11 Owls that Live in Maine (and Where You're Likely to See Them)

Although only a few types of owl species live year-round in Maine, others can be found in the state during different times of the year. Maine provides an ideal habitat for owls and many other birds with its dense forests. In fact, about 83% of Maine is covered by forestland. If you’d like to learn about the different owls that live in Maine and where you’re likely to see them, keep reading.

Following is a list of 11 owls that can be found in Maine in order from most common to the rarest.

1. Great Horned Owl

The great horned owl is commonly found year-round across North America, including Maine. This large owl is 20 inches tall with a 48-inch wingspan. The great horned owl can be identified by its distance series of deep, resonant hoots which can be heard at quite a distance during the night.

2. Barred Owl

Another of Maine’s most commonly found owl species is the barred owl. You can tell a barred owl apart from a great horned owl by its lack of ear tufts. It’s also the only owl found in Maine with dark brown eyes. Like the great horned owl, barred owls can be found across the state year-round.

3. Northern Saw-whet Owl

The northern saw-whet owl is a smaller member of the species at only 8 inches tall with an 18-inch wingspan. In fact, it’s one of the smallest owls in North America. Although many of the males stay in Maine all year, most of the females head south for winter.

4. Eastern Screech-Owl

Eastern Screech Owls can be found living in forests across the state, although it’s most common in southern Maine. However, they are known to avoid territories of great horned owls. Another small species, the screech owl is only 10 inches high with a 20-inch wingspan.

5. Short-eared Owl

Unlike many other species of owls, the short-eared owl can be seen during the day, as well as at night. It’s the only ground-nesting owl in Maine and is most likely found in open grasslands or marshes in the northern and eastern regions of the state. You’re most likely to see them in Maine during the spring and summer months.

6. Long-eared Owl

Long-eared owls live along coastal Maine and are typically only seen during spring and summer. An elusive species, they are generally quiet while hunting and can be hard to spot. These owls prefer nesting in dense forests near open habitats.

7. Snowy Owl

These beautiful birds can be seen in Maine during the winter, usually arriving in December and staying until March. Some years, hardly any snowy owls are spotted in Maine, while other years they may be widespread. It’s easy to identify a snowy owl by its snow-white plumage and intimidating size. Snowy owls can reach up to 30 inches tall with wingspans of up to 65 inches.

8. Northern Hawk Owl

The northern hawk owl is rarely seen in Maine. It tends to be spotted in the northernmost part of the state during the winter. Northern hawk owls are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They live most of the year in Canada in boreal forests.

9. Boreal Owl

Another rare owl for Maine is the boreal owl. It prefers to live in dense coniferous and mixed hardwood forests. It’s a small owl, although bigger than the northern saw-whet owl. They are nocturnal birds and you likely won’t spot them around during the day.

10. Barn Owl

It’s easy to identify a barn owl by its white heart-shaped face and large, dark eyes. Barn owls are one of the most widely distributed owl species in the world. However, in Maine, it’s relatively rare to encounter a barn owl. According to the Maine Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, the barn owl has only been confirmed in the southern part of York County.

11. Great Grey Owl

Consider yourself lucky if you encounter a great grey owl in the state of Maine. These beautiful birds are usually found in more northern areas, such as Canada. Great grey owls are large, with wingspans that can reach over five feet.

Summary of 11 Owls That Live in Maine

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