1. Barn Owl (Tyto alba): Barn owls are known for their large, heart-shaped faces and long, pale wings. They are often described as gentle, curious, and intelligent owls. They readily adapt to the presence of humans and may nest in barns or other human-made structures.
2. Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia): Burrowing owls are small, ground-dwelling owls with long legs and striking yellow eyes. They tend to be social creatures, often living in colonies. They are known for their playful and curious disposition and are often willing to interact with humans near their burrows.
3. Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio): Eastern screech-owls are small owls with prominent ear tufts. They are known for their gentle nature and are often found in residential areas. These owls readily habituate to human presence and are sometimes curious enough to approach people closely.
4. Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus): Great horned owls are large and powerful owls often seen in forests and open areas. They can appear fierce, but in captivity, they can develop strong bonds with their human handlers and be quite interactive.
5. Northern Saw-Whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus): Northern saw-whet owls are small, fluffy owls with piercing yellow eyes. They have a reputation for being calm, docile, and tolerant of human handling, often allowing people to approach them closely without displaying defensive behaviors.
6. Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus): Snowy owls are large, white owls with striking yellow eyes. They are generally considered gentle, easygoing, and relatively trusting when interacting with humans. In the wild, they are known for their tameness and curiosity toward humans.
It's important to note that the personality and temperament of individual owls can vary, and the perceived niceness of an owl may also be influenced by its level of habituation to humans, prior experiences, and the individual's approach and behavior.