The Bubo genus of owls has two representative in Michigan, the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) and snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus). The great-horned owl is sometimes known as a cat owl, due to its triangular ear tufts. This owl's habitats are primarily dense forests and rocky outcroppings. White feathers completely cover the snowy owl. Snowy owls are open area birds and build their nests on the ground. Rarely does a snowy owl perch in a tree.
The barred owl (Strix varia) and great gray owl (Strix nebulosa) are the only two Michigan birds of the Strix genus. Both of these owls may be identified by their round heads and faces. In Michigan, the great gray owl is the largest owl at over 2 feet long. This bird prefers coniferous forests, but will fly in open areas during the winter. Barred owls are strictly forest nesting birds; these owls prefer thick trees for nesting. However, they will scout open fields for prey.
Eared owls belong to the Asio genus of birds. Michigan is home to two Asio owls, long-eared (Asio otus) and short-eared (Asio flammeus). Long-eared owls have upright ear tufts on their head, while short-eared owls have short tufts that are hardly visible. Throughout the year, long-eared owls live in open forests and grasslands. These owls prefer trees or shrubs near the edge of a forest. Short-eared owls live and nest in open meadows and grasslands near water.
Aegolius genus birds are among the smallest owls in Michigan. The boreal owl (Aegolius funereus) and northern saw-whet owl (Aegolius acadicus) are the only two Aegolius birds in Michigan. The boreal owl receives its name from its habitat, which consists of dense boreal forests, which are woodlands in the northern part of the world. Northern saw-whet owls are grasslands birds. They use their plumage as camouflage with brushes on the ground.
The barn owl (Tyto alba) is the only Tyto genus bird in Michigan. This owl is one of the state's most common birds and has a heart-shaped face. These birds are often found in the lofts of rural barns. Farmers encourage the presence of barn owls since these birds help eliminate rodents, shrews and other crop pests.