Did you know Minnesota is currently experiencing a rare and fascinating phenomenon that’s bringing majestic owls to our backyards? But here’s where it gets controversial—what’s really driving these owls south, and why are some of them risking their lives in the process? Let’s dive into the world of Minnesota’s owls and uncover the secrets behind their unexpected visits.
Last week, near Duluth, a reader spotted a stunning white owl by the roadside, reminiscent of the iconic owl from Harry Potter. And this is the part most people miss—this wasn’t just any owl; it was likely a snowy owl, a visitor from the Arctic tundra. But why would such a majestic bird venture so far south? The answer lies in a phenomenon called an irruption, where owls migrate south in search of food and habitat. Snowy owls, with their striking black-and-white plumage (some almost entirely white for snowy camouflage), are typically found in northern Canada and Alaska. They’re about 2 feet tall, with round heads, yellow eyes, and black beaks, and they feast on voles, mice, and other small creatures.
Here’s the twist: While hunger was long believed to trigger these migrations, a 2013-14 study flipped this idea on its head. Despite an abundance of lemmings (their favorite snack) in the Arctic that summer, an irruption still occurred. The new theory? A lemming boom led to a surge in owlet births. With limited Arctic habitat, the younger owls were forced south to find their own space, as older, dominant owls claimed the prime spots. What do you think—is this theory a game-changer, or is there more to the story?
Snowy owls aren’t the only ones making surprise appearances. Minnesota also hosts irruptions of the great gray owl, the state’s largest owl, standing up to 33 inches tall with a 4- to 5-foot wingspan. These gray-streaked birds with deep hoots are year-round residents in northern Minnesota, but during irruptions, they venture further south. But here’s the heartbreaking part: Great gray owls often hunt along open roads, diving into snow for voles—and their poor peripheral vision makes them easy targets for cars. During the 2005 irruption, The Raptor Center admitted over 100 great grays, most of which didn’t survive their collisions. Is there a way we can better protect these owls during irruptions? Share your thoughts below.
Now, let’s talk identification. While owl spotting is an art best left to experts, here are some key characteristics to help you tell them apart:
- Barred Owl: Common in Minnesota, with brown and gray barred plumage and a 3.5-foot wingspan. Their call? A distinctive “Who cooks for you?”
- Great Horned Owl: Similar in size to the barred owl but with bright yellow eyes and horn-like ear tufts. Known as the “flying tiger,” they’re fearless hunters, even taking on skunks and porcupines. Their call is a deep “Hoo-hoo-hoo-hooo.”
- Eastern Screech Owl: Half the size of barred and great horned owls, with yellow eyes and mottled gray, white, or rust coloring. Their call sounds like a horse’s whinny followed by a trilling whistle—or occasionally a blood-curdling screech. Ever heard something that made your hair stand on end? It might’ve been these guys!
- Northern Saw-whet Owl: Tiny, at just 7-8 inches long, found only in northeastern Minnesota. Their call is a series of short, whistled notes. Sadly, larger owls often prey on them.
- Long-eared Owl: Found in the northern two-thirds of the state, with a 3-foot wingspan, a round orange face, and striped black, white, and brown plumage. Their calls are most common during March and April breeding season.
Other owls, like the barn owl, boreal owl, burrowing owl, northern hawk owl, and short-eared owl, are rarer but still possible to spot in specific regions. Did you know some of these owls are declining due to habitat loss? How can we help preserve their homes?
Want to attract owls to your property? Leave dying trees with cavities or build owl nesting boxes—barred and eastern screech owls love them. With their appetite for rodents, owls are not just fascinating but also beneficial neighbors.
Got questions about Minnesota’s wildlife, from birds to bugs and beyond? Or are you a naturalist eager to share your expertise? Email me at BLAmasternaturalist@gmail.com. Let’s keep the conversation going—what’s your favorite owl, and why? Let’s discuss in the comments!
