Owls in Tennessee: where to see them and how to identify them

Tennessee hosts several owl species. The great horned owl is widespread in forests and suburbs. Barred owls favor bottomland forests near water. Eastern screech-owls fit small cavities in open woodlands. Listen for their distinct calls. The barn owl is rarer but found in grasslands. For a full list of species, see the /animals/owl page.

In Tennessee, owls sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. Use the state wildlife hub and the route guide to narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.

Start with the Cherokee National Forest for a variety of species. Reelfoot Lake is a known spot for barred owls. Many state parks like Radnor Lake and Percy Warner Park have resident owls. Urban areas like Memphis and Nashville have great horned owls in parks. Check eBird for recent sightings. For more Tennessee wildlife tips, visit /wildlife/tennessee.

See our Owls guide for the next step.

Owls are most active at dawn and dusk, but some hunt at night. Winter is the best season because leafless trees make spotting easier. Late winter and early spring are breeding times when owls are vocal. Go out on calm, overcast nights for better chances. Always carry a red flashlight to avoid startling them.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

Focus on size, ear tufts, and eye color. Great horned owls are large with prominent tufts and yellow eyes. Barred owls are stocky with brown eyes and barred chests. Eastern screech-owls are small with either gray or red morphs. Listen for calls: the classic hoot of great horned, the "who cooks for you" of barred. More identification tips are on the /animals/owl page.

A good pair of binoculars is essential. Use a red flashlight to avoid startling them. Bring a notebook to record sightings. Smartphone apps like Merlin or eBird help with calls and identification. If you plan a dedicated trip, check out our Tennessee wildlife resources for more planning.