A Birdwatcher’s Guide to Owls in Montana

The silent glide of a Great Gray Owl through Montana’s forests is something you don’t forget. With 15 different owl species calling this state home, Montana is a dream for birdwatchers.

From the ghostly Snowy Owl to the tiny Northern Saw-whet, each bird has its own rhythm in Big Sky Country. This guide walks you through identifying these incredible owls, understanding where and when to spot them, and how to do it all responsibly.

Whether you’re an avid birder or just getting started, consider this your starting point.

Owl Species in Montana

Montana’s owl population is incredibly rich. To make it easier, we’ve grouped the 15 species into two simple categories: those with ear tufts and those with round heads.

The Tufted Owls

These owls are easy to spot thanks to their ear tufts, which give them that classic “owl” look. They range from the massive and bold to the small and secretive, each with their own voice and vibe.

Great Horned Owl: Big and bold with striking tufts, piercing eyes, and bold markings. Found almost anywhere in Montana, from forests to city edges. Their deep, booming hoot is one of the most familiar sounds of the night.
Long-eared Owl: Tall ear tufts and a slim frame give this owl a wide-eyed, startled look. Prefers thick woods and thickets, where they roost in small groups during the day.
Eastern Screech Owl: Tiny but fierce, with plumage that ranges from gray to reddish-brown. Found mostly in eastern Montana. Listen for their unique trill that sounds like a bouncing ball.
Western Screech Owl: Similar in size to its eastern cousin but wears cooler, gray-brown tones. Known for its rising, whistled hoot in forested areas west of the Continental Divide.
Flammulated Owl: The smallest of the bunch and the hardest to find. Lives in mature pine and fir forests. You’ll likely hear their soft, low hoots before you ever spot one.

Round-headed Owls

These owls lack ear tufts, giving their heads a smooth, rounded shape. But, don’t let the softer look fool you: many are skilled hunters with strong personalities and fascinating behaviors.

Short-eared Owl: Often seen gliding low over fields and prairies during the day, they fly with a loose, fluttery motion. Watch for their dramatic “broken-wing” act, used to protect their nests.
Northern Hawk Owl: A daytime hunter with a long tail and upright posture that resembles a hawk. Prefers open forest edges, especially areas recovering from wildfire. Their sharp calls slice through quiet air.
Burrowing Owl: Long-legged and full of attitude, these little ground-nesters hang around prairie dog towns. They’re known to mimic the sound of rattlesnakes to scare off intruders.
Boreal Owl: Small and shy, these forest owls live high in the mountains. Their soft, melodic whistle carries on cold, late-winter nights when they’re most vocal.
Northern Saw-whet Owl: Tiny and well-camouflaged, usually hiding in thick woods. You might never see them, but their high-pitched, repetitive “too-too-too” can echo through the dark.
Northern Pygmy Owl: Don’t let the size fool you: this small owl is a bold predator. Found in conifer forests, it gives away its location with a fast string of clear, tooting notes.
Barred Owl: Recognizable by their large size and dark, soulful eyes. Their “who cooks for you all?” call is spreading west as they slowly move into Montana’s forests near water.
Great Gray Owl: Massive and ghostlike, they’re the longest owls in North America. Found in thick conifer forests near open meadows, their deep, echoing hoots add to their mystique.
Barn Owl: Pale and graceful, these nocturnal hunters thrive in open spaces and old buildings. Their harsh screech sounds nothing like a hoot and can raise the hairs on your neck.
Snowy Owl: A rare winter guest from the Arctic. Their bright white feathers and steady, silent gaze make them unforgettable. Look for them perched in snowy fields and open country.

Owl Watching in Montana: When and Where to Look

Montana’s owls don’t all follow the same schedule. Some call in the night year-round, others only drop by in winter. Knowing the timing and the right places can make all the difference.

Timing Your Owl Quest

Certain times of year make owl sightings easier and more rewarding. Here’s when to pay closer attention:

Late Winter and Early Spring (especially March): This is prime time to hear owls calling for mates and claiming territory. Dusk and dawn are when the woods come alive with sound.
Year-Round Residents: Owls like the Great Horned, Long-eared, and Northern Saw-whet stay put. With enough patience and scouting, they can be spotted any season.
Summer Breeding Season: Owls quiet down while nesting, but watching them hunt food for their young can be just as thrilling.
Winter Visitors (like the Snowy Owl): Snowy Owls show up in winter, especially in wide-open, treeless areas. You won’t hear them but their white feathers are hard to miss.
Daytime Hunters: Short-eared and Northern Hawk Owls are active in daylight. Look for them mid-morning or late afternoon when they’re most likely to hunt.

