Are There Great Horned Owls in Texas?

Yes, Great Horned Owls are abundant year-round residents throughout Texas. These powerful nocturnal hunters live in every region, from the piney woods of East Texas to the deserts and mountains of West Texas. You can find them in forests, canyons, grasslands, and suburban areas across the enormous state.

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 photographed in Texas — Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.

Found in Texas

1
species recorded: 100,675
GBIF records: 6
birding hotspots: April, March, May
peak months

Yes, great horned owls are in Texas. Next you'll want:

Real sighting data, source iNaturalist

6,391 verified observations on iNaturalist of great horned owl have been recorded in Texas, most often in April, March, May.

When great horned owl are recorded in Texas

Where Great Horned Owls Live in Texas

Great Horned Owls inhabit all regions of Texas, from the coast to the mountains and deserts. East Texas piney woods support populations in dense loblolly and longleaf pine forests. The Gulf Coast region, including coastal forests and maritime habitats, hosts owl populations. Central Texas cedar breaks and oak woodlands provide extensive suitable habitat. The Edwards Plateau of central Texas, with its limestone canyons and juniper forests, supports stable owl populations. The Colorado River and Brazos River valleys create productive hunting habitat throughout central and coastal Texas. South Texas brush country and mesquite woodlands support populations adapted to semi-arid conditions. West Texas deserts and mountains, including the Chisos Mountains region, provide habitat in juniper and pinyon pine forests. The Panhandle grasslands and canyon country support owl populations in high plains and canyon habitats. The Rio Grande valley and surrounding areas in far West Texas host owls. Northern oak savannas and transitional habitats provide productive hunting grounds. Urban and suburban areas of Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and other major cities increasingly host Great Horned Owls. Visitthe Texas wildlife hubto learn about other species. The transition zones between different habitat types create particularly attractive hunting edges.

Seasonal Activity and Timing in Texas

Great Horned Owls are permanent residents throughout Texas, maintaining territories year-round without migration. Their activity patterns follow a consistent annual cycle tied to breeding demands. 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 across Texas. 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 demand frequent meals. Fledging occurs in May and June as young owls leave nests but remain dependent. By summer and early fall, young owls gradually disperse to establish territories. The most vocal period is November through February when territorial and breeding activities are most intense. Winter nights, particularly December through February, offer excellent opportunities to hear Great Horned Owls calling. Texas weather varies dramatically by region, but owls remain active year-round. Clear, calm nights allow owl vocalizations to carry far across Texas's landscape. Checkthe national wildlife hubfor information on other seasonal species. In northern and western Texas, winter may bring slightly reduced activity. Moonlit nights may enhance visibility and hunting activity across open regions.

Identifying Great Horned Owls in Texas

Great Horned Owls are Texas's largest resident owl species, easily identified by distinctive features. Adults measure 18 to 25 inches in length with wingspans reaching 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 Texas 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 features a pale collar-like marking. Underparts are barred and streaked in contrasting tones. Males and females appear identical in plumage, though females are substantially larger and heavier. In flight, wings are broad and rounded, the tail is short, and the silhouette is massive and powerful. 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 Texas's varied landscapes. They also produce hisses, grunts, and loud shrieking sounds when defending territories or nests. Visitthe Texas wildlife hubfor comparison with other Texas owl species. The distinctive ear tufts, yellow eyes, and large size make identification straightforward.

Where to Find Great Horned Owls in Texas

Great Horned Owls concentrate in specific habitats throughout Texas, making certain areas more productive for observation. East Texas piney woods consistently support owl populations. The Colorado River and Brazos River valleys provide excellent habitat. Central Texas cedar breaks and canyon country, particularly in areas like the Balcones Canyonlands, host owl populations. West Texas mountains and deserts, including Big Bend National Park area, support populations. The Edwards Plateau region of central Texas provides productive habitat. South Texas brush country with scattered mesquite supports populations. Urban parks with large old trees in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and surrounding cities increasingly host owls. The Rio Grande valley in far West Texas provides riparian habitat. Coastal forests and maritime hammocks near the Gulf Coast host populations. Northern Panhandle grasslands and canyon country provide suitable habitat. State parks and wildlife areas throughout Texas support owl populations. The Trinity River valley provides hunting habitat through northeastern Texas. Learn more atthe Texas wildlife hub. Winter listening near forests and canyon edges frequently detects calling owls. Calm, clear nights are ideal for hearing owl vocalizations. Early morning hours before sunrise offer excellent opportunities for hearing calling owls. Texas's large size ensures diverse owl habitats across all regions.

