Owls, captivating nocturnal birds of prey, are a compelling part of Georgia’s diverse wildlife. Their silent flight and haunting calls add a mysterious element to the state’s natural soundscape. Georgia’s varied landscapes provide suitable habitats for several owl species.
Key Owl Species of Georgia
Georgia is home to several owl species, with four being commonly found year-round residents: the Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, and Barn Owl. Each species possesses distinct characteristics that allow them to thrive in various niches across the state.
Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is one of North America’s largest and most adaptable owls. Measuring 19 to 25 inches long with a 3 to 5-foot wingspan, they are recognized by prominent ear tufts and mottled brown and gray plumage, often with a white throat patch. These opportunistic predators consume a wide variety of prey, primarily small to medium-sized mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Barred Owl
The Barred Owl (Strix varia) is a large, round-headed owl with dark eyes and no ear tufts. Its plumage features horizontal barring on the chest and vertical streaking on the belly, giving it its name. These owls range from 16 to 25 inches long with a 38 to 49-inch wingspan. Barred Owls are generalist predators, feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, and are often found near water sources in dense forests and swamps.
Eastern Screech-Owls
Eastern Screech-Owls (Megascops asio) are Georgia’s most common and relatively small owl species, ranging from 6 to 10 inches long with an 18 to 24-inch wingspan. They have short ear tufts and plumage in gray or reddish-brown phases, allowing effective camouflage. Their diverse diet includes large insects, small rodents, earthworms, lizards, frogs, and crayfish.
Barn Owls
Barn Owls (Tyto alba) are distinctive with their pale, ghostly appearance and heart-shaped facial disc. These medium-sized owls measure 13 to 16 inches long with a 31 to 38-inch wingspan. They are efficient hunters, primarily preying on small mammals like voles, mice, and shrews, using acute hearing to locate prey in darkness.
Identifying Georgia’s Owls
Identifying Georgia’s owls often involves more than visual sightings, as their nocturnal habits make them challenging to spot. Unique vocalizations are a primary means of identification, especially at night. Subtle visual cues and behaviors also help distinguish species.
Great Horned Owl Identification
The Great Horned Owl’s call is a deep, soft hooting sequence, often described as “hoo-hoo hooooo hoo-hoo,” with males having a lower pitch. This distinctive hooting is common during late fall and early winter courtship. Visually, their prominent ear tufts and large size set them apart.
Barred Owl Identification
Barred Owls are famously recognized by their vocalization, which sounds like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” This eight to nine-note hooting call carries well through wooded areas. Unlike Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls lack ear tufts and have dark brown eyes, distinguishing them visually.
Eastern Screech-Owl Identification
Eastern Screech-Owls, despite their name, do not screech. Their calls include a descending whinny and a soft, trilling sound. These small owls often blend seamlessly with tree bark due to their gray or reddish-brown plumage. Their yellow eyes are also a notable feature.
Barn Owl Identification
Barn Owls communicate through various screeches, hisses, and physical displays, rather than the typical hooting of other owls. Their unique calls and pale, heart-shaped faces are key identifiers. When observed, their silent, often low-flying hunting style over open fields is also characteristic.
Owl Habitats and Behaviors in Georgia
Owls in Georgia occupy a range of habitats, each suited to their specific needs and hunting strategies. Their behaviors are largely adapted to their nocturnal lifestyles, focusing on efficient hunting and secure roosting.
Great Horned Owl Habitat
Great Horned Owls are highly adaptable, inhabiting diverse environments across Georgia, including woodlands, suburban areas, and open country. They often utilize abandoned nests of other large birds for nesting. These owls are primarily nocturnal hunters.
Barred Owl Habitat
Barred Owls prefer dense forests, swamps, and areas near water sources throughout Georgia. They often roost inside tree cavities during the day. While largely nocturnal, Barred Owls may hunt and call during the day, especially on overcast days or in winter. They commonly nest in hollow tree cavities or abandoned nests.
Eastern Screech-Owl Habitat
Eastern Screech-Owls are widespread in various wooded environments, including suburban backyards with mature trees. They frequently use natural tree cavities for roosting and nesting. These owls are strictly nocturnal, resting within tree hollows or against tree trunks during daylight hours.
Barn Owl Habitat
Barn Owls are often found in agricultural regions, grasslands, and marshes. They commonly roost and nest in barns, silos, other human-made structures, and tree cavities. Barn Owls are active at night and rely heavily on their hearing for hunting.
Observing Owls Responsibly
Observing owls responsibly involves minimizing disturbance. Maintain a respectful distance, using binoculars or a scope for viewing. Refrain from flash photography, especially after dark, and keep noise levels to a minimum to prevent disturbing their hunting or resting. Do not use audio recordings to attract owls, as this can cause undue stress. Limiting observation time and avoiding sharing sensitive owl locations publicly helps ensure their safety.