Owls in Alabama: Where to See Them and How to Identify Them by County

1. Which owl species are most common in Alabama?

Three species make up the majority of Alabama owl sightings. The **Great Horned Owl** is the largest and most widespread, found in woodlands and even suburban areas. The **Barred Owl** prefers moist forests near rivers and swamps, especially in the southern counties. The **Eastern Screech-Owl** is small and adaptable, living in both rural and urban settings. All three occur in every county, but the Barred Owl is most reliable in the Coastal Plain.

2. Where in Alabama are owl sightings most likely?

Concentrate on large public lands. **Bankhead National Forest** (Winston and Lawrence counties) has excellent populations of Great Horned and Barred owls. **Talladega National Forest** (Talladega, Clay, and Cleburne counties) is another stronghold. In the south, **Mobile-Tensaw Delta** (Baldwin and Mobile counties) offers good odds for Barred Owls. State parks like **Oak Mountain** (Shelby County) and **Cheaha** (Cleburne County) also produce consistent sightings. Check ourcounty-by-county owl mapfor specific hotspots.

3. What time of day and season is best for spotting owls?

Owls are most active at dawn and dusk, year-round. The best season is late winter (January to March), when Great Horned Owls are nesting and calling more frequently to defend territories. Barred Owls call year-round but peak in late winter as well. Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise or stay until dark, and listen for their distinct calls. Bring binoculars and a flashlight with a red filter to avoid disturbing them.

4. How can I identify an owl by its call?

Each species has a signature voice. The **Barred Owl** says "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?" in a rhythmic series. The **Great Horned Owl** gives deep, resonant hoots: "hoo-hoo hoo hoo-hoo." The **Eastern Screech-Owl** produces a soft, descending trill or a whinny. Learn these calls before heading out. Many birding apps have audio libraries to practice. For more identification tips, visit ourowl hub.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

5. What are the main differences between Alabama's owls and other similar birds?

Owls are easily confused with hawks and nighthawks at a distance. **Hawks** have pointed wings and fly with steady flaps, while owls have broader, rounded wings and a buoyant, moth-like flight. **Nighthawks** are smaller, have white wing patches, and are active at dusk but their flight is more erratic. Owls have a large, flat facial disc and forward-facing eyes. If you see a bird perched upright with ear tufts (though not all owls have them), it's almost certainly an owl. Compare side-by-side in ourAlabama bird identification guide.

6. What counties in Alabama have the highest diversity of owls?

Based on eBird data, the counties with the most owl reports are **Bibb**, **Tuscaloosa**, **Winston**, **Baldwin**, and **Lee**. These areas offer a mix of hardwood forests, bottomlands, and open fields. Bibb County's Talladega National Forest sections and the Cahaba River corridor are especially productive. Baldwin County benefits from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta's swamp habitat. For a full breakdown, see ourAlabama owl county guide.

7. What owl-themed items can help me remember my sightings?

After a good day of spotting, these products from Easy Street Markets make great keepsakes.

### Handcrafted Stoneware Owl Mug

A 16 oz handmade mug with a folk art owl design. Perfect for coffee while you plan your next outing.Check Price and Availability

### Cute Animals Sticker Pack

Includes an owl line-art sticker. Matte vinyl, water resistant. Great for journals and water bottles.Check Price and Availability

### Wild Animal Magnet Set

A rustic woodland owl magnet handmade in the USA. A nice way to display your love of owls.Check Price and Availability

For more owl-inspired decor, browse ourbird wall art.

8. How do I report an owl sighting in Alabama?

Submit your sightings to **eBird** (ebird.org) to help track owl populations in the state. You can also join the **Alabama Audubon Society** or local birding groups on social media. Sharing details like county, date, and call notes improves our collective knowledge. If you photograph an owl, consider uploading to iNaturalist for additional identification help.

9. What equipment should I bring for owl spotting?

Essentials include binoculars (8x42 recommended), a flashlight with red lens, a field guide or birding app, and a notebook. Dress in dark, quiet clothing and bring a seat cushion for long waits. For long sessions, a thermos with hot drink is helpful. Always respect wildlife: keep distance, avoid flash photography, and never play recorded calls excessively.

See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.