Owls inhabit Tennessee’s forests, fields, and suburban environments from the eastern mountains to the western lowlands. These nocturnal birds of prey are important predators, controlling local rodent populations through silent hunting techniques. The state supports a variety of species, including permanent residents and temporary visitors.
The Core Resident Owl Species of Tennessee
Three species are the most common residents, living year-round throughout the state.
The Great Horned Owl is the largest permanent resident, a massive raptor found in nearly every habitat type, from dense mixed woodlands to urban parks and agricultural areas. This adaptability allows it to maintain a stable population across all regions, often taking over the abandoned nests of other large birds.
The Barred Owl is a highly visible species, recognized by its preference for mature, humid woodlands, especially near water sources like river bottoms and swamps. It is less common in wide-open, dry areas but is distributed across the entire state. Its density is highest where older, continuous forest cover remains intact.
The Eastern Screech Owl is the smallest of the three core residents, yet it is arguably the most numerous in the state. These tiny owls thrive in wooded areas, including suburban backyards and orchards, because they can nest in small tree cavities or nest boxes. They exhibit two distinct color morphs, gray and reddish-brown, which provides camouflage against different types of tree bark.
Distinguishing Features and Vocalizations
Identifying common owls often relies more on hearing their distinctive calls than seeing them. The Barred Owl’s vocalization is easily recognizable as an eight-hote phrase that sounds like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” This call is unique among local species and is often heard during the day.
The Great Horned Owl uses a deeper, rhythmic, five- to six-note series of hoots, described as a muffled, low-pitched sound. Visually, its most telling feature is a pair of prominent feather tufts, mistakenly called “ears,” set wide apart on its head, contrasting with its bright yellow eyes. The Barred Owl lacks these feather tufts and instead has large, dark eyes.
The Eastern Screech Owl’s call is deceiving, as it does not actually screech, but instead produces a long, descending whinny or a monotonic trill. While similar in size to the migratory Northern Saw-whet Owl, the Screech Owl can be differentiated by the presence of small ear tufts.
Seasonal Visitors and Rare Sightings
Tennessee occasionally hosts several other owl species, often as seasonal migrants or highly localized, rare residents. The Short-eared Owl is a winter visitor, typically arriving in late fall and departing by early spring. It is found primarily in open, treeless habitats like grasslands, meadows, and agricultural fields. These owls are somewhat diurnal and often hunt low over the ground at dusk and dawn.
The Northern Saw-whet Owl, one of North America’s smallest raptors, is a rare winter migrant across the state. It maintains a very localized, year-round population in the high-elevation coniferous forests of Eastern Tennessee. This preference for dense, high-altitude woods makes them difficult to observe.
The Barn Owl is a rare permanent resident found statewide in open country, frequently utilizing old barns and silos for nesting. Its population has declined due to habitat loss. This species is listed as In Need of Management in Tennessee, highlighting its vulnerability.