Strigiformes
Jackson Hole is home to several owl species, each of which are always an exciting find. These nocturnal hunters captivate visitors with their silent flight, piercing eyes, and remarkable ability to disappear into the landscape. Owls are among the most specialized birds in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and each species brings its own unique adaptations to survive the long winters, dense forests, and open valleys of this region.
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Masters of Stealth and Camouflage
Owls are designed for life in the darkness. Their large, forward facing eyes gather what little light exists at night and their facial disks help funnel the slightest sound directly to their ears. Special serrations on their wing feathers allow for near silent flight, giving them an incredible advantage when pursuing prey. Species such as the great horned owl, great gray owl, northern saw whet owl, long eared owl, and boreal owl all call Jackson Hole home, relying on stealth and patience to find meals in forests, wetlands, and sagebrush flats.
Most owl species weigh just a few ounces to a few pounds, yet their wingspans can reach more than four feet depending on the species. The great gray owl is the tallest owl in North America and impresses anyone who sees it perched on a branch or drifting low over a meadow. In contrast, the northern saw whet owl is barely larger than a robin and is one of the most elusive species in the valley.
A Life Built on Sound
While eagles depend heavily on eyesight, owls rely on extraordinary hearing. The asymmetrical placement of their ears allows them to detect the exact direction and distance of even the faintest squeak or rustle. Great gray owls are known to plunge through deep snow to grab rodents they hear tunneling underneath. Several species will sit motionless for long periods of time, waiting for a vole, mouse, or shrew to make a single mistake.
Most owls are opportunistic feeders. Their diet consists primarily of small mammals, but they will take birds, insects, and occasionally fish or amphibians. Great horned owls are powerful predators that can tackle skunks, rabbits, and even other raptors. Saw whets and boreal owls specialize in rodents and depend on healthy vole populations to thrive.
Remarkable Family Life
Owls may appear solitary, yet their breeding season is filled with activity. Many species mate for multiple years and defend territories that provide adequate nesting sites and access to prey. Unlike eagles, owls do not build elaborate nests. Great horned owls and great gray owls usually claim abandoned hawk nests or cavities in large trees.
Females are typically larger than males and do most of the incubation. Chicks hatch covered in soft white down and rely completely on both parents for survival. They grow quickly and leave the nest after only a few weeks, although they continue to beg loudly for food long after fledging. Young owls learn to hunt by watching their parents and practicing short flights from safe perches.
Where Can I See Owls in Jackson Hole
Seeing an owl in the wild is a special experience. These birds blend into their surroundings with incredible skill, so patience is key. Dawn and dusk are often the best times to look for them. Scan tree lines, forest edges, and meadow wetlands for silhouettes on branches or listen for hoots, trills, and soft whistles in the evening.
Great horned owls are the most common species and can be spotted year round. Great gray owls prefer quiet forest meadows and can sometimes be seen perched low as they listen for rodents beneath the snow. Northern saw whet owls and boreal owls are much harder to find due to their size and secretive nature.
Binoculars and spotting scopes greatly improve the chance of seeing an owl, especially in low light. Guides with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris are skilled at locating these elusive birds and understanding their preferred habitats, making an owl sighting an unforgettable highlight for many visitors.
If you ever glimpse an owl drifting silently through the trees or perched against the bark of an old cottonwood, consider yourself lucky. These silent hunters are among the most extraordinary residents of Jackson Hole.
What owl species can I see in Jackson Hole?
Jackson Hole is home to several year round owl species including Great Horned Owls, Great Gray Owls, Northern Saw whet Owls, Boreal Owls, and Long eared Owls. Each species prefers different habitats, so sightings vary by location and season.
When is the best time of day to look for owls?
Owls are most active during dawn and dusk. These low light periods increase your chances of hearing calls or spotting an owl perched along forest edges and meadows while it prepares to hunt.
Where are owls most commonly seen in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem?
Great Horned Owls are widespread across sagebrush flats, cottonwood stands, and residential edges. Great Gray Owls prefer quiet forest meadows, while Boreal and Saw whet Owls are usually found in dense conifer forests.
What do owls eat in Jackson Hole?
Most owls prey on small mammals such as voles, mice, shrews, and rabbits. Great Horned Owls can take larger prey including skunks and other birds. Some species will also eat insects, amphibians, and occasionally fish.
How can I safely observe owls without disturbing them?
The best way to view owls is from a respectful distance using binoculars or a spotting scope. Avoid approaching nests or flushing owls from perches. Guided tours with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris help ensure safe and ethical wildlife viewing while increasing the chance of sightings.
Further Reading
Jackson Hole Wildlife
Jul 12, 2024
Thanks to the range of different habitats that scatter across the sprawling valley, there is a plethora of wildlife to be found. The forests house woodland creatures like foxes, mule deer, black bears, pine martens, and elk.
A Month by Month Guide to Grand Teton National Park
Jun 21, 2024
Each and every month has something special to note, meaning that no matter what season you visit will be a special time. Use this guide to determine what time of year aligns best with what your interests and goals are.