Are There Great Horned Owls in Washington?
Yes, Great Horned Owls are common year-round residents throughout Washington, from the Cascade Mountains to the Columbia River basin and coastal regions. These large nocturnal predators thrive in the state's diverse forests, rangelands, and mixed habitats. They are among Washington's most widespread and adaptable owl species, found in every 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 · jjfeiler CC BY
Great Horned Owl · Public domain CC0
Great Horned Owl · John Brew CC BY
- 1
- species recorded
- 56,714
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- May, April, June
- peak months
Yes, great horned owls are in Washington. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
1,950 verified observations on iNaturalist of great horned owl have been recorded in Washington, most often in May, April, June.
When great horned owl are recorded in Washington
Yes, Great Horned Owls are common year-round residents throughout Washington, from the Cascade Mountains to the Columbia River basin and coastal regions. These large nocturnal predators thrive in the state's diverse forests, rangelands, and mixed habitats. They are among Washington's most widespread and adaptable owl species, found in every region.
Where Great Horned Owls Live in Washington
Great Horned Owls are found throughout Washington's varied landscape. In the Cascade Mountains and surrounding forested areas, they inhabit mixed coniferous and deciduous forests where large trees provide nest sites and openings allow hunting. The Snoqualmie River valley and other river corridors provide riparian habitat with cottonwoods and alders that these owls use for nesting and roosting. In the Olympic Mountains of western Washington, Great Horned Owls are resident in the forests and montane meadows. The Puget Sound region and surrounding lowlands host year-round populations that hunt in suburban woodlots and small forests. Eastern Washington's more arid regions, including the Columbia Plateau and shrub-steppe areas, support healthy populations adapted to open country with scattered trees. The Snake River basin and other river valleys of eastern Washington provide concentrated habitat. Agricultural areas throughout central and eastern Washington, with windbreaks and shelterbelts, support significant owl populations. The high desert areas around Bend and the southeastern regions offer suitable habitat. Coastal Washington, including areas around the Willapa Hills and coastal forests, hosts populations year-round. From sea level to mountain elevations above 5,000 feet, Great Horned Owls find suitable territory across Washington.
Seasons and Timing in Washington
Great Horned Owls remain in Washington throughout the year, making them one of the state's truly year-round resident birds. Some birds from northern regions may move into Washington during winter, temporarily increasing the population. Calling activity varies seasonally, with the most intense vocalizations from October through February during the breeding season. In autumn, particularly September through November, Great Horned Owls establish territories and pairs reaffirm their bonds through calling. By December and January, calling reaches peak intensity as pairs prepare to breed. Winter is the best season for hearing these owls, with their deep hooting carrying far through cold, clear nights. Nesting begins in late fall and winter, with pairs taking over old hawk or eagle nests or using natural cavities. Eggs are typically laid in January and February, with incubation occurring through winter and hatching in March and April. Young owls fledge from nests by June, and the family spends summer with young birds learning to hunt. By August and September, young owls have become independent, though they may stay in their natal territory through fall. This cycle allows young owls to practice hunting skills through the abundant summer and fall months when prey is most available.
How to Identify Great Horned Owls
Great Horned Owls are Washington's largest resident owl species, with wingspans exceeding five feet in adult females. Their most distinctive features are the prominent ear tufts that rise from the crown of their head. Their large forward-facing eyes are typically yellow to orange-yellow. The facial disc is relatively flat and broad. Their plumage varies from grayish-brown to rufous-brown, often with dark barring and streaking. Washington Great Horned Owls tend toward gray and brown colorations that blend with forest bark and sagebrush. Their powerful legs are feathered down to the foot pads. Their large hooked beak is dark and partly concealed by feathers. The most reliable field mark for quick identification is the ear tuft. Females are noticeably larger than males. Their distinctive call is a deep, rhythmic hooting that sounds like 'hoo, hoo-hoo, hoo, hoo,' sometimes with variations. Males produce higher-pitched versions of this call than females. The calls carry far in Washington's quiet forests and open country, audible for miles in optimal conditions. Hearing this call is the most reliable way to confirm Great Horned Owl presence in any location.
Where Sightings Are Most Common in Washington
Great Horned Owls concentrate in specific habitats throughout Washington. In the Cascade Range, particularly in lower elevation passes and river valleys, they are regular residents. Mount Rainier National Park and surrounding forest areas host populations. The Snoqualmie River valley and lower Snoqualmie Falls areas are excellent locations for hearing and potentially seeing these owls. The Okanogan National Forest in north-central Washington provides extensive habitat. The Columbia National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding shrub-steppe areas in central Washington host populations adapted to sagebrush country. Agricultural regions of eastern Washington, particularly the Palouse region and Walla Walla Valley, have year-round populations. The Snake River as it flows through eastern Washington provides riparian habitat concentration. In western Washington, the Tillamook Bay area and surrounding forests host these owls. State parks including Olympic National Park and various state wildlife management areas regularly host Great Horned Owls. Suburban areas of Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane with sufficient wooded habitat support populations. Riparian areas along major rivers including the Columbia, Snake, and Wenatchee rivers concentrate populations. River gorges and rocky outcrops provide suitable nesting habitat. Listening during evening hours in any location with large trees and open hunting ground nearby offers chances to hear calling owls.
