Owls in Idaho

The state of Idaho is home to about 14 species of owls. Idaho is one of the few US states with unspoiled natural areas, providing multiple habitats for different owls. For instance, the Western Screech Owl is quite common in the higher elevations of the state, while the Great Horned Owl lives in most other habitats.

List of Owls in Idaho

Name	Average Size	Status	Where Do They Live in the State	Mating Season
Small Owls
Northern Saw-whet Owl	Length: 7 – 8 inches Wingspan: 17-22 inches	Native	Common throughout the state, especially in forested areas like Payette National Forest and Boise National Forest	Spring (March to April)
Western Screech Owl	Length: 8.7 inches Wingspan: 22 inches	Native	Abundant in forests at high elevations, like the Boise Foothills	Late winter to early summer (February to May)
Northern Pygmy Owl	Length: 5.9–6.7 inches Wingspan: 12 inches	Native	Lives in forested areas like the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and the Clearwater National Forest	Spring to early summer (Late April to June)
Boreal Owl	Length: 8.7–10.6 inches Wingspan: 20–24 inches	Native	Though quite elusive, sightings occur in remote forests in Boise, Caribou, Clearwater, Panhandle, Payette, Salmon, and Targhee	Spring to summer (March to July)
Burrowing Owl	Length: 9-11 inches Wingspan:  21-24 inches	Accidental	Mostly seen in the southwestern part of Idaho, like Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge	Late winter to early spring (February to August)
Flammulated Owl	Length: 6.5-7.5 inches Wingspan: 12-15 inches	Accidental	They are extremely common south of the Salmon River, around ponderosa pine trees	Late spring to early summer (mid-April to July)
Large Owls
Barn Owl	Length: 12-16 inches Wingspan: 42-43 inches	Native	Very common in southwest Idaho, sightings become rarer in the north and east	Year-round, with peaks in late winter and spring (March to June)
Great Horned Owl	Length: 18-25 inches Wingspan: 40-60 inches	Native	Extremely common except for the highest elevations, with sightings in Craters of the Moon National Monument, City of Rocks National Reserve, and Boise River Greenbelt	Late fall to early winter (November to January)
Barred Owl	Length: 16-24 inches Wingspan: 16-24 inches	Native	Decently common in northern Idaho and around the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness	Late winter to spring (February to April)
Short-eared Owl	Length: 13-17 inches Wingspan: 33-43 inches	Native	Common in southern Idaho, as well as Camas Prairie and Palouse	Varies, often in early spring (March to June, peaking in April)
Long-eared Owl	Length: 13-16 inches Wingspan: 24-40 inches	Native	Most common in southern Idaho in places like Boise National Forest, but are less common in other parts of the state	From late winter to early spring (around February to April)
Northern Hawk-owl	Length: 14.2-17.6 inches Wingspan: 18 inches	Accidental	Occasional visitor in northern Idaho	Late winter to early summer (mid-February to May)
Great Gray Owl	Length: 24-33 inches Wingspan: 4-5 feet	Accidental	They have been seen in thenorthern panhandle, as well as central-western Idaho and the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness	Spring to early summer (March to May)
Snowy Owl	Length: 20-27 inches Wingspan: 49-58 inches	Accidental	Occasional visitors to the northern part of the state	Varies by region and based on prey availability (any time between May and September)

Where Can You See Owls in Idaho

In southeastern Idaho, Camas National Wildlife Refuge is home to the Short-eared Owl, while Mink Creek Recreation Area is home to the Flammulated and Northern Pygmy Owls. Market Lake Wildlife Management Area in eastern Idaho is home to several owl species like the Long-eared Owl, the Northern Saw-whet Owl, and the Short-eared Owl.