- Smallest owl in Texas
- Found in wooded areas throughout the state
- Distinctive "whinnies" and trills
- Gray or rufous color variations
Great Horned Owl (_Bubo virginianus_):
- Largest owl in Texas
- Found in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and grasslands
- Characteristic "hoo-hoo-hoo" call
- Prominent ear tufts
Barn Owl (_Tyto alba_):
- Pale, heart-shaped face with dark eyes
- Found in open areas, including barns and agricultural fields
- Silent flight makes it an effective predator
Barred Owl (_Strix varia_):
- Medium-sized owl with brown and white barring
- Found in wooded areas throughout the state
- Familiar "who-cooks-for-you" call
Long-eared Owl (_Asio otus_):
- Distinguished by its long ear tufts
- Prefers coniferous forests and riparian areas
- Hunts mainly at night for small mammals and birds
Short-eared Owl (_Asio flammeus_):
- Smaller than the Long-eared Owl, with shorter ear tufts
- Often found in grasslands, marshes, and open fields
- Nomadic and may migrate seasonally
Northern Saw-whet Owl (_Aegolius acadicus_):
- Tiny owl with a round head and yellow eyes
- Found in coniferous forests in the eastern part of Texas
- High-pitched "too-too-too" call
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (_Glaucidium brasilianum_):
- Small, reddish-brown owl with white spots
- Inhabits dense scrublands and semi-arid regions in the southern part of Texas
- Distinct "kee-kee-kee" call
Elf Owl (_Micrathene whitneyi_):
- Smallest owl in the Western Hemisphere
- Found in thorn scrub and desert regions of West Texas
- High-pitched "quee-quee-quee" call