What Is the Life Expectancy of Owls?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 12, 2023

There are more than 200 species of owls and depending on the species, an owl’s life expectancy can range from 1 year for a short-lived species, such as the barn owl, to as long as 10 years in the case of a screech owl. Life expectancy has many contributing factors like habitat and can vary depending on whether it is in captivity or in the wild. Owls in captivity generally live twice as long as in a wild habitat.

Owl species vary greatly in behavior, habitat and life expectancy. Some are nocturnal and can change coloring depending on their habitat and age. The Great Horned Owl is the largest of the American Owls and can live up to 30 years in captivity.