Are There Great Horned Owls in Tennessee?
Yes, Great Horned Owls are common year-round residents throughout Tennessee. These powerful nocturnal hunters live in the state's forests, woodlands, and suburban areas across all regions. You can find them from the Cumberland Plateau and Great Smoky Mountains through the Tennessee River valley to the Mississippi River bottoms.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 20, 2026.
Great Horned Owl · juniper_likethetree CC BY
Great Horned Owl · Dominic CC BY
Great Horned Owl · Nicholas Stockmaster CC BY
- 1
- species recorded
- 11,572
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- March, August, April
- peak months
Yes, great horned owls are in Tennessee. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
372 verified observations on iNaturalist of great horned owl have been recorded in Tennessee, most often in March, August, April.
When great horned owl are recorded in Tennessee
Yes, Great Horned Owls are common year-round residents throughout Tennessee. These powerful nocturnal hunters live in the state's forests, woodlands, and suburban areas across all regions. You can find them from the Cumberland Plateau and Great Smoky Mountains through the Tennessee River valley to the Mississippi River bottoms.
Where Great Horned Owls Live in Tennessee
Great Horned Owls inhabit all regions of Tennessee, from the mountains to the river valleys and lowlands. The Great Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee support healthy populations in mixed forest habitats. The Cumberland Plateau region of central Tennessee provides extensive suitable habitat in oak and hickory forests. The Tennessee River valley, running the length of the state, creates productive hunting habitat and roosting sites. The Cumberland River and its tributaries provide riparian corridors throughout middle Tennessee. The Mississippi River bottoms in western Tennessee support populations in bottomland hardwood forests. Reelfoot Lake area in northwestern Tennessee provides wetland and forest habitat. The Chickamauga area and surrounding forests in southeastern Tennessee host owl populations. Agricultural areas mixed with woodlots throughout the state provide productive hunting grounds. Urban and suburban areas of Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga increasingly host Great Horned Owls. State forests and wildlife areas throughout Tennessee support owl populations. The Hiwassee River valley and other stream corridors provide hunting habitat. Mixed deciduous forests throughout the state provide year-round residency for these adaptable predators. Visitthe Tennessee wildlife hubto learn about other species. Transitional zones between different habitat types are particularly attractive to hunting owls.
Seasonal Patterns in Tennessee
Great Horned Owls are permanent residents in Tennessee, maintaining territories year-round without migration. Their activity patterns follow a predictable annual breeding cycle. Courtship behavior becomes evident in September and October as pairs establish territories. By November and December, mating occurs with increased territorial calling. Egg-laying typically happens in December and January in Tennessee. Incubation occurs through January and February, with eggs hatching by late February and early March. Chicks require constant parental feeding from March through May. Peak hunting season is April and May when juvenile owls have the greatest appetite. Fledging occurs in May and June as young owls leave nests but remain dependent on parents. Summer and early fall bring gradual dispersal as young owls seek territories. The most vocal period is November through February when territorial and breeding activities are most active. Winter nights, particularly December through February, offer excellent opportunities to hear Great Horned Owls calling. Tennessee's mild winters allow consistent year-round activity. Clear, calm nights allow owl calls to carry far through forests and river valleys. Checkthe national wildlife hubfor information on other seasonal species. Moonlit nights may enhance visibility and hunting success. Researchers often conduct owl surveys during late winter when breeding behavior is most vocal.
Identifying Great Horned Owls in Tennessee
Great Horned Owls are Tennessee's largest resident owl species, distinctive and unmistakable with key field marks. Adults measure 18 to 25 inches in length with wingspans ranging from 36 to 60 inches. The most obvious field mark is the pair of prominent dark ear tufts projecting upward from the crown like horns. These ear tufts are unique among Tennessee owls and visible even at considerable distance. The face is broad with intense yellow eyes set in a dark facial disc. Facial disc color varies from grayish to rufous. Overall plumage is mottled in browns and grays providing excellent camouflage on tree bark. The upper back shows a distinctive pale collar. Underparts are barred and streaked in contrasting dark and light tones. Males and females appear identical in plumage, though females are noticeably larger and heavier. In flight, wings are broad and rounded, the tail is short, and the silhouette is massive. The yellow eyes are visible even at distance and distinguish them from other animals. Their most distinctive vocalization is a deep hooting call: hoo hoo hoo hoo. This call carries far through Tennessee's forests. They also produce hisses, grunts, and loud shrieking sounds when defending territories or nests. Visitthe Tennessee wildlife hubfor comparison with other Tennessee owl species. The distinctive ear tufts, yellow eyes, and large size make identification straightforward.
Best Places to Find Great Horned Owls in Tennessee
Great Horned Owls concentrate in specific habitats throughout Tennessee, making certain areas more productive for observation. The Great Smoky Mountains and surrounding forests consistently support owl populations. The Cumberland Plateau forests in central Tennessee provide excellent habitat. The Tennessee River valley, particularly areas with mature forest canopy, hosts owl populations. Reelfoot Lake area in northwestern Tennessee provides riparian habitat and waterfowl-associated prey. Stream corridors including the Cumberland River, Hiwassee River, and Tennessee River create hunting edges. Urban parks with large old trees in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga increasingly host owls. State wildlife areas and refuges throughout Tennessee support owl populations. Mixed hardwood forests in the Cumberland Mountains provide productive habitat. Agricultural areas adjacent to wooded patches provide good hunting grounds. The Chickamauga Reservoir and surrounding forests host owl populations. Bottomland hardwood forests in western Tennessee provide productive habitat. Learn more atthe Tennessee wildlife hub. Winter listening near forests and river edges frequently detects calling owls. Calm, clear nights are ideal for hearing owl vocalizations. Early morning hours before sunrise offer excellent opportunities for hearing breeding owls.
