Are There Great Horned Owls in Virginia?
Yes, Great Horned Owls are common year-round residents throughout Virginia, from the mountains to the piedmont and coastal plain. These large nocturnal raptors thrive in Virginia's diverse forests, woodlands, and mixed habitats. They are among the state's most widespread and adaptable owl species, found in every county and region.
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 · Laura Mae CC BY
Great Horned Owl · Guy Babineau CC BY
Great Horned Owl · moleneg CC BY
- 1
- species recorded
- 21,004
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- April, March, May
- peak months
Yes, great horned owls are in Virginia. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
795 verified observations on iNaturalist of great horned owl have been recorded in Virginia, most often in April, March, May.
When great horned owl are recorded in Virginia
Yes, Great Horned Owls are common year-round residents throughout Virginia, from the mountains to the piedmont and coastal plain. These large nocturnal raptors thrive in Virginia's diverse forests, woodlands, and mixed habitats. They are among the state's most widespread and adaptable owl species, found in every county and region.
Where Great Horned Owls Live in Virginia
Great Horned Owls are found in all regions of Virginia, adapting to the state's varied geography. In the western mountains, particularly the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Valley areas, Great Horned Owls inhabit deciduous forests, mixed pine forests, and rocky ridges where they nest in tall trees overlooking open ground. The Appalachian region of southwestern Virginia, with its steep hillsides and river gorges, provides excellent habitat. The Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Virginia, one of the largest intact swamp forests in the eastern United States, hosts populations of these owls that hunt among the cypress and tupelo. The piedmont region of central Virginia, with its combination of forest patches, open fields, and suburban areas, supports useful populations. The James River and York River valleys have healthy owl populations that hunt along the waterways. Coastal Virginia and the tidewater region, including areas around the Rappahannock River, support Great Horned Owls year-round. These owls adapt equally well to rural farmland with scattered trees, suburban areas with sufficient woodlots, and remote wilderness. From the mountains above 3,000 feet to sea-level coastal areas, Great Horned Owls find suitable habitat throughout Virginia.
Seasons and Timing in Virginia
Great Horned Owls remain in Virginia throughout the year, making them one of the state's only truly permanent resident owl species. They are resident year-round because Virginia's milder winters compared to northern states provide adequate food and shelter. Calling activity peaks from September through March, with the most intense vocalizations occurring in January and February during the height of the breeding season. In autumn, particularly from September through November, Great Horned Owls become increasingly vocal as pairs establish territories and reaffirm pair bonds. By early winter, from December through February, territorial hooting is nearly constant, especially in evening and early night hours. Breeding activity begins in late November and December when pairs find nest sites. Eggs are typically laid in January and February, hatching by March and April. Young owls fledge from nests by June and remain dependent on parents through summer. Spring and summer, from April through August, is when you are most likely to encounter fledglings still learning to hunt. These young birds often perch in trees or on low structures during the day as they develop their hunting skills. By late summer, young owls have become largely independent, though family groups may still hunt together into fall.
How to Identify Great Horned Owls
Great Horned Owls are Virginia's largest resident owl species, with wingspans that can exceed five feet. Their most recognizable features are the prominent ear tufts that crown the head, giving them a distinctive appearance. Their eyes are large and forward-facing, typically yellow or orange-yellow, and their gaze seems intensely focused. The facial disc is relatively flat and rounded, lacking the prominent disc pattern of Barn Owls. Their plumage ranges from grayish-brown to rufous-brown, with dark streaking that varies among individuals. Virginia Great Horned Owls tend toward the darker end of the color spectrum, helping them blend with dark tree bark and shadows. Their powerful legs and feet are feathered nearly to the toes, distinguishing them from some other large raptors. Their large hooked beak is dark and partially concealed by facial feathers. Females are visibly larger than males, sometimes weighing 50 percent more. Their deep, resonant hooting call is one of Virginia's most distinctive nighttime sounds, a rhythmic hooting that sounds like 'hoo, hoo-hoo, hoo, hoo' or sometimes described as 'who's awake, it's me.' This call is audible for more than a mile in quiet conditions and is the easiest way to identify this species.
Where Sightings Are Most Common in Virginia
Great Horned Owls concentrate in specific habitats that provide shelter and abundant prey. In the mountains, the ridgelines and valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains, particularly around Shenandoah National Park and the surrounding national forest lands, host healthy populations. The New River Gorge area in West Virginia's border provides excellent habitat with deep forests and open hunting grounds. In central Virginia, the piedmont areas around the James River and Pamunkey River host populations that hunt in both forest and open country. The Fall Line area where the piedmont meets the coastal plain marks a good habitat transition zone. In southeastern Virginia, the Dismal Swamp and surrounding swamp forests are prime locations for Great Horned Owls, particularly where cypress and old-growth trees provide nest sites. The tidewater region around the York River, Rappahannock River, and Potomac River mouth offers excellent opportunities. State parks including Pocahontas State Park, Twin Lakes State Park, and Grayson Highlands State Park regularly host these owls. Explore theVirginia wildlife hubfor more information. Agricultural areas throughout the piedmont, particularly regions with shelterbelts of large trees and remnant woodlots, support populations. Protected areas managed by The Nature Conservancy and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources often have these owls. Listening during evening hours in any wooded area with open ground nearby may reward you with the sound of a calling Great Horned Owl.