Montana’s Famous Owl Hotspots

If you’re wondering where to look first, these places offer some of the best chances to catch a glimpse or a hoot.

Yellowstone National Park: In Hayden Valley, Great Grays hide in plain sight. Great Horned Owls stick to riverbanks and Northern Saw-whets hang back in the forested edges. Go early or stay late for the best chance.
Glacier National Park: Burned forests attract Northern Hawk Owls while Boreal Owls call from the high trees. Great Horned Owls settle in the valleys, so check the trails for signs and sounds.
Lolo, Bitterroot & Custer Gallatin National Forests: These large, wild areas are home to Barred Owls, Long-eareds, Pygmy Owls, and the elusive Great Gray. Logging roads and less-traveled trails are your best bet.
Freezeout Lake WMA & Bowdoin NWR: Ideal for Short-eared Owls putting on aerial shows, especially during migration. Burrowing Owls pop up near prairie dog colonies in these open grasslands.
Riparian Corridors & Cottonwood Groves: Follow the riverbanks and look into old cottonwoods…Eastern and Western Screech Owls nest here, and Great Horned Owls use the trees for cover.
Higher Elevation Forests: For serious birders willing to hike, Boreal and Flammulated Owls can be found in subalpine zones. Knowing the right forest type is key and a lot of patience helps.
Open Fields and Farmlands: Barn Owls often roost in barns or silos. As dusk settles in, you might hear their screech or see them glide silently across a field.

Essential Gear and Techniques of Owl Watching

Watching owls in Montana takes a little preparation and a lot of quiet. The right gear and a few smart habits can turn a missed opportunity into an unforgettable sighting.

Essential Gear

You don’t need to go overboard, but a few key items will make your time in the field smoother and more rewarding.

Good Binoculars: A solid pair lets you observe owls clearly without getting too close. Look for ones that perform well in low light.
Montana Field Guide (with Owl Info): Helpful for quick identification, range info, and matching calls to the right bird.
Layered Clothing: Montana’s weather can swing from warm to chilly in minutes. Dress in layers so you’re ready for anything.
Quiet Shoes or Boots: Soft-soled footwear helps you move through grass or forest without making too much noise.
Red Light Headlamp (Use Lightly): Red light preserves your night vision and doesn’t bother wildlife. Keep it dim and use it sparingly.
Optional: Telephoto Camera: If you’re hoping for photos, a zoom lens lets you shoot from a respectful distance. Skip the flash.

How to Hone Your Owl-Spotting Skills

Finding owls takes more than luck. These habits can help you see and hear more of what’s out there.

Watch During the Magic Hours: Early mornings and late evenings are prime time. Owls are vocal and active when light is low, and their prey is moving.
Train Your Ears: Learn each owl’s call. Plenty of online tools and apps can help you study. Practice calling softly and ethically sometimes…they’ll call back.
Be Still, Be Patient: Find a good spot, settle in, and wait. Owls won’t always show up fast, but stillness often pays off.
Move Quietly: Every twig snap or rustle can send a nearby owl flying. Step slowly, avoid sudden motion, and use trees or rocks as cover.
Check the Forecast: Calm, clear nights are your best bet for hearing calls. Wind and rain can quiet owls and make them harder to find. Dress for the conditions and adjust your plan as needed.

Ethical Owl Watching and Conservation

Owl watching should never come at the cost of the birds’ well-being. A little care and respect go a long way toward keeping both owls and their habitats safe.

Keep Your Distance: Don’t get too close, especially if you spot a nest or young owls. Even a well-meaning approach can cause stress or drive them away.
Avoid Disturbing Behavior: Skip the flash and bright lights. Limit how often you use owl call playbacks, as repeated use can confuse or agitate the birds.
Stay on the Path: Wandering off-trail might seem harmless, but it can crush fragile plants or disturb hidden nests. Stick to marked routes whenever possible.
Support Local Conservation Work: Montana’s owls face challenges like shrinking habitats and climate shifts. Groups like the Owl Research Institute are working to protect them, and your support, even small, makes a difference.

Conclusion

Montana gives you the rare chance to hear a Boreal Owl sing, spot a Short-eared Owl floating over the prairie, or catch a Snowy Owl against winter snow all in one year.

With 15 owl species here, there’s always something to watch for. But, the real magic happens in the quiet: a soft hoot, a shadow in the trees, that fleeting moment of eye contact…it’s personal. It stays with you.

So, pack your binoculars, stay patient, and let Montana’s owls reveal a side of the state most people never get to see.