12 Nocturnal Bird Species in Maryland

There are approximately 12 species of nocturnal birds regularly found in Maryland, with the most commonly observed being various owl species and the Eastern Whip-poor-will. These night-active birds play a crucial role in the state's ecosystems, particularly in controlling rodent and insect populations. Understanding how many nocturnal birds are in Maryland involves recognizing both resident and migratory species that exhibit nighttime behaviors, including hunting, calling, and nesting after dark.

Biology and Behavior of Nocturnal Birds in Maryland

Nocturnal birds have evolved specialized adaptations that allow them to thrive in low-light conditions. In Maryland, the primary nocturnal avian groups include owls (order Strigiformes) and nightjars (family Caprimulgidae). These birds possess large eyes with enhanced light-gathering capabilities, asymmetrical ear placements for precise sound localization, and soft feathers that enable silent flight—critical traits for successful nighttime predation.

Owls such as the Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, and Northern Saw-whet Owl are year-round residents in various forested and suburban habitats across the state. The Short-eared Owl is typically seen during winter months in open fields and marshlands, especially in coastal areas like Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Meanwhile, the Eastern Whip-poor-will, though declining due to habitat loss, still breeds in parts of western and central Maryland and is most active at dusk and throughout the night.

List of Nocturnal Bird Species Found in Maryland

The following table outlines the primary nocturnal bird species documented in Maryland, including their residency status, preferred habitats, and seasonal presence:

Species	Residency	Habitat	Seasonal Activity
Eastern Screech-Owl	Resident	Woodlands, suburbs	Year-round
Barred Owl	Resident	Swamps, forests	Year-round
Great Horned Owl	Resident	Forests, urban parks	Year-round
Northern Saw-whet Owl	Resident & Migrant	Coniferous forests	Winter & Year-round (north)
Long-eared Owl	Winter Visitor	Dense conifers	Winter
Short-eared Owl	Winter Visitor	Grasslands, marshes	Winter
Barn Owl	Resident (rare)	Barns, farmlands	Year-round (sporadic)
Eastern Whip-poor-will	Summer Breeder	Dry woodlands	Spring–Fall
Nighthawk (Common)	Summer Migrant	Open areas, rooftops	Spring–Fall
Chuck-will's-widow	Rare Visitor	Southern woodlands	Spring–Summer
Lesser Nighthawk	Accidental	Open desert-like areas	Occasional summer
Elf Owl	Not Present	N/A	Never recorded

This list confirms that around 12 species display nocturnal or crepuscular behavior in Maryland, though only about nine are reliably encountered depending on location and season. Some species, like the Barn Owl, face conservation challenges due to habitat degradation and pesticide use, making sightings increasingly rare despite historical presence.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance of Nocturnal Birds

Nocturnal birds, especially owls, hold deep symbolic meaning in human cultures. In Native American traditions, owls are often seen as messengers between worlds, associated with wisdom, transition, and the spirit realm. The Algonquian peoples, indigenous to the Chesapeake region including present-day Maryland, viewed the owl as a guardian of the night and a symbol of intuition and hidden knowledge.

In modern times, these birds continue to inspire folklore, literature, and environmental education. The haunting call of the Eastern Whip-poor-will at night has been linked in regional stories to omens or lost souls, reflecting how mystery surrounds creatures active when humans sleep. However, it’s important to dispel myths—such as the idea that seeing an owl brings bad luck—as they can contribute to fear-based persecution of protected species.

Conversely, positive symbolism promotes conservation. Many schools and organizations in Maryland adopt owls as mascots or emblems of ecological awareness, reinforcing respect for native wildlife. Public programs during events like International Owl Week help educate communities about the importance of preserving nocturnal bird habitats.

Best Places and Times to Observe Nocturnal Birds in Maryland

For birdwatchers interested in answering how many nocturnal birds are in Maryland through firsthand observation, timing and location are critical. The best periods for detecting nocturnal species are during twilight hours—just after sunset and before sunrise—when many nightjars and owls begin vocalizing.

