There are 42,085 recorded sightings of Great Horned Owl in Illinois, with 771 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in February through May.
When to See Great Horned Owl in Illinois
Most often reported in February through May.
| Month | Recorded Sightings | Peak Month |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4,165 | No |
| February | 3,464 | Yes |
| March | 4,240 | Yes |
| April | 5,822 | Yes |
| May | 5,088 | Yes |
| June | 0 | No |
| July | 0 | No |
| August | 2,110 | No |
| September | 3,321 | No |
| October | 3,128 | No |
| November | 3,062 | No |
| December | 4,594 | No |
Compared With Other Regions
Explore how Great Horned Owl sightings in Illinois compare to other North American hubs:
Ear tufts, big yellow eyes and a white throat patch mark this large, barred owl. Great Horned Owl lives in nearly every habitat across the Americas, from forests and deserts to city parks. It hunts rabbits, rodents and birds at night. Listen for its deep, rhythmic hooting from winter into spring, when pairs are courting, and scan treetops at dusk for a large, upright silhouette with horn-like tufts.
Other Wildlife to Look for in Illinois
Track Great Horned Owl in Illinois
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see a Great Horned Owl in Illinois?
Great Horned Owl is most often reported in Illinois in February through May, based on GBIF records. Reports partly reflect when more people are outdoors, so sightings in other months are possible.
Where can I see a Great Horned Owl in Illinois?
There are 42,085 documented Great Horned Owl records in Illinois. Parks, refuges and protected areas with suitable habitat are the best places to start; the charts above show when it's reported most.
How can I find Great Horned Owl sightings near me in Illinois?
Use the WildMap app on iOS to see recent reports within 100 km from the past 7 days for free (WildMap Pro: 200 km and 30 days), and turn on alerts for sightings near you in Illinois.