Do Owls Come Out During The Day? (Comprehensive Guide)

When we think of the bird, most of us picture an owl soaring silently through a dark forest or perched motionless on all fours in search of prey. Since this species is known for being nocturnal, you might be surprised to know that owls are also active during the day.

Many owl species are indeed nocturnal, or active at night. However, it is not uncommon for nocturnal owls to be active during the day. A species may make this behavioral change for a variety of reasons, but it’s usually related to food availability.

Some owls do not exhibit nocturnal behavior at all. Some species are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. Others are active at dusk, or at dawn and dusk.

In this article, we take a closer look at which species are more likely to be active during the day, and why nocturnal owls sometimes switch to daytime hunting. Read on to discover more fun facts about owls!

Species such as the northern eagle owl are mainly active during the day

What owls come out during the day?

Any owl species can be observed during the day without concern. Some sightings are much rarer than others. For example, the well-known great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) remains primarily nocturnal, but may also be seen at dawn or dusk.

Some owls are mainly diurnal. These include the northern eagle owl (Surnia ulula) and the northern pygmy owl (Glaucidium californicum). Exactly why these two species evolved to be diurnal rather than nocturnal is not fully understood. However, the reason may have to do with the owl’s preferred food source.

Pygmy owls prefer to hunt passerines or songbirds that are mainly diurnal. Likewise, eagle owls also prey on birds, as well as mammals and reptiles that are active during the day and night.

The snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) is another species that is often active during the day. They don’t have to be diurnal, though. Because snowy owls live in their arctic habitat, they are adapted to a 24-hour day and 24-hour dark season.

These owls do not have a fixed morning or afternoon hunting schedule. They are active at any time of the day or night, whether it is day or night. Like other species, the snowy owl adjusts its hunting style based on when the desired prey is most active.

Northern pygmy owl perched on a branch

Are owls nocturnal?

Despite popular belief, not all owls are nocturnal. Many species, such as the barn owl (Tyto alba), spotted owl (Strix occidentalis) or fire owl (Psiloscops flammeolus), are almost exclusively nocturnal. However, not all owl species are strictly grouped together.

Some diurnal owls occasionally exhibit twilight behavior, which means they are active at dusk and dawn. Likewise, primarily nocturnal owls are often active in the evening or early morning, and perhaps throughout the day.

It is not unusual for species such as the striped owl (Strix varia) or great horned owl to alter their sleep schedule to hunt during the day. This is especially common in winter, as nighttime weather conditions are much harsher than daytime conditions.

It’s not uncommon to see barred owls day and night

Why do owls come out during the day?

If a primarily nocturnal or dusk owl is out during the day, the most likely explanation has to do with food availability. Daytime sightings of owls are not uncommon, especially in winter. Common prey such as mice, voles, and other rodents are less likely to be active if the nights are cold or stormy. As a result, the owl changes its feeding schedule.

The change between daytime and nighttime hunting ensures that owls have adequate food resources to stay healthy and maintain their energy levels. If you see an owl during the day, there is no need to panic.

The bird is unlikely to get sick or injured, nor is it a danger to anyone. Take this opportunity to observe the fascinating behavior of this allusive bird.

Barn owls are primarily active at dawn, dusk and late at night, however, they typically hunt during the day when food is less plentiful

Why are owls so often scary?

There is no shortage of owl legends or folklore. You may even have heard some yourself. These wondrous but often misunderstood creatures have historically been associated with bad luck and even death. The story may have evolved due to the nocturnal behavior of many owl species, the curious ability to rotate their heads (270 degrees instead of 360 as is commonly believed), and their quiet flight at night.

Knowing about owls’ unique abilities, it’s easy to understand why they can inspire fear in some people. Seemingly abnormal behavior, such as daytime activity, may be seen as a particularly bad omen.

Quite the contrary, however, owls are an extremely important part of the habitat they inhabit. They help maintain the balance between rodent and other prey populations. Understanding the role owls play and helping to preserve them in their native environment is of the utmost importance to us.

Spotted Owl (Athene brama) spinning its head

Daytime Owl FAQs

Is it normal to see owls during the day?

It is normal to see owls during the day. Some owl species are naturally diurnal, while others sometimes change their sleep schedules based on when their prey is most active. This can lead to occasional daytime owl sightings.

Where can you see the Northern Eagle Owl?

The eagle owl is a northern resident that can be found throughout Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia, and most of Eurasia. This species is occasionally observed in northern Michigan and Wisconsin.

Where can I see a northern pygmy owl?

The northern pygmy owl is found throughout the mountain ranges of the western United States, including the Cascades in Washington and Oregon, and the Sierras and Rocky Mountains in California. Its range also extends north to British Columbia and south to the entire Mexico region.