Behavior and Hunting Habits
Great Horned Owls are formidable nocturnal hunters that are active year-round in Virginia. They hunt from dusk through the early morning hours, perching silently and watching for movement before diving onto prey with talons extended. Their primary diet in Virginia consists of rabbits and hares, which are abundant throughout the state and make up the bulk of their food intake. They also hunt Virginia opossums, raccoons, foxes, squirrels, rats, and smaller rodents. Waterfowl, including ducks and geese, are taken when available near rivers and lakes. Great Horned Owls are fierce predators that will hunt other raptors, including Red-tailed Hawks during their active hunting periods. They maintain established hunting territories that they use year after year, with territorial pairs occupying the same general areas for decades. These owls do not build their own nests but instead appropriate old nests of hawks, eagles, or crows, or nest in natural cavities in large dead trees. Breeding pairs remain together for multiple years and often return to the same nest site season after season. During winter, pairs engage in duetting behavior where both birds hoot together, creating overlapping vocalizations that carry far through the forest. Young owls learn to hunt through trial and error, with parents providing dead prey and then live prey to practice catching. The learning period lasts from fledging in June through early fall.
Living Alongside Great Horned Owls
Great Horned Owls are protected wildlife in Virginia and may not be hunted, captured, or harmed. They are listed as protected by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. These large owls pose virtually no risk to humans and actively avoid populated areas. They rarely become a concern for property owners or residents. They may occasionally prey on small outdoor pets, particularly unattended cats and small dogs, though such predation is uncommon and occurs mainly at night. Most people who live in areas with Great Horned Owls never encounter one directly. The owls' role in controlling rodent populations makes them valuable contributors to Virginia's ecosystem. Many farmers and landowners appreciate having these owls on their property because they naturally control rats, mice, and other rodents that damage stored grain and crops. If you find an injured, sick, or dead Great Horned Owl, contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for guidance. Dead owls can provide valuable population monitoring data. Supporting habitat conservation by protecting old-growth forests and large dead trees helps maintain populations. Explore Virginia'swildlife heritageand learn more aboutour nocturnal birds.
Similar Species and Confusion
Virginia's large owls can be confused with Great Horned Owls, though careful field marks help separate them. The Barred Owl is Virginia's most common large owl and is sometimes confused with Great Horned Owls, but Barred Owls lack ear tufts and have dark eyes rather than yellow eyes. Barred Owls produce a distinctive 'who cooks for you' call. The Short-eared Owl, which visits Virginia in winter, is smaller and hunts over open grassland during the day. Snowy Owls occasionally visit Virginia in winter and are pale or white, clearly distinct. The Long-eared Owl, a winter visitor, is smaller and has more delicate ear tufts. The Great Gray Owl is a rare winter visitor to northern Virginia and is significantly larger with a different facial structure. The Eastern Screech-Owl is much smaller and has a high-pitched whinny call. Young Bald Eagles might be mistaken for large owls in poor light, but they lack ear tufts and have different body proportions. Learning these field marks helps ensure accurate identification. Check theVirginia wildlife guidefor detailed comparison photos and calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time of year should I listen for Great Horned Owl calls in Virginia? The best time to hear Great Horned Owl calls in Virginia is from September through March, with peak calling activity in January and February. They are most vocal in early evening and throughout the night. Can Great Horned Owls breed successfully in Virginia's warm weather? Yes, Great Horned Owls breed successfully across Virginia, from the cool mountains to the warm coastal plain. Their breeding season begins in late fall and continues through spring, allowing fledglings to mature during Virginia's mild summers. Do Great Horned Owls move between Virginia and other states? Great Horned Owls in Virginia are primarily year-round residents. However, some northern populations may move into Virginia for winter, and Virginia birds may occasionally move south in harsh winters. Most Virginia birds stay throughout the year. Are Great Horned Owls common in suburban Virginia? Great Horned Owls do live in suburban areas, particularly in regions with parks, golf courses, or wooded neighborhoods. They are less common in dense urban areas but can adapt to suburban life. For more information, visit ourVirginia wildlife guideand explore all owls found there.
Plan your trip
Best time to see great horned owl in Virginia: April, March, May
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your great horned owl sighting in Virginia
21,004 verified great horned owl records have been logged in Virginia, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Virginia
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Appomattox Court House National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Assateague Island National Seashore · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Blue Ridge Parkway · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake Bay · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Chincoteague NWR* (general area) · 361 species recorded
- **Back Bay NWR · 343 species recorded
- Kiptopeke State Park · 333 species recorded
- Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (Northampton Co.) · 317 species recorded
- Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR · 311 species recorded
- Craney Island Disposal Area (restricted access) · 298 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Recent great horned owl sightings
- Shenwood Ave · 2026-07-20 04:00 · 1 seen
- Machicomoco State Park · 2026-07-18 19:05 · 1 seen
- East Luray · 2026-07-17 20:30 · 1 seen
- Jamestown Island · 2026-07-17 10:52 · 1 seen
- Bryant Bay · 2026-07-16 22:15 · 1 seen
More wildlife in Virginia