Owls are found in South Carolina. The state’s varied ecosystems, ranging from coastal plains to mountainous regions, provide suitable environments for several owl species. These nocturnal birds of prey utilize diverse habitats across the state, making owl sightings and sounds possible.
Common Owl Species
South Carolina is home to several owl species, with four common breeding residents: the Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, and Barn Owl.
The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is the largest breeding owl in South Carolina. It has prominent ear tufts, large yellow eyes, and mottled gray-brown plumage with a reddish-brown face and a white throat patch. Great Horned Owls weigh 2.2 to 3.8 pounds, stand 19 to 35 inches tall, with a wingspan of about 4.6 feet.
The Barred Owl (Strix varia) is active during dawn and dusk. It is a medium-sized, grayish-brown owl with a rounded head lacking ear tufts. Barred Owls have dark eyes and a yellow bill, with horizontal barring on the chest and vertical streaking on the belly. Their length ranges from 17 to 20 inches, and their wingspan is 39 to 43 inches.
The Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio) is a smaller owl, measuring 6 to 10 inches high with a wingspan of 19 to 24 inches. It comes in two color phases, gray and reddish-brown (rufous), both featuring pale yellow eyes and a yellowish beak. These owls have small ear tufts that can be raised or flattened, contributing to their camouflage against tree bark.
The Barn Owl (Tyto alba) is a medium-sized, pale owl known for its distinctive heart-shaped facial disc, which is white with a dark brown border. Its upperparts are golden-brown with gray markings, while its underparts are largely white or pale buff. Barn Owls weigh 14.1 to 24.7 ounces and have a wingspan of 39 to 49 inches.
Typical Owl Habitats
Different owl species in South Carolina utilize a variety of environments for hunting, nesting, and roosting.
Barred Owls are frequently found in mature forests, especially those near water sources such as swamps, rivers, and streams. They prefer areas with large trees for nesting cavities and an open understory that allows for clear flight and hunting.
Eastern Screech-Owls are adaptable and inhabit almost any area with tree cover and available nesting sites. This includes open woodlands, suburban environments, and parks. They often use tree cavities, including abandoned woodpecker holes or nest boxes, for shelter.
Great Horned Owls are highly adaptable, occupying a broad range of habitats across South Carolina. These include forests, wetlands, grasslands, and even urban environments. They frequently use abandoned nests of other large birds, such as hawks or crows, for nesting.
Barn Owls prefer open landscapes like grasslands, agricultural fields, and marshes, where they can effectively hunt small mammals. They often roost and nest in abandoned barns, church steeples, or other structures.
Recognizing Owls
Identifying owls in their natural environments often relies on a combination of visual cues and auditory recognition.
One of the most effective ways to identify owls is by their calls, especially since they are more often heard than seen. The Barred Owl has a distinctive call sounding like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”. Great Horned Owls produce deep, soft hoots with a stuttering rhythm. Eastern Screech-Owls are known for their descending whinny and a monotonic trill, rather than a screeching sound. Barn Owls do not hoot but instead communicate with eerie squeals and shrieks.
When observing owls visually, Great Horned Owls are recognizable by their large size and prominent ear tufts. Barred Owls are distinguished by their dark eyes and the absence of ear tufts. Eastern Screech-Owls are small and have ear tufts, appearing in either gray or reddish-brown color morphs. Barn Owls have a unique heart-shaped face and pale underparts, making them appear ghostly in low light.
Ethical Owl Observation
Observing owls in their natural habitat requires respectful practices to ensure their well-being and minimize disturbance. Maintaining a distance and understanding their behavior are important for responsible wildlife viewing.
Keep a respectful distance from owls, as approaching too closely can cause stress and disrupt their natural behaviors, such as hunting or resting. If an owl frequently looks in your direction, it indicates that you are too near. Using binoculars or a spotting scope allows detailed observation without encroaching on their space.
Avoiding disturbance to their nests or roosts is important. Owls rely on camouflage and remaining hidden during the day, and human presence can force them to flush from their perches, expending valuable energy and potentially exposing them to predators. Refrain from using artificial calls or bright lights, especially flash photography, as these can disorient or alarm the birds. Additionally, never intentionally “flush” an owl to get a better view or photograph.