As is the case with any state in the American Southeast, owl diversity in Georgia is lackluster compared to other parts of the country, but are there owls in Georgia at all? Yes, 6 regular types of owls in Georgia are nothing to scoff at. In fact, some Georgia owls are highly sought after and very exciting to observe.
The habitats that the owls of Georgia occupy are as diverse as the owls themselves. So, what owls live in Georgia? Read on to find out and learn where you can spot an owl in Georgia!
I will describe all owls in Georgia extensively, but first, I want to talk about Long-eared Owls. Most other articles that describe Georgia owls will lump Long-eared Owls into the mix, but this association is misleading. The reality is that Long-eared Owls are not believed to be regular GA owls. Instead, they are unexpected and occasional winter residents. Now, further research into this secretive species could change ornithologists’ view of Long-eared Owls in Georgia. However, Georgians should not expect to see them at this point.
Table of Contents
6 Owls In Georgia
Barn Owl (American subspecies)
- Scientific Name: Tyto alba
- Length: 16 inches (41 cm)
- Weight: 14 – 25 ounces
- Wingspan: 39 – 49 inches (~100 – 125 cm)
Barn Owls are uncommon year-round residents in Georgia. The mild weather that they experience here is very alluring. Unfortunately, lots of prime Barn Owl habitat has been lost as agriculture has become more industrialized over the past half-century.
The old, dilapidated barns where these owl species in Georgia love to roost and raise families is becoming harder to find. Moreover, pristine marshes or tracks of grassland are a rarity in the state. Therefore, even though they never migrate away from the state, Barn Owls in Georgia can be hard to find.
Those who hope to find an American Barn Owl in Georgia should investigate modestly sized tracts of tall grasses that are free of trees. Locations that have old buildings or large trees with cavities nearby will be enticing for these raptors.
Barred Owl
- Scientific Name: Strix varia
- Length: 19 inches (53 cm)
- Weight: 16.5 to 37 ounces
- Wingspan: 39 – 43 inches (99 – 110 cm)
Seeing a Barred Owl in Georgia is a common occurrence, as they are perhaps the most common owl in Georgia. Barred Owls owe their success to their adaptability, as they can prosper anywhere from the dense Appalachian forests to suburban backyards.
These large, dark-eyed Georgia owls keep a low profile during the day, but you’ll likely know if you flush one from a roost if you hear crows starting to mob a bird.
At night, Barred Owls become impressive vocalists. During this time, these owls native to Georgia may make a variety of odd hooting and chattering sounds. Barred Owls can be found at any time of year in Georgia.
Eastern Screech-Owl
- Scientific Name: Otus asio
- Length: 8.5 inches (22 cm)
- Weight: 4.3 – 8.6 ounces
- Wingspan: 19 – 24 inches (48 – 61 cm)
Most Georgians have never laid eyes on one of these petite year-round residents. However, this does not mean that Eastern Screech-Owls are not common owls in GA.
Rather, their populations can be substantial in open woodlands, urban areas with trees, and parks throughout the Peach State. Here, this Georgia owl survives in tree cavities where they blend seamlessly into their surroundings. They are usually considered to be the most common Georgia owls within larger cities since they can flourish with far fewer trees than other GA owls.
Those with sharp eyes may be able to spot an Eastern Screech-Owl as it suns itself by perching on the edge of a tree cavity. If you can’t track one of these owls of Georgia down during the day, try listening for the whinny-like calls and trills that they make during the night. Eastern Screech-Owls may roost in tree cavities made by woodpeckers in Georgia or use birdhouses.
Great Horned Owl
- Scientific Name: Bubo virginianus
- Length: 22 inches (56 cm)
- Weight: 33 – 88 ounces
- Wingspan: 40 – 57 inches (101 – 145 cm)
Great Horned Owls are the most widely distributed owl in North America, and for good reason. Great Horned Owls in Georgia are apex avian predators in any habitat in which they’re found.
Great Horned Owls look imposing with their piercing yellow eyes and ear tufts that stick up on their heads. You can find a Great Horned Owl in Georgia in open landscapes that feature scattered bunches of trees – think cemeteries, parks, and windbreaks.
These types of owls in Georgia are present throughout the year, and your best chance of hearing one would be around the mating season when pairs perform a hooting duet. Therefore, early winter through March will be a good time to listen.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
- Scientific Name: Aegolius acadicus
- Length: 7 – 8 inches (18 – 21 cm)
- Weight: 2.5 – 5.5 ounces
- Wingspan: 16.5 – 19 inches (42 – 48 cm)
Until very recently, it was assumed that Northern Saw-whet Owls are rare winter visitors in the Peach State. After all, they are exceedingly rare in Florida. However, targeted saw-whet owl banding operations—much like the ones in Alabama—are changing the status of these tiny owls in GA.
Once considered to be exceedingly rare in Georgia, new research has now forced people to regard Northern Saw-whet Owls are regular—albeit very elusive—owls in North Georgia.
Due to the secretive mannerisms of these owls native to Georgia, very few have been fortunate enough to witness one. Although Northern Saw-whet Owls breed in Tennessee and North Carolina, ornithologists do not presently believe that breeding populations exist in Georgia.
Therefore, saw-whets are only around in winter when they do not vocalize or make themselves obvious in any sort of way.
Short-eared Owl
- Scientific Name: Asio flammeus
- Length: 15 inches (38 cm)
- Weight: 7.3 – 17 ounces
- Wingspan: 33.5 – 40.5 inches (85 – 103 cm)
Northern Saw-whets are unquestionably the most impressive Georgia owl to observe in the state, but viewing a Short-eared Owl is also quite an accomplishment.
These migratory owls can be seen from mid-October through early March in open, grassy areas or marshes with minimal tree cover. Therefore, there are not a ton of fantastic Short-eared Owl locations in Georgia.
Southwest Georgia happens to have the best Short-eared Owl habitat. Here, several reports have been made in Sumter, Lee, and Mitchell Counties in the past decade. Some of the reports involve birds that are merely hunting over harvested agricultural fields, so these owls of GA are clearly not too picky in their habitat requirements.
There have been a surprising amount of records of these owls in South Georgia. Go out before sunrise or around the time of sunset if you hope to observe one of these owls of Georgia.