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Are There Barred Owls in Tennessee?

Yes, Barred Owls are common permanent residents throughout Tennessee. They inhabit mature forests, riparian woodlands, and mixed hardwood forests across the state. These large owls occur from the Cumberland Mountains in the east to the Mississippi River bottomlands in the west. Year-round presence makes them accessible for observation in all seasons.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 21, 2026.

Barred Owl photographed in Tennessee

Barred Owl · Melissa McMasters CC BY

Barred Owl photographed in Tennessee

Barred Owl · John Harvey CC BY

Barred Owl photographed in Tennessee

Barred Owl · JD Flores CC BY

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Found in Tennessee
30,495
GBIF records
6
birding hotspots

Yes, barred owls are in Tennessee. Next you'll want:

Yes, Barred Owls are common permanent residents throughout Tennessee. They inhabit mature forests, riparian woodlands, and mixed hardwood forests across the state. These large owls occur from the Cumberland Mountains in the east to the Mississippi River bottomlands in the west. Year-round presence makes them accessible for observation in all seasons.

Where Barred Owls Are Found in Tennessee

Barred Owls occur throughout Tennessee in suitable forest habitat across all regions. The Cumberland Mountains and surrounding Appalachian highlands contain abundant Barred Owl populations in mature mixed forest. The Smokies and associated Cherokee National Forest provide excellent habitat in eastern Tennessee. The Cumberland Plateau supports populations in mixed hardwood and mixed pine forests. Western Tennessee bottomland forests along the Mississippi River, Tennessee River, and their tributaries host useful populations. The Mid-Cumberland region with its rolling hills and hardwood forests contains numerous Barred Owls. Big Cypress and other bottomland swamps in northwestern Tennessee provide prime habitat. The Reelfoot Lake area with its unique forest environment supports populations. State parks throughout Tennessee with appropriate forest habitat contain Barred Owls. Urban and suburban areas with mature trees host Barred Owls in many Tennessee cities. Tennessee's diverse forest types across all elevations create ideal conditions for statewide populations. Learn more aboutTennessee wildlife. Seethe Barred Owl guide for Tennesseefor more.

When Barred Owls Are Active in Tennessee

Barred Owls in Tennessee are year-round residents present throughout all seasons. Breeding season activity begins in late winter with vocalizations increasing from January through March. Territorial males establish and reinforce boundaries through loud hooting during this critical period. Eggs are typically laid in February and March, with incubation lasting about 32 days. Young hatch in April and May, with fledging occurring in June and July. Summer months see reduced calling activity as pairs focus on raising young owls. Late summer and fall bring independence of juvenile owls as they disperse throughout the landscape. Winter brings renewed territorial vocalizations from established pairs and young owls claiming territories. Tennessee's relatively mild climate means Barred Owls remain vocally active even through winter months. Early spring and late fall provide peak calling periods for hearing Barred Owls. Year-round presence and activity make Tennessee excellent for Barred Owl observation in any season. ExploreTennessee wildlifefor seasonal viewing information.

How to Identify a Barred Owl

Barred Owls are large owls measuring 16 to 20 inches long with a rounded head completely lacking ear tufts. Their plumage is dark brown and gray with prominent barring on wings, tail, and underparts, providing their common name. The facial disc is grayish-brown with concentric dark rings around the face. Large dark brown eyes set forward on the face provide a direct, focused appearance. The bill is pale yellow and relatively large for their size. Tennessee Barred Owls display brown and gray coloration typical of southeastern populations. Females are noticeably larger than males, though size differences may be subtle in field observation. The wings are broad and rounded, well adapted for maneuvering through forested habitat. Vocalizations provide the most distinctive identification feature: the loud hooting call sounds like "who cooks for you, who cooks for you all" in a characteristic pattern. Young owls are fluffy and paler than adults.