Prime locations include:

• Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Dorchester County): Known for wintering Short-eared Owls and year-round Barred Owls. Guided night walks are occasionally offered.
• Patapsco Valley State Park (near Baltimore): Home to Eastern Screech-Owls and Great Horned Owls; ideal for auditory surveys.
• Catoctin Mountain Park (Frederick County): Supports breeding populations of Eastern Whip-poor-wills and nesting Northern Saw-whet Owls.
• Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary (Anne Arundel County): Offers night birding programs focusing on marshland species.

Spring and early summer are optimal for hearing male whip-poor-wills and nighthawks performing courtship flights. Late autumn through winter provides the best chance to spot elusive migrants like Long-eared and Short-eared Owls in open fields.

How to Identify Nocturnal Birds Without Seeing Them

Because many nocturnal birds are more often heard than seen, learning their calls is essential for accurate identification. Audio recognition tools such as Merlin Bird ID by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology allow users to record and match bird sounds in real time.

Key vocalizations to learn:

• Eastern Screech-Owl: A descending whinny or a monotonic trill.
• Barred Owl: Distinctive “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” phrase.
• Eastern Whip-poor-will: Repetitive, rhythmic “whip-poor-will” call, often continuing for minutes.
• Common Nighthawk: Sharp “peent” call during aerial displays at dusk.

Using playback responsibly (sparingly and not during nesting season) can sometimes lure owls into view, but ethical guidelines recommend minimizing disturbance, especially in protected areas.

Conservation Status and Threats

Several nocturnal bird species in Maryland are experiencing population declines. The Eastern Whip-poor-will is listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the state’s Wildlife Action Plan due to habitat fragmentation and reduced insect availability from pesticide use. Similarly, Barn Owls are considered threatened locally, with fewer than 50 known nesting pairs statewide.

Major threats include:

• Loss of mature forests and dead trees (critical for owl nesting cavities)
• Conversion of grasslands and old fields to agriculture or development
• Light pollution disrupting natural night cycles
• Pesticide use reducing prey abundance (insects and small mammals)
• Vehicular collisions, especially for ground-foraging species like nighthawks

Efforts to mitigate these issues involve installing nest boxes for Barn Owls and Eastern Screech-Owls, preserving large tracts of contiguous forest, and promoting dark-sky initiatives to reduce artificial lighting impacts.

Tips for Ethical Nighttime Birdwatching

Observing nocturnal birds requires special considerations to avoid harming wildlife. Follow these best practices:

• Use red-filtered flashlights: Red light is less disruptive to night-adapted vision in birds and observers alike.
• Limited flashlight use: Shine only when necessary and avoid shining directly at roosting or nesting birds.
• Maintain distance: Use binoculars or spotting scopes instead of approaching closely.
• Avoid excessive playback: Repeatedly playing calls can stress birds, disrupt mating, or attract predators.
• Stick to trails: Minimize habitat disturbance, especially in sensitive areas like wetlands or nesting grounds.
• Report rare sightings: Submit observations to eBird or Maryland Biodiversity Project to support scientific monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many species of owls live in Maryland?

There are nine owl species recorded in Maryland, with five being relatively common: Eastern Screech-Owl, Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, and Short-eared Owl (winter only).

Are there any truly nocturnal birds besides owls in Maryland?

Yes. The Eastern Whip-poor-will and Common Nighthawk are members of the nightjar family and are primarily active at dawn, dusk, and night, feeding on flying insects.

When is the best time to hear owls calling in Maryland?

Owls are most vocal from late winter through early spring (January to April), especially during courtship and territory establishment. However, some species call year-round.

Can I install a nest box for nocturnal birds?

Yes. Nest boxes designed for Eastern Screech-Owls and Barn Owls are effective in suitable habitats. Plans and placement guidelines are available from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Why are nocturnal bird populations declining in Maryland?

Primary causes include habitat loss, light pollution, reduced prey availability due to pesticides, and climate change affecting migration and breeding cycles.