Owls, with their silent flight and nocturnal habits, are captivating birds of prey found across diverse landscapes. Tennessee’s varied ecosystems, ranging from dense forests to open grasslands and suburban areas, provide suitable environments for several owl species. These adaptable predators play a role in their ecosystems, preying on small mammals and insects.
Tennessee’s Year-Round Owl Residents
The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is one of Tennessee’s largest and most widespread resident owls, recognized by its prominent ear tufts and deep, hooting call. These owls possess mottled brown and gray plumage, providing effective camouflage against tree bark. They inhabit a wide range of environments, including forests, suburban parks, and agricultural lands, typically nesting in abandoned hawk or crow nests.
Another common year-round resident is the Barred Owl (Strix varia), identified by its distinctive call. This owl has dark eyes and lacks ear tufts, with plumage featuring vertical streaks on its belly and horizontal barring on its chest. Barred Owls prefer mature, moist woodlands and swampy areas, often found near water sources where they hunt small mammals, birds, and amphibians.
The Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio) is a small owl that can be found in two color morphs: reddish-brown and gray. Its call is a descending whinny or a trilling sound, rather than a hoot. These owls are highly adaptable, commonly found in wooded areas, orchards, and even suburban backyards with mature trees, often nesting in tree cavities.
Barn Owls (Tyto alba) are also permanent residents in Tennessee, distinguishable by their heart-shaped facial disc and pale, often white, undersides. They produce a raspy, hissing screech rather than a hoot. Barn Owls inhabit open country, grasslands, and agricultural fields, relying on abandoned barns, silos, or tree cavities for roosting and nesting sites.
Seasonal Owl Visitors and Rare Sightings
Tennessee also hosts several owl species that are seasonal visitors, primarily during the colder months, or are considered rare observations.
The Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) is a winter visitor to Tennessee, often seen hunting during daylight hours over open fields and grasslands. These owls have small ear tufts, pale plumage, and a distinctive moth-like flight pattern, with a call of hoots or barks. They prefer large, open spaces, where they primarily hunt voles and other small rodents.
The Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) is another winter resident, though more elusive due to its nocturnal habits and preference for dense conifer stands or thickets. This owl is characterized by its long, prominent ear tufts and a deep orange facial disc. Its call is a low, soft hoot, often repeated. Finding them requires searching dense roosting sites where they remain well-hidden during the day.
The Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) is a tiny owl, rarely seen but occasionally encountered as a winter visitor in Tennessee, particularly in dense coniferous or mixed forests. Its call is a series of monotonous, whistled “toot-toot-toot” notes, resembling the sound of a saw being sharpened on a whetstone. Their small size and secretive nature make them challenging to locate, as they often roost close to tree trunks.
Rarely, other species like the Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) might be observed during irruption years, in open fields or coastal areas. These large, white owls are arctic breeders and their presence in Tennessee is an unusual event driven by food scarcity in their northern habitats. Their calls are harsh barks or hisses.
General Owl Identification Tips
Identifying owls in the field involves more than just visual observation due to their nocturnal nature and camouflage. Listening for their unique vocalizations at dusk or dawn is an effective strategy, as each species possesses a distinct call that helps differentiate it from others. Understanding specific habitat preferences can also narrow down potential species, as certain owls favor particular types of woodlands, open fields, or suburban areas.
Observing owl silhouettes against a twilight sky can provide clues about their size and general shape, such as the presence or absence of ear tufts. Examining owl pellets—regurgitated material—found beneath roosting trees can indicate an owl’s presence and sometimes its diet. While less reliable for specific identification, the general color of an owl’s eyes (yellow, orange, or dark) can offer a broad hint about its activity period, with yellow-eyed owls being diurnal or crepuscular.
Responsible Owl Observation and Conservation
Observing owls in their natural habitat requires a respectful approach. Maintaining distance is important, especially during nesting season, to prevent stressing owls or causing them to abandon nests. Approaching roosting sites too closely can disrupt their daytime rest, which is important for their nocturnal hunting. Using artificial calls to lure owls is not recommended, as it can cause unnecessary stress and disrupt their natural behaviors.
Protecting owl habitats is important for their continued presence in Tennessee. Preservation of mature forests, wetlands, and open grasslands provides hunting grounds and nesting sites. If an injured owl is discovered, contacting a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal control is the appropriate action. These professionals are equipped to provide the necessary care and maximize the owl’s chances of recovery and return to the wild.