South Carolina is home to a robust population of owls, with several species maintaining a permanent presence across the state’s varied landscapes. These nocturnal raptors are a common, though often unseen, part of the state’s natural environment. This overview details the primary owl species found in South Carolina, their physical characteristics, and the specific habitats they occupy.
Resident Owl Species of South Carolina
South Carolina hosts four primary resident breeding owl species, with the Great Horned, Barred, and Eastern Screech-Owl being the most widespread. The Great Horned Owl, Bubo virginianus, is the largest breeding owl in the state. Recognized by its prominent feathered ear tufts and imposing size, it can reach nearly two feet in length with a wingspan of up to five feet. This powerful predator has mottled gray-brown plumage and piercing yellow eyes.
The Barred Owl, Strix varia, is arguably the most frequently encountered species, often active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. This owl is distinguished by its round head and a lack of ear tufts, possessing dark, almost black eyes. Its plumage features horizontal barring on the chest and vertical streaking on the belly, which gives the bird its name.
The Eastern Screech-Owl, Megascops asio, is the smallest resident owl in the state, reaching a length of only six to ten inches. It possesses small ear tufts and comes in two distinct color variations, known as morphs: a gray phase and a rusty rufous phase. Its small size and varied coloration allow it to effectively hide in tree cavities.
The Barn Owl, Tyto alba, is also a resident breeder, characterized by its pale coloration, long legs, and a unique, heart-shaped facial disk that helps direct sound to its ears. Although widespread, it is often considered less common than the other three species. The tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl, Aegolius acadicus, is a rare winter visitor to the state, found in dense forests during the colder months.
Habitat and Regional Distribution
The diverse geography of South Carolina provides a range of microclimates that support different owl populations. The Barred Owl prefers low-lying, humid bottomlands and old-growth forests, particularly those near swamps and streams found throughout the Coastal Plain and the Congaree National Park area. These dense, wet environments offer abundant prey and large tree cavities for nesting.
In contrast, the Great Horned Owl is highly adaptable and can be found across the entire state, from the mountain forests of the Upstate to suburban parks and agricultural fields. Its wide-ranging diet allows it to thrive in nearly any habitat that offers suitable perching and nesting sites.
The Eastern Screech-Owl is similarly flexible, inhabiting almost any wooded area with available nesting spots, including suburban settings where it utilizes backyard nest boxes or natural tree holes. Due to its small stature, it avoids areas heavily populated by the larger, aggressive Great Horned Owl. The Barn Owl is more specialized, preferring open spaces like agricultural land, marshes, and fields, with the heaviest populations located in the coastal and rural central counties.
Recognizing Owls by Vocalization and Appearance
Hearing an owl is often the most practical way to confirm its presence, as many species are strictly nocturnal. The Barred Owl has a distinctive, loud call often translated mnemonically as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” This is a classic sound of the state’s swampy woodlands and can sometimes be heard during the day.
The Great Horned Owl’s call is a series of deep, resonant hoots, typically in a pattern of five or six, which can carry for long distances. Unlike the Barred Owl, the Great Horned Owl is less vocal outside of its breeding season. The Eastern Screech-Owl, despite its name, produces a descending, wavering whinny or a monotonous trill that sounds like a tremolo.
For visual identification, looking for the physical silhouettes of owls is useful when they are roosting during the day. The Barred Owl’s large, round head and dark eyes contrast sharply with the Great Horned Owl’s “horned” tufts and yellow eyes. Finding signs like regurgitated owl pellets, which contain the undigested fur and bones of their prey, near the base of large trees can also confirm an owl’s presence.