What is the largest owl in Massachusetts?

Owls are fascinating birds of prey that come in many different sizes. When it comes to the owls found in Massachusetts, the largest species is the Great Horned Owl.

An Introduction to Owls in Massachusetts

There are 8 species of owls that are known to live and breed in Massachusetts according to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. These owls range in size from very small to quite large.

The owl species found in Massachusetts are:

• Eastern Screech Owl
• Great Horned Owl
• Barred Owl
• Long-eared Owl
• Short-eared Owl
• Northern Saw-whet Owl
• Barn Owl
• Snowy Owl

Of these owls, the Great Horned Owl is the largest species found in the state.

Key Facts About the Great Horned Owl

Here are some key facts about the Great Horned Owl:

• It has a wingspan of up to 5 feet wide.
• It stands between 17-25 inches tall.
• It can weigh anywhere from 2-5 pounds.
• The females are larger than the males.
• It has distinctive ear tufts or “horns” on its head.
• Its call is a deep hooting “hoo-hoo-hoo hoo.”
• It is sometimes known as the “Tiger of the Sky” due to its power and hunting ability.

With its large size, wingspan and weight, the Great Horned Owl dwarfs other owl species found in Massachusetts.

Range and Habitat

Great Horned Owls are found across Massachusetts and throughout most of the United States and southern Canada. They adapt well to many habitats including forests, swamps, parks, suburbs and even cities.

In Massachusetts, they are most often found nesting in mature forests, wooded swamps and semi-open habitats. They require tall trees or structures for nesting and will also use abandoned buildings and barns.

Diet and Hunting

As a powerful and opportunistic predator, the Great Horned Owl has a varied diet:

• Rodents like mice, voles, rats, squirrels
• Hares and rabbits
• Birds including grouse, waterfowl and other owls
• Reptiles and amphibians
• Insects
• Carrion

They are powerful hunters with excellent low-light vision and hearing. Their preferred hunting strategy is to perch high on a snag or other vantage point and wait for prey movement. Once prey is detected, they swoop down swiftly on nearly silent wings.

Breeding and Nesting

Great Horned Owls begin breeding in late winter or early spring in Massachusetts. They do not build their own nests, instead typically taking over the abandoned nests of hawks, crows or squirrels.

The female lays 1-3 white eggs which hatch after about 30-35 days. The young owlets stay in the nest for 4-5 weeks before venturing out onto branches. They depend on their parents for food and protection for several months after leaving the nest.

Conservation Status

The Great Horned Owl has a healthy, stable population across its range. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. In Massachusetts, they are a protected species, but considered common statewide.

Major threats include habitat loss and vehicle collisions. They are susceptible to poisoning from pesticides or contaminated prey. Climate change and severe weather events also pose long-term risks to populations.

Comparison to Other Massachusetts Owls

Here’s how the Great Horned Owl compares in size to other owl species found in Massachusetts:

As the table shows, the Great Horned Owl is much larger than the other owl species found in Massachusetts in terms of length, wingspan and weight.

Conclusion

With its large stature and distinct horns, the Great Horned Owl stands out as the biggest and most imposing owl found in Massachusetts. It plays an important ecological role as a top predator, helping to manage rodent and other prey populations.

Great Horned Owls can thrive in wilderness as well as semi-open areas near humans. With proper habitat conservation and protections, these magnificent birds will continue as a key part of the Massachusetts landscape for years to come.