak. The bird’s back is brown with white spots, and its belly is white with brown streaks. This owl can be found in woodlands in the northern United States and Canada. It eats rodents, including mice and voles.

The Northern Saw-Whet Owl is a common bird in Nebraska. It can be found in woodlands throughout the state. This owl is a great bird for beginning birdwatchers to look for. With a little practice, you should be able to spot this owl in your backyard!

Northern Saw-whet Owl range map

Eastern Screech-Owls

eastern screech owl

The eastern screech owl scientific name: Megascops asio

The Eastern Screech-Owl is a small owl with a round head and no ear tufts. It has yellow eyes and a black beak. The bird’s back is brown with white spots, and its belly is white with brown streaks. This owl can be found in woodlands in the eastern United States. It eats rodents, including mice and voles.

The Eastern Screech-Owl is a small owl with a round head and no ear tufts. It has yellow eyes and a black beak. The bird’s back is brown with white spots, and its belly is white with brown streaks. This owl can be found in woodlands in the eastern United States. It eats rodents, including mice and voles.

Eastern Screech-Owls are common in Nebraska. They can be found in woodlands, parks, and even backyards.

Eastern Screech-Owl range map

What is the largest owl in Nebraska?

The snowy owls are the largest owls in Nebraska. These owls can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. Snowy owls are migratory birds, and they can be found in Nebraska during the winter months.

What is the most common owl in Nebraska?

The most common owl in Nebraska is the eastern screech owl. These owls can be found in woodlands throughout the state. Eastern screech-owls eat rodents, including mice and voles.

What is the smallest owl in Nebraska?

The smallest owls in Nebraska are the northern saw-whet owl. These owls have a round head and no ear tufts. They have yellow eyes and a black beak. Northern saw-whet owls can be found in woodlands in the northern United States and Canada. They eat rodents, including mice and voles.

Are owls common in Nebraska?

Yes, owls are common in Nebraska. There are a variety of owl species that can be found throughout the state, including the northern hawk-owl, American barn owl, snowy owl, boreal owl, and eastern screech-owl. These birds are all predators and eat small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.