Owls About Texas

by | Feb 26, 2021 | Fauna

There’s a reason owls are often painted as wise wizards in animated tales and children’s storybooks. Something about those big eyes, that grumpy-seeming demeanor, and the ability to swivel their heads up to 270 degrees is both imposing and seemingly intellectual. In celebration of these brainy-looking birds, we’ve whipped up a primer on four common Texas species.

ILLUSTRATIONS Samantha N. Peters

A brown, white and gray illustration of a great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) sitting on a branch; it has yellow eyes, rust-colored eye discs and prominent ear tufts.

GREAT HORNED OWL

Bubo virginianus
Tall ear tufts or “horns”
Yellow eyes surrounded by copper-brown facial discs
Sounds like: A deep “Who who-whoo, who-who?”
Look for them: In young woodlands adjacent to open areas, but habitat varies widely

We’ve had a pair (Athena and her mate) nest at the Center for more than a decade! Learn more here.

A gray and illustration of an eastern screech-owl (Megascops asio) sitting on a branch; it has yellow eyes, is small compared to the other owls on the page, and has ear tufts.

EASTERN SCREECH-OWL

Megascops asio
Pale greenish bill, yellow eyes
Small ear tufts can be upright or flat
Sounds like: A whinnying sound like a high-pitched horse
Look for them: In various woodlands — preferably near water

A white and brown illustration of a burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) standing on the ground; it has long legs and yellow eyes.

BURROWING OWL

Athene cunicularia
Rounded heads and notably long legs
Large yellow eyes and bold white eyebrows
Sounds like: A variety of clucks, screams and rattles; cooing during mating season
Look for them: Perching on the ground in open habitats during daylight

A white and light brown illustration of a barred owl (Strix varia) sitting on a branch; it has black eyes and a mostly white breast..

BARRED OWL

Strix varia
Round head, yellow beak and dark eyes surrounded by ripples
Prominent horizontal bars on upper breast
Sounds like: “Who cooks for you; who cooks for you all?”
Look for them: In forests near swamps or rivers

Special thanks to Travis Audubon volunteer Jane Tillman; this article also heavily referenced allaboutbirds.org.