Do Owls Make Holes in Trees?

Owls do not make their own holes in trees. Instead, they rely on holes and cavities created by other animals, such as woodpeckers, or by natural decay. An owl may occasionally scratch or widen an existing opening, but it does not excavate fresh holes like some other birds.

How do owls get holes in trees if they don't make them?

Owls are not built for drilling into wood. Their beaks and feet are designed for hunting, not for carving out tree cavities. So how do they find shelter? They rely on three main sources:

• Woodpecker holes – Woodpeckers chisel out nesting and roosting holes, and when they abandon them, owls move in.
• Natural rot and decay – A broken branch, lightning strike, or fungal rot can create a hollow space that owls may use.
• Man-made nest boxes – Many owls will happily use a wooden box mounted on a tree if it matches their size needs.

Once an owl finds a suitable cavity, it may pull out loose wood chips or moss to clean it out. It might also scratch at the entrance if the hole is a bit too small for its body. But that is the extent of its “construction” work. The core job of making the hole is left to other forces.

What types of owls use tree holes?

Many owl species rely on tree cavities for nesting and roosting. The most common hole-loving owls include:

• Eastern Screech-Owl – A small owl that fits easily into woodpecker holes and natural cavities.
• Barred Owl – Often takes over old squirrel nests or large woodpecker holes.
• Great Horned Owl – Prefers open nests from hawks or crows, but will also use a large hollow tree or broken top.
• Barn Owl – Usually nests in buildings or cliffs, but occasionally uses a tree cavity if it is deep enough.
• Saw-whet Owl – One of the smallest, it often uses holes made by Northern Flickers or other woodpeckers.

Even large owls rarely dig. They adapt to what nature and other birds leave behind.

Can owls damage a tree by living in a hole?

An owl living in a tree cavity typically does not cause serious harm. The hole is already there, and the owl simply occupies it. However, there are a few ways an owl might affect a tree over time:

• Enlarging the entrance – If the owl needs to squeeze in, it may scratch the bark, which is usually minor.
• Droppings (guano) – Owl droppings are high in nitrogen. A heavy buildup beneath the hole can burn grass or small plants but rarely hurts the tree roots.
• Pellets – Owls cough up pellets of bones and fur. These are messy but not harmful to the tree.

In most cases, the tree continues to live normally. The real danger to the tree comes from the original cause of the hole — decay, fungus, or woodpecker damage. If the hole was made by a woodpecker searching for insects, the tree might already be infested. The owl is just an innocent tenant.

Do owls make holes in houses or human structures?

You will not see an owl chipping away at your wooden siding. Owls do not drill into houses. However, they will use holes that already exist. If you have a gap under your eaves, a broken vent cover, or an open attic soffit, an owl might explore it. Barn Owls are especially known for nesting inside barns, silos, and even abandoned buildings. They enter through existing openings but do not create new ones. If you find an owl inside a wall gap, it did not carve that gap — it simply found it. To prevent owls from entering your home, close off any openings larger than a fist. Check roof vents, chimney caps, and attic louvers. Do this outside of nesting season to avoid trapping young birds.

How can you tell if an owl is using a tree hole?

Spotting an owl in a tree hole can be tricky because they are quiet and camouflaged. Look for these signs:

• Fresh white streaks – Owl droppings often run down the bark below the hole.
• Pellets on the ground – Small, gray, oval clumps of fur and bones may be scattered near the base of the tree.
• Feathers at the entrance – A few downy feathers might be caught on the edge of the hole.
• Unusual sounds at night – Hooting, hissing, or bill-snapping from the cavity are clear indicators.
• Scratch marks around the hole – Owls may leave slight claw marks as they enter or exit, but these are much lighter than woodpecker damage.

What should you do if you find an owl hole in your yard?

If you discover an owl is living in a tree on your property, here are some practical tips:

• Leave it alone – Owls are protected in most regions, and disturbing a nest can be illegal.
• Keep your distance – Watch from afar, especially during nesting season (spring to early summer).
• Do not block the hole – If you seal the entrance, you may trap an adult or chicks inside.
• Consider installing a nest box – If the tree is diseased and might fall, you can offer an alternative home nearby. Many owl species accept manufactured nest boxes.
• Inspect the tree’s health – The hole may indicate rot or decay. If the tree is unstable, consult an arborist. They can evaluate whether the tree is safe or should be removed (with special care for the owl).

If you decide to add a nest box, choose one sized for the owls in your area. For example, a box for Eastern Screech-Owls has a 3-inch entrance hole and is mounted 10–20 feet high on a tree trunk. Check out a selection of owl nest boxes on Amazon if you want to give local owls a safe alternative to natural tree cavities.

Can you attract owls to a tree hole in your backyard?

If you already have a tree with an old woodpecker hole or a natural cavity, you can make it more attractive to owls. Follow these steps:

• Keep the area natural – Avoid heavy pruning or removing dead branches where owls might perch.
• Provide a water source – A birdbath or small pond gives owls a place to drink and bathe.
• Reduce outdoor lighting – Bright lights can discourage nocturnal owls.
• Use a camera to peek – Do not stick your hand or a light into the cavity. Instead, use a wildlife camera or inspection scope to check occupancy from a safe distance.
• Let the cavity age naturally – Don't clean out old bedding or pellets. Owls do not mind a little mess, and strong smells can actually help them find the site.

Owls are wonderful natural pest controllers, eating mice, voles, and large insects. By keeping a suitable cavity untouched, you give them a safe roost and help balance your local ecosystem.

Are there any risks to having an owl hole near your home?

The risks are minimal but worth knowing:

• Noise at night – Owls call, hoot, and sometimes make loud clacking sounds. If the hole is near a bedroom window, it may disturb sleep.
• Messy ground below – Pellets and droppings can be unsightly, though they break down quickly.
• Attracting other animals – The same tree cavity might also be used by squirrels, raccoons, or snakes. Owls often dominate, but conflicts can happen.

In general, having an owl hole is a sign of a healthy, mature tree. It adds wildlife value to your property. Unless the tree is a hazard, the benefits usually outweigh the small inconveniences.

What is the difference between an owl hole and a woodpecker hole?

A woodpecker hole has a clean, round or oval shape with smooth edges. The bird chips away wood systematically, and fresh debris lies at the base. An owl hole, on the other hand, is often irregular because the owl may scratch at the edges to enlarge it slightly. Also, woodpecker holes are usually used only for one season, while an owl may return to the same cavity for years. You can sometimes guess which animal created the hole just by its appearance. If the entrance is perfectly round and about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, it was likely made by a Downy Woodpecker. A larger, messier hole with white streaks below is probably an owl’s current home. Use a tree health inspection tool if you want to examine the cavity safely without disturbing the owl.

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