Several owl species make Kentucky their permanent or seasonal home. The diverse habitats across the Commonwealth, from dense forests to open grasslands, provide suitable environments for these nocturnal raptors. Some species are common residents, while others are rare visitors or have localized populations.
Identifying Kentucky’s Resident Owls
The three most frequently encountered owls in Kentucky are the Eastern Screech Owl, the Barred Owl, and the Great Horned Owl, all year-round residents. The Eastern Screech Owl is a small species, measuring six to ten inches in length with a wingspan up to two feet. They exhibit two common color morphs: reddish-brown or gray plumage, both featuring small, distinct ear tufts. Despite its name, this owl does not screech but produces a quavering, descending whinny and a monotonic trill.
The Barred Owl typically stands between 17 and 24 inches tall with a wingspan reaching five feet. This species is recognizable by its mottled brown and white feathers, barred horizontally across the chest and vertically on the belly. It is highly vocal, often giving the rhythmic eight or nine-note call that sounds like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?”.
The Great Horned Owl is the largest of the common residents, standing up to 25 inches long with a five-foot wingspan and weighing up to three pounds. Its distinguishing features are the prominent feather tufts, often called “horns,” on its head, along with large yellow eyes. It produces a deep, low-pitched series of hoots, typically a four-note pattern of “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo,” which is softer and less rhythmic than the Barred Owl’s call.
Habitats and Behavioral Patterns
The common owl species occupy specific niches within Kentucky’s environment. Barred Owls prefer mature deciduous and mixed forests, particularly favoring bottomland hardwoods and swampy areas near water. They often nest in hollow tree cavities or use large stick nests built by other raptors. Barred Owls can be active during the day, especially near dusk and dawn.
Great Horned Owls are highly adaptable, inhabiting a wide range of environments from open woodlots and farmlands to urban fringes and rocky canyons. They are among the earliest nesters, often laying eggs in late January or February, utilizing the abandoned nests of squirrels or hawks. Their hunting is almost exclusively nocturnal, though they may occasionally be seen perched at the edge of a field.
Eastern Screech Owls are most comfortable in suburban settings, frequently residing in parks, backyards, and orchards. Their small size allows them to nest in natural tree cavities or readily use man-made nest boxes, which helps them thrive even near human activity. They are strictly nocturnal, hunting a varied diet of insects, small mammals, and other birds.
The Rarer Owl Species of Kentucky
Kentucky hosts several less common or transient owl species that appear seasonally or in localized areas. The Barn Owl, recognized by its pale, heart-shaped face and dark eyes, is considered a Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Its population is rare and localized, found mainly in open areas like grasslands, farmlands, and sometimes in old barns where it nests.
The Short-eared Owl visits Kentucky primarily as a winter resident and transient migrant. These owls prefer open country, such as fields, meadows, and marshes, and are frequently active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk. The Long-eared Owl is another occasional winter visitor, which is extremely secretive due to its dense foliage roosting habits. The Northern Saw-whet Owl, one of the smallest owls in North America, is also an uncommon winter visitor that favors dense coniferous or mixed hardwood forests.