Whooo Knew Massachusetts Has So Many Owl Species?

Owls are one of those out-of-sight, out-of-mind things we don't think a lot about because it's not often that we see them.

However, owls are here in Massachusetts, and there are eight species of them that wait until the sun sets to rule the night.

According to the World of Owls website, "Owls are classified as mainly nocturnal (active at night) birds." The site says, "There are about 222 to 268 species of owl in the world, depending upon whose study you read." It's thought 69 percent of all owls are nocturnal.

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World of Owls says, "Owls are Raptors, or Birds of Prey, which means they hunt other living things for their food, using their special adaptations and unique abilities that set them apart from any other creature."

Owls are found on all continents except Antarctica "and in a great variety of habitats, from thick forests to open prairies."

Avibirds.com says there are eight owls in Massachusetts "from the dense woodlands to the coastal marshes, Massachusetts provides a rich and varied habitat for the remarkable avian predators."

The Eastern Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, American Barn Owl, Barred Owl, Short-eared Owl, Long-eared Owl and Northern Saw-whet Owl are mostly plentiful in Massachusetts and classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (UICN).

The Snowy Owl, also present in Massachusetts, is listed as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN.

Avibirds.com says, "Massachusetts offers a variety of habitats that are home to different owl species, making it an exciting destination for owl enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike."

The Quabbin Reservoir, Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, Cape Cod and Mount Tom State Reservation are "good areas" to visit if you want to spot owls.

Avibrids.com says, "Starting your trips around sunset or just before sunrise increases your chances of seeing the birds."