Owls are captivating nocturnal predators, known for their silent flight and keen senses. They play a role in maintaining ecological balance across diverse environments, including Tennessee’s varied landscapes, which provide a home for several distinct owl species.
Key Owl Species Found in Tennessee
The Great Horned Owl is a large, adaptable species found throughout Tennessee, easily recognized by its prominent ear tufts and yellow eyes. Its plumage is typically mottled gray-brown, with a reddish-brown face and a white throat patch. This owl is highly versatile, inhabiting mixed fields and woodlands, agricultural areas, and even urban spaces. Great Horned Owls are powerful hunters, known to consume a wide range of prey, from small mammals to other birds. Their deep, five to six-note hooting call is often heard establishing territories, particularly in winter.
Barred Owls are common throughout Tennessee’s forested areas and are distinguished by their dark eyes and lack of ear tufts. They have a round head and gray-brown plumage with distinct dark streaking on their underside. These owls are known for their distinctive hooting call, often interpreted as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”. Barred Owls hunt small mammals, birds, and even fish, often found near water sources within forests. Unlike many owls, they can be active and vocal during daylight hours.
The Eastern Screech-Owl is a small, stocky owl, widely distributed and considered the most numerous owl in Tennessee. They possess feathered ear tufts and yellow eyes, appearing in two main color variations: reddish-brown or gray, which provide excellent camouflage against tree bark. Their calls are distinctive, often described as a descending, horse-like whinny or a trill, rather than a typical hoot. These owls prefer wooded areas, including suburban neighborhoods, and often nest in tree cavities or nest boxes.
Barn Owls are slim, medium-sized owls recognized by their unique heart-shaped face and dark eyes. Their upperparts are light tawny with black and white spots, while their underparts are white. They do not produce the rhythmic hoot of other owls; instead, their calls include harsh screeches, clicks, and whistles. Barn Owls typically inhabit open areas like grasslands, farmlands, and marshes, often nesting in abandoned buildings or tree cavities. They are nocturnal hunters, relying on their acute hearing to locate rodents.
The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl with a round head and small, often barely visible, ear tufts. They have a mottled brown back, a pale chest with thin streaks, and distinctive dark patches around their yellow eyes. Unlike many other owl species, Short-eared Owls are primarily active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk. They are found in open habitats, such as brushy fields and grasslands, where they hunt small mammals and birds by flying low over the ground. Short-eared Owls are regular winter residents and migrants in West and Middle Tennessee.
Where and When to Spot Owls in Tennessee
Observing owls in Tennessee requires patience and knowledge of their habits. Owls are most active during twilight hours, at dawn, dusk, and throughout the night. Planning your visit during these times increases your chances of encountering them. Winter is a good time for owl watching, as deciduous trees have fewer leaves, making owls easier to spot, and some species are more vocal during their breeding season.
Owls can be found in various natural settings across the state. Dense forests, especially those near water sources, are prime locations for species like the Barred Owl. Open fields, grasslands, and agricultural areas are suitable for Barn Owls and Short-eared Owls, particularly during winter. Even suburban areas with mature trees and wooded tracts can host species such as the Great Horned Owl and Eastern Screech-Owl.
Listening for their distinct calls is the most effective way to locate owls, as their camouflage makes them difficult to see. Look for signs like whitewash (droppings) on tree trunks or the ground, or listen for the commotion of smaller birds, known as mobbing, which indicates an owl’s presence.
Responsible Owl Watching
Observing owls in their natural environment requires minimizing disturbance and respecting their space. Maintain a safe distance, generally at least 50 to 100 feet from an owl, to avoid causing stress or altering its behavior. If an owl frequently looks at you, fidgets, or changes its position, it indicates you are too close and should move farther away. Using binoculars or a spotting scope allows for closer views without encroaching on their territory.
Approaching or disturbing known owl roosting or nesting sites, especially during the breeding season (typically February through June), can cause owls to abandon their nests or expend valuable energy. Using recorded owl calls, or “call playback,” to attract owls can cause them to respond defensively or waste energy investigating a perceived intruder. General wildlife etiquette includes staying on designated trails, avoiding littering, and refraining from feeding owls, as this can habituate them to humans and lead to dangerous situations. The well-being of the bird should always take precedence over obtaining a close view or photograph.