Watch For These Lovely Hooters Right Now In Twin Falls ID
Idaho is home to a number of different owl species. If you're hearing them in the trees on your property, this might help you determine which type of species they are.
Birdwatchinghq.com tracks and lists all of the various species of feathered friends we have flapping in the skies above North America and beyond. They also break down the species known to inhabit the United States state by state. Did you know there are more than a dozen different types of owls alone that hoot in the trees of Idaho every night?
The Short-Eared Owl is one of the most common in southern Idaho, as they prefer a lot of trees and wide-open spaces in which to hunt and explore. These birds are easy to identify. They have larger than normal heads, yellow eyes, and a long wingspan, according to owlresearchinstitute.org.
Another species very common to the Magic Valley is the Barred Owl. This species is perhaps the most common in the Northwestern United States, according to audubon.org. Barred owls are known to chase other animals and people, as they are very territorial.
Other species common to the region of southern Idaho are the Long-Eared Owl, the Burrowing Owl (they nest underground), and the Flammulated Owl, according to birdwatchinghq.com. Idaho has millions of acres of pristine, wooded backcountry, which is the main reason the state is home to so many different types.
Next time you hear those hoots coming from your backyard, grab some binoculars and see if you can identify which type it is. Happy owl watching.