Diet and Hunting in Texas

Great Horned Owls are apex predators in Texas, hunting nocturnally from elevated perching positions. They hunt using a sit-and-wait strategy, scanning for movement below before diving silently at speeds exceeding 40 miles per hour. Rabbits and hares form a substantial portion of their diet across Texas. Eastern cottontail rabbits are abundant throughout eastern and central Texas. Black-tailed jackrabbits are hunted in western and southern regions. Squirrels including gray squirrels provide significant nutrition in forested areas. Ground squirrels become important prey in grassland and desert regions. Rats, mice, voles, and other rodents are consumed regularly. Armadillos and other mammals are occasionally hunted. Ground-nesting birds including quail and grouse are occasional prey. In Texas's agricultural areas and suburban zones, they hunt rodents around human habitation providing valuable pest control. The hunting technique involves striking prey with powerful talons exerting 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. In Texas's vast and varied habitats, owls adapt hunting techniques to available prey. Visitthe national wildlife hubfor information on predator-prey relationships. Their broad diet enables success across Texas's diverse landscape.

Coexistence and Safety in Texas

Great Horned Owls and Texas residents coexist 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 and ranchers 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 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Learning to identify and appreciate owls enriches your understanding of natural history. Many local nature centers and conservation groups offer owl identification programs. Photography and recording for personal enjoyment is legal and causes no harm. Sharing owl observations with researchers helps monitor population trends in Texas.

Species That Resemble Great Horned Owls

Several other owl species occur in Texas and may be confused with Great Horned Owls without careful observation. The Barred Owl is found in eastern and central Texas 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 hours, and has a pale facial disc. The Screech Owl is much smaller, 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 Elf Owl, found in West Texas, is extremely small compared to the Great Horned Owl. The Flammulated Owl is smaller with different coloring and habitat preferences. The Great Gray Owl is larger but is extremely rare in Texas. 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. Pay attention to ear tuft size and position, eye color, facial disc shape, size, and vocalizations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Owls

What does a Great Horned Owl call sound like in Texas? The typical call is a series of deep hoots: hoo hoo hoo hoo. The pattern may vary to four, five, or six hoots depending on individual and circumstance. The first hoot is often lower in pitch than the others. They also produce hisses, grunts, and loud shrieking sounds, especially when defending territories or nests. Where can I hear Great Horned Owls calling in Texas? Listen near forests, canyons, and riparian areas at night. East Texas piney woods, central Texas cedar breaks, river valleys, and West Texas canyons are productive. December through March is the best season as owls actively call during territory and breeding. Are Great Horned Owls dangerous to people in Texas? 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. Can I keep a Great Horned Owl as a pet in Texas? No, it is illegal under federal law to possess wild Great Horned Owls. These birds are protected and only federally licensed facilities may house them. Violating this law results in serious federal fines and potential criminal charges.

Plan your trip

Best time to see great horned owl in Texas: April, March, May

See the month-by-month sighting calendar.

When to go

Plan your great horned owl sighting in Texas

100,675 verified great horned owl records have been logged in Texas, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.

Where to look in Texas

Amistad National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Big Bend National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Big Thicket National Preserve · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Chamizal National Memorial · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Fort Davis National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Guadalupe Mountains National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
South Padre Island (LTC 034; use more precise Hotspot when possible) · 425 species recorded
Big Bend NP (please use more specific location if possible) · 390 species recorded
High Island (UTC 051) · 390 species recorded
South Padre Is.--WBC/Conv. Center/Laguna Madre Trail (LTC 035) · 385 species recorded
Laguna Atascosa NWR (LTC 024) · 382 species recorded
South Padre Is.--Birding and Nature Center · 378 species recorded

Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).

Recent great horned owl sightings

125 John Paul Circle, Panhandle US-TX 35.33882, -101.37094 · 2026-07-20 07:28 · 1 seen
Deerfield Greenbelt · 2026-07-20 06:10 · 1 seen
9 Oaks, High Island Bird Sanctuary · 2026-07-20 00:53 · 1 seen
Mockingbird Hill · 2026-07-20 00:26 · 1 seen
5100-5170 Farm to Market 89, Tuscola, Texas, US (32.229, -99.907) · 2026-07-19 19:50 · 2 seen

Planning a trip to see great horned owl? Find places to stay near Amistad National Recreation Area on Booking.com.