Behavior and Hunting Habits
Great Horned Owls are skilled nocturnal hunters that hunt exclusively at night in Washington. They rely on exceptional hearing and silent flight to catch prey. They perch quietly, often on tall trees or exposed snags, scanning the ground below for movement before diving onto prey. In Washington, their diet consists primarily of rabbits and hares, particularly the abundant Snowshoe Hare in forested areas and Black-tailed Jackrabbit in eastern regions. They also hunt smaller mammals including ground squirrels, pocket gophers, rats, mice, and voles. Waterfowl near rivers and lakes are occasionally taken. Great Horned Owls are fierce predators and will hunt other raptors and owls if opportunity arises. They maintain established territories that they may occupy for many years, with pairs remaining together long-term. Rather than building their own nests, they take over old nests of other large birds, particularly Red-tailed Hawks, Golden Eagles, or Bald Eagles. They also nest in natural cavities in large dead trees. Breeding pairs often reuse the same nest site year after year. During winter, pairs engage in duetting behavior where both birds vocalize together, their calls overlapping and echoing across the landscape. Young owls learn to hunt over several months after fledging, with parents initially providing dead prey, then live prey to practice catching.
Living Alongside Great Horned Owls
Great Horned Owls are protected wildlife in Washington under state law and federal regulations. They may not be hunted, captured, or harmed without special permits. These large owls pose no threat to humans and actively avoid human activity. They rarely come into conflict with property owners or residents. They may occasionally prey on small outdoor pets, particularly unattended cats and small dogs left outside overnight, though such incidents are relatively uncommon. Most people living in Great Horned Owl habitat never see the bird directly. The presence of these owls indicates a healthy ecosystem with abundant prey. Great Horned Owls are beneficial predators that control rodent populations which can damage crops, stored grain, and gardens. Many agricultural landowners and forest managers appreciate having these owls present. If you encounter an injured, sick, or dead Great Horned Owl, contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Dead owls can provide valuable scientific data. Supporting conservation efforts that protect old-growth forests and large dead trees helps maintain healthy populations. ExploreWashington wildlifeand learn about all the raptors and owls found in the state on ourwildlife guide.
Similar Species and Confusion
Washington's large owls can sometimes be confused with Great Horned Owls, though distinct field marks separate them. The Barred Owl is found in western Washington forests and is sometimes confused with Great Horned Owls, but Barred Owls lack ear tufts and have dark eyes rather than yellow. The Short-eared Owl hunts over open grasslands during daylight hours and is considerably smaller. The Long-eared Owl, a resident in shrub-steppe areas, is smaller with more delicate ear tufts. The Great Gray Owl is a large winter visitor to eastern Washington's mountains but is significantly bigger with a different facial structure. Snowy Owls occasionally visit Washington in winter from the north and are pale or white. The Northern Saw-whet Owl is much smaller with a different call. The Western Screech-Owl of eastern Washington is much smaller. Golden Eagles in poor light might suggest large owls but have different body proportions and no ear tufts. Learning these field marks ensures accurate identification. The most reliable distinction is the ear tufts and yellow eyes of the Great Horned Owl. See ourWashington wildlife guidefor detailed identification information.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to hear Great Horned Owls calling in Washington? The best time to hear Great Horned Owl calls is from October through February, with peak calling activity in January and February. They call most frequently in early evening and through the night. Are Great Horned Owls found in Seattle and other Washington cities? Yes, Great Horned Owls live in suburban areas of Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and other Washington cities, particularly in neighborhoods with parks and wooded areas. They hunt at night and roost in tall trees during the day. Do Great Horned Owls move between Washington and other states? Great Horned Owls in Washington are primarily year-round residents, but some movement occurs between regions. Northern birds may move into Washington for winter, and some Washington birds may shift location during harsh winters. Most Washington birds remain in the state year-round. How big is a Great Horned Owl compared to other Washington raptors? Great Horned Owls are among the largest raptors in Washington, surpassed in size only by Golden Eagles and Bald Eagles, and roughly equal to Red-tailed Hawks. Females are noticeably larger than males. For more details, explore ourWashington wildlife guideand other state resources. Visit ournational wildlife guidefor comprehensive species coverage.
Plan your trip
Best time to see great horned owl in Washington: May, April, June
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your great horned owl sighting in Washington
56,714 verified great horned owl records have been logged in Washington, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Washington
- Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Mount Rainier National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Nez Perce National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Neah Bay--general area (*move to more refined location if appropriate) · 359 species recorded
- Neah Bay--town and bay only · 309 species recorded
- Ocean Shores (hotspot group; please use sub-hotspots) · 307 species recorded
- Discovery Park · 298 species recorded
- McNary NWR (general; please use more specific location) · 287 species recorded
- Point No Point · 284 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Recent great horned owl sightings
- Kroon Home · 2026-07-20 10:02 · 1 seen
- Crestway home · 2026-07-20 07:43 · 2 seen
- 111 Alder Springs Road, yle, Washington, US (45.707, -121.237) · 2026-07-20 06:55 · 1 seen
- Noll Rd · 2026-07-20 05:28 · 1 seen
- Back 40 - 21722 Pugh Rd NE, Poulsbo US-WA · 2026-07-20 02:34 · 2 seen
More wildlife in Washington