Owls are some of the most sought after subjects for wildlife photographers. Denizens of the dark, their silent flight and enigmatic stares can evoke both wonder and terror. It surprises most New Yorkers to learn they share the city that never sleeps with these mysterious creatures— but the emergence of post-pandemic birding along with a few celebrities like Barry the Barred Owl and Flaco the escaped Eurasian Eagle Owl have brought them further into the limelight.
Owls face many of the same threats as our other birds, but a slower breeding cycle combined with their peculiarities are creatures of the night make them exceptionally vulnerable. They are the ultimate illustration of the quote from Naturalist David Attenborough: “No one will protect what they don't care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.” Knowledge is always the first step on the road to conservation— start your journey below.
Owls Species in New York City
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
No owls are easy to spot— but the Great Horned Owls, as one of the largest owls in North America, is certainly easier than other species. A true apex predator, these Tigers of the Sky will eat everything in the forest, from Rats and Skunks to other Owls and even Red-tailed Hawks.
You can find Great Horned Owls in any of our parks with Old Growth— but finding them in the winter is much easier than in the summertime.
Barred Owl
Strix varia
Barred Owls burst into the New York consciousness with the appearance of a single owl in Central Park, the public nicknamed “Barry”. That owl made it nearly a year before succumbing to a rodenticide induced vehicle collision. But they weren’t alone.
Barred Owls migrate through the city in the fall and late winter. Your best spots to see them are Van Cortlandt Park, Forest Park, Riverside Park, and Brookfield Park. But they can show up anywhere—including Bryant Park in the center of Manhattan.
Northern
Saw-whet Owl
Aegolius acadicus
One of the smallest owl species in North America, Saw-whets still leave a big impression. These owls love to roost low in dense thickets like Junipers or Yews, but their diminutive size means they can still be east to overlook. From their adorable eyes to their dumpling-like bodies, these fluffy little balls of murder are certain to delight birdwatchers of any level.
Often, the number of Saw-whets visiting New York depends on just how many White-footed Mice were around the year before. “Irruptions”, or unusual numbers of an owl species during a season, often coincide with the volume of their prey species, further illustrating the importance of protecting entire footwebs to preserve the most charismatic species.
Snowy Owl
Bubo scandiacus
Easily one of the most iconic owl species, thanks in no small part to the success of the Harry Potter franchise, Snowy Owls are an all-too-rare visitor to the 5 boroughs, with one visiting Central Park for the first time ever back in 2021.
Snowy Owls prefer habitats that mimic their home in the arctic tundra. All species that dwell in the Great White North are facing major challenges, and until their conservation status changes, the best place to appreciate them is at zoo or aviary.
Long-eared Owl
Asio otus
Adorable and enigmatic, Long-eared Owls were rumored to have nests inside of New York City. Now, they’re a rare and welcome visitor to the outer boroughs— sometimes even dropping into Central Park in the middle of Manhattan!
Spotting Long-eared Owls is no easy task. Even more than other species, they seem to prefer dense conifers like spruce and pine, so any park with old growth firs gives you a decent chance to find one in the winter.