Best Locations for Observing Barred Owls in Tennessee

Barred Owls concentrate in specific habitat types throughout Tennessee where forest meets water. The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in eastern Tennessee provides excellent accessible habitat and viewing opportunities. Reelfoot Lake State Park offers unique bottomland forest habitat with reliable Barred Owl populations. The Tennessee River bottoms and associated riparian forest corridor throughout the state supports populations. Cypress swamps in northwestern Tennessee including Hatchie Coon Wildlife Refuge contain predictable Barred Owls. Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding national forest lands host populations in mountainous terrain. State parks throughout Tennessee including Fall Creek Falls, Standing Stone, and others with forest provide viewing opportunities. Urban parks in Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga with mature trees and green corridors host Barred Owls. Most consistent observations occur during evening hours in spring and winter when vocalization is frequent. VisitTennessee wildlife viewing sitesfor specific recommendations.

Behavior and Diet of Barred Owls

Barred Owls are nocturnal hunters with diverse diet suited to Tennessee's varied habitats. Small mammals including mice, voles, rats, shrews, and squirrels constitute their primary prey. They also hunt birds, particularly smaller species, along with amphibians, crayfish, fish, and insects. Tennessee populations exploit both upland and lowland prey communities depending on available habitat. These owls hunt from perches, using exceptional hearing to locate prey in complete darkness. Upon detecting prey movement, they launch silently on broad rounded wings with talons extended. Most hunting occurs between dusk and midnight, though they sometimes hunt at dawn or dusk. Barred Owls are opportunistic and adaptable, successfully hunting in diverse Tennessee habitat types. Their dietary flexibility and hunting prowess have made them one of Tennessee's most successful and widespread predators.

Coexistence and Legal Protections

Barred Owls in Tennessee are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and state wildlife regulations. They cannot be legally harmed, trapped, or killed without federal permits. These wild predators should never be approached, fed, or disturbed from nesting areas. Their presence in Tennessee forests is natural, beneficial, and legally protected. Coexistence involves respecting their nocturnal nature and avoiding disturbance during breeding season. If you encounter a Barred Owl, observe quietly from a distance using binoculars. Injured or distressed Barred Owls should be reported to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Barred Owls are not endangered or threatened in Tennessee. Supporting forest conservation, particularly old-growth forest and riparian habitat, benefits Barred Owls and associated species. Avoiding unnecessary outdoor lighting protects these nocturnal hunters and preserves natural darkness.

Species Confusion and Similar Owls

Several owl species in Tennessee could potentially be confused with Barred Owls. The Great Horned Owl is larger and heavier with prominent ear tufts, bright yellow eyes, and a completely different call. Barn Owls have distinctive white heart-shaped facial discs and pale overall plumage. Short-eared Owls prefer open grasslands and marshes rather than forests, with yellow eyes. Eastern Screech-Owls are much smaller, barely larger than a robin, with ear tufts and a distinctive trilled call. Long-eared Owls are rarer, have longer ear tufts, and different facial markings. Barn Swallows and other birds sometimes produce owl-like calls but lack Barred Owl characteristics. Call identification provides the easiest method: Barred Owl calls are loud, distinctive hooting easily recognized with practice. Size and habitat preference also help distinguish Barred Owls from similar species.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find a Barred Owl in Tennessee? Visit mature forest near water at dusk, listen for distinctive hooting calls, and search during spring and winter when vocalization is most frequent. Do Barred Owls threaten pets? These owls hunt mice and small prey; cats over five pounds and dogs are generally safe. Are Barred Owls native to Tennessee? Yes, they are native year-round residents with established populations throughout suitable forest habitat. What should I do if I find an injured Barred Owl? Contact the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately for assistance. Why do Barred Owls hoot so much? Territorial vocalizations maintain boundaries between pairs and serve as advertisement during breeding season. Learn more at theTennessee Barred Owl guide.

Plan your barred owl sighting in Tennessee

30,495 verified barred owl records have been logged in Tennessee, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.

Where to look in Tennessee

Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).

Recent barred owl sightings

  • 2030 Chesapeake Way, Mount Juliet US-TN (36.2650,-86.5391) · 2026-07-20 20:25 · 2 seen
  • home · 2026-07-20 20:01 · 1 seen
  • Riley Cole Rd (transitional fields) · 2026-07-20 13:35 · 1 seen
  • Kentucky Lake--Beaver Dam Creek · 2026-07-20 11:18 · 1 seen
  • 1 Coral Ridge · 2026-07-20 08:51 · 1 seen

Planning a trip to see barred owl? Find places to stay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail on Booking.com.

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