Owls in the Winter - What a Hoot!

Wait, what?! You can see owls in the winter? Yes, yes you can!

Spotting owls in Alberta during the winter is a thrilling experience, as several species, including the great horned and snowy owl, remain active in open or edge habitats despite the cold. Their presence in our snow-covered landscapes adds an enchanting and mysterious element to the province’s winter wildlife. Read on to learn more about four owl species commonly seen in Alberta throughout the winter!

Snowy Owls

Snowy owl (*Bubo scandiacus*), photo taken by an AJM Biologist

In the winter, snowy owls (Bubo scandiacus) are a captivating sight in Alberta’s expansive prairies and tundra-like landscapes. These large, white owls, with their striking yellow eyes and round faces, are perfectly adapted to cold climates. Males are nearly all white, while females have more dark markings, providing excellent camouflage against the snow-covered environment. Snowy owls prefer open, flat terrains such as fields, grasslands, and even the edges of airports or roads, where they perch and scan for prey. They are opportunistic hunters, mainly feeding on small mammals like voles, lemmings, and other rodents, which are abundant and remain active under the snow. During the colder months, these owls migrate south from their Arctic breeding grounds in search of food, making Alberta an important wintering ground. The open landscapes and availability of prey offer them the conditions necessary for survival in the cold season.

Northern Hawk Owl

In the winter, the northern hawk owl (Surnia ulula) is a fascinating and elusive predator that can be found in Alberta's boreal forests and open woodlands. Recognized for its striking appearance, the northern hawk owl has a long, slender body with a distinctive mix of dark markings and white streaks, resembling a hawk in flight. Its sharp, yellow eyes and relatively long tail make it easy to identify among other owl species. Unlike most owls, which are nocturnal, the northern hawk owl is diurnal, actively hunting during the day. It preys primarily on small mammals, including voles, lemmings, and squirrels, often hunting from a perch in the tops of trees or on utility poles. During the harsh winter months, this owl can be found in Alberta’s northern forests, where it takes advantage of the abundant small mammal populations. The forested habitat provides ample cover for hunting and nesting, as well as a relatively stable food source. Although northern hawk owls are not as commonly observed as some other owl species, winter sightings of these owls offer bird watchers a rare opportunity to observe their active, daytime hunting behavior.

Great Horned Owl

The great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) is a prominent and tenacious predator that remains active throughout the winter months in Alberta. Declared as Alberta’s provincial bird in 1977, this large owl is a fierce hunter and one of the most common owls in North America. They are known for their distinctive tufted "horns" (feathers on top of its head) and powerful build. It has a broad, rounded body with mottled gray and brown feathers, and striking yellow eyes that are well-suited for its nocturnal lifestyle. In winter, great horned owls inhabit a variety of environments, including forests, woodlands, and even urban areas across Alberta. They typically roost in tall trees or large conifers, where they have a clear view of the surrounding area. These owls are highly adaptable and can thrive in the cold months, preying on a wide range of animals, including small mammals, birds, and even reptiles. Their ability to hunt in both daylight and nighttime makes them highly effective predators. Great horned owls are territorial, often occupying the same wintering areas year after year.

Great Gray Owl

The great gray owl (Strix nebulosa) is the largest owl in the province and one of the most remarkable and elusive owl species found in Alberta’s winter landscapes. Recognizable by its large size, round face, and distinctive facial disc, the great gray owl is often called the "phantom of the north" due to its silent flight and mysterious appearance. It has a striking mix of gray, white, and black plumage, with a broad wingspan and long tail, which helps it blend seamlessly into the winter forests of Alberta. This owl prefers dense boreal forests, particularly those with a mix of mature trees and open meadows, which provide ideal hunting grounds. Great gray owls are highly skilled hunters, primarily feeding on small mammals such as voles, which are abundant under the snow. They rely on their exceptional hearing to detect prey hidden beneath the snow and swoop down silently to capture it. In winter, these owls are typically solitary and can be found in the central and northern parts of Alberta, where they adapt to the cold temperatures and deep snow.

Winter is a great time to look for owls, as their plumage blends with the snow, making them easier to spot on trees or fence posts. Generally, the best time to see them is at dawn or dusk, but during the day you may be able to find a roosting owl, asleep in a tree. There is no “wrong time” to observe owls in the wintertime, as some species are active during the day! Be sure to bring binoculars and bundle up for your winter owl-watching excursions.

Happy owl-watching!

References

Owls of Alberta - Nature Alberta

Strigidae Browse by Family, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Guide to North American Birds | Audubon

Owl ID Guide I Owl Research Institute

Written By: Kathleen Selkirk, AJM Environmental Biologist