Barn Owl Watching in Oregon

Barn Owls can be found throughout the world, and are abundant and relatively easy to detect in Oregon for those who are trying. Their most prominent feature is their white, heart-shaped face, and they are generally between 10 and 18 inches tall. Barn Owls are also famously nocturnal, generally awake and hunting just before dusk and well into the night. With this in mind, the late afternoon and early evening is the best time to observe them. The Barn Owl flies silently and usually at night so they are most easily discovered first by sound. They don't "hoot" like Typical Owls, so you'll be listening for a loud shriek or even a hissing sound if you happen to be near one. They prefer to feed on small rodents and similar land animals.

Habitats for Barn Owls

Barn Owls don't build nests, preferring instead to find shelter in the hollow of a tree or inside of a sructure, generally as high off the ground as possible. They are commonly found in the Tualatin National Wildlife Refuge among other places in the area, and they are one of the species that actively breed in Oregon.

Best seasons to see Barn Owls in Oregon

As they are non-migratory, Barn Owls are present in Oregon during all four seasons. They can breed at any time of the year, but spring is the most typical time.

Barn Owls in Oregon summary

Typical habitat: Hollowed out portions of trees and man-made structures, usually at some elevation
Seasons: All year round, but summer evenings may be best
Abundance: Usually present but may not be seen or heard in suitable habitat

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