Diet and Hunting Behavior
Great Horned Owls are apex predators in Tennessee, hunting nocturnally from perched vantage points. They hunt by perching and watching for movement below, then executing silent dives at speeds exceeding 40 miles per hour. Cottontail rabbits form a substantial portion of their diet throughout Tennessee. Eastern rabbits are abundant and represent preferred prey. Squirrels including gray squirrels and fox squirrels provide significant nutrition. Rats, mice, voles, and other rodents are consumed regularly. Ground-nesting birds and waterfowl are occasionally hunted. In Tennessee's agricultural and suburban areas, they hunt rodents around human habitation, providing valuable pest control. The hunting technique involves striking prey with powerful talons that exert tremendous force. Large prey is dismembered, while small prey is typically swallowed whole. A single owl consumes approximately four to five ounces of food daily. Hunting activity increases dramatically during breeding season when chicks must be fed multiple times nightly. Successful hunts may occur several times per night or on alternate nights depending on prey availability. In Tennessee's varied habitats, they adapt hunting techniques to available prey types. Visitthe national wildlife hubfor information on predator-prey dynamics. Their broad diet and flexibility enable survival in Tennessee's diverse landscape.
Coexistence and Public Safety
Great Horned Owls and Tennessee residents share space peacefully with these predators posing no threat to human safety. Attacks on humans are extraordinarily rare and essentially nonexistent. These owls are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to harm, kill, or capture them. Homeowners with owls in their neighborhoods benefit from natural pest control. The presence of owls indicates a healthy, balanced ecosystem. The primary concern for some residents involves potential predation on pet cats and small dogs left outdoors. Outdoor cats should be kept indoors or strictly supervised during twilight and nighttime hours. Small dogs should never be left unattended in yards during dawn and dusk. Pet enclosures should have protective overhead covering. Great Horned Owls do not become aggressive toward people unless defending active nests with eggs or chicks. Maintaining respectful distance from known nests protects both birds and people. If you find an injured owl, contact the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Learning to identify and appreciate owls enriches your understanding of natural history. Local nature centers and conservation organizations offer owl identification programs. Photography and recording for personal enjoyment is legal and causes no harm. Sharing owl observations with researchers aids population monitoring.
Confusion with Other Owl Species
Several other owl species occur in Tennessee and may be confused with Great Horned Owls without careful observation. The Barred Owl is common in Tennessee forests but lacks ear tufts, has dark brown eyes instead of yellow, and produces a distinctive laughing call. The Long-eared Owl is smaller than the Great Horned Owl with proportionally longer, more slender ear tufts positioned closer together. Long-eared Owls have yellowish facial discs and orange or buff-colored eyes. The Short-eared Owl has no ear tufts, hunts during daylight, and has a pale facial disc. The Screech Owl is much smaller, roughly robin-sized, with barely visible ear tufts. The Barn Owl has a distinctive white heart-shaped facial disc and hunts only in open country habitats. The Common Nighthawk is sometimes confused with flying owls but has angular wings and hunts insects in daylight. Visitthe national wildlife hubfor detailed field identification guides. Each species has distinct habitat preferences and behaviors. Learning to recognize different owl calls through recordings greatly improves identification accuracy. Pay attention to ear tuft size and position, eye color, facial disc shape, size, and vocalizations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Owls
What does a Great Horned Owl call sound like in Tennessee? The typical call is a series of deep hoots: hoo hoo hoo hoo. The pattern may vary to four, five, or six hoots. The first hoot is often lower in pitch. They also produce hisses, grunts, and loud shrieking sounds, especially when defending territories or nests. Where can I hear Great Horned Owls calling in Tennessee? Listen near forests and woodlands at night, particularly along river valleys. The Tennessee River valley, Cumberland Plateau, and Great Smoky Mountains are particularly productive. December through March is the best season as owls actively call during territory and breeding activities. Are Great Horned Owls dangerous to people in Tennessee? No, Great Horned Owls are not dangerous to humans. Attacks are virtually nonexistent. These birds naturally avoid people and are more afraid of humans than humans should fear them. Is it legal to keep a Great Horned Owl as a pet in Tennessee? No, it is illegal under federal law to possess wild Great Horned Owls. Only federally licensed facilities may house these protected birds. Violating this law results in significant federal fines and potential criminal charges.
Plan your trip
Best time to see great horned owl in Tennessee: March, August, April
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your great horned owl sighting in Tennessee
11,572 verified great horned owl records have been logged in Tennessee, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Tennessee
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Natchez Trace Parkway · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Obed Wild & Scenic River · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Ensley Bottoms--Greater Ensley Bottoms · 321 species recorded
- Ensley Bottoms--Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits) · 316 species recorded
- Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit · 314 species recorded
- Shelby Farms Park--Conservancy/Penal Farm · 296 species recorded
- Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit--Refuge Rd. Wildlife Loop · 286 species recorded
- Tennessee NWR--Big Sandy Unit · 284 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Recent great horned owl sightings
- 589 Swanger Rd, Signal Mountain US-TN (35.1980,-85.3736) · 2026-07-18 10:02 · 1 seen
- Home · 2026-07-17 08:00 · 1 seen
- Near the Little River · 2026-07-16 05:55 · 1 seen
- Chickamauga Lake--Skull Island Boat Ramp · 2026-07-15 19:14 · 1 seen
- 152 Dyersburg Hwy, Trenton US-TN (35.9821,-88.9747) · 2026-07-14 20:20 · 1 seen
More wildlife in Tennessee