Owls in Tennessee: where to see them and how to identify them
Owls are found throughout Tennessee, with the best odds in wooded areas and state parks. Start your search at night in places like the Cherokee National Forest or Reelfoot Lake. The most common species include the great horned owl, barred owl, and eastern screech-owl. This guide helps you know where and when to look, and how to identify them.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Barred Owl · Melissa McMasters CC BY
American Barn Owl · Matthew Inabinett CC BY
Barred Owl · John Harvey CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 57,103
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- April, May, June
- peak months
Yes, owls are in Tennessee. Next you'll want:
What owl sound like
Verified field recordings from Xeno-canto. Press play to hear the calls birders listen for in the field.
Northern Saw-whet Owl · alarm call, wail
0:05Bridgeport State Park, Okanogan County, Washington · © Bruce Lagerquist CC BY-NC-SA · XC450314
Burrowing Owl · call
0:05Calipatria, Imperial County, California · © Paul Marvin CC BY-NC-SA · XC143782
Elf Owl · call
0:06Riverside, California · © Tim Schreckengost CC BY-NC-SA · XC135243
Verified species, source iNaturalist
7 types of owls recorded in Tennessee
7 owl species have a verified observation record in Tennessee across the owl order (Strigiformes), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Plus 1 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
2,619 verified observations on iNaturalist of owl have been recorded in Tennessee, most often in April, May, June.
When owl are recorded in Tennessee
Owls are found throughout Tennessee, with the best odds in wooded areas and state parks. Start your search at night in places like the Cherokee National Forest or Reelfoot Lake. The most common species include the great horned owl, barred owl, and eastern screech-owl. This guide helps you know where and when to look, and how to identify them.
1. What are the most common owl species in Tennessee?
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/owlpage.
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 thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto 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.
2. Where in Tennessee are you most likely to see owls?
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 ourOwls guidefor the next step.
3. What is the best time of day and season to spot owls?
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 ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. How can you identify different owls in Tennessee?
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/owlpage.
5. What tools can help you spot owls more effectively?
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 ourTennessee wildlife resourcesfor more planning.
6. Where can you find owl-themed keepsakes from your Tennessee trips?
After a successful owl sighting, you might want a memento. Easy Street Markets has handcrafted items that remind you of your adventure. Browseowl art and printsor check out these picks:
Handcrafted Stoneware Owl Mug | Guatemalan Coffee Cup, 16 oz
Hand molded ceramic mug in a warm cream tone with adorable folk art design and a bright eyed owl with colorful face and feathers. 16 oz.Check Price and Availability
Cute Animals Sticker Pack | High Quality Water Resistant Stickers
Simple line-art owl sticker. Matte vinyl finish. Great for journals and laptops.Check Price and Availability
Wild Animal Magnet Set 3D Gold Lion Tiger
Woodland owl magnet with rustic wood grain background. Handmade in USA.Check Price and Availability
7. Frequently Asked Questions about owls in Tennessee
**What is the smallest owl in Tennessee?** The eastern screech-owl is the smallest, at about 8.5 inches tall. It comes in gray and red color morphs.
**Can you see barn owls in Tennessee?** Yes, but they are less common. Look for them in open grasslands and agricultural areas. They often nest in barns and old buildings.
**What should I do if I find an injured owl?** Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Do not attempt to handle it yourself. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has a list of rehabilitation centers.
**How do I attract owls to my yard?** Install a nest box designed for screech-owls or kestrels. Avoid using rodenticides and provide natural cover like trees and shrubs.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see owl in Tennessee: April, May, June
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your owl sighting in Tennessee
57,103 verified 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).
Frequently asked questions
What owl species live in Tennessee?+
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/owlpage. 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 thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto 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.
Where can you see owls in Tennessee?+
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/owlpage. 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 thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto 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.
When is the best time to see owls in Tennessee?+
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/owlpage. 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 thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto 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.
Keep exploring
More places to see owl
More wildlife in Tennessee
Common questions about owls