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Great Horned Owl in Kentucky

Great Horned Owl in Kentucky

Bubo virginianus

Great Horned Owl in Kentucky — Quick Overview

There are 7,448 recorded sightings of Great Horned Owl in Kentucky, with 193 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in January through April.

When to See Great Horned Owl in Kentucky

Most often reported in January through April.

Monthly sightings distribution for Great Horned Owl in Kentucky
MonthRecorded SightingsPeak Month
January645Yes
February772Yes
March884Yes
April972Yes
May537No
June0No
July0No
August430No
September638No
October719No
November601No
December748No

Compared With Other Regions

Explore how Great Horned Owl sightings in Kentucky compare to other North American hubs:

About the Great Horned OwlFull Range Map & Species Guide →

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 Kentucky

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see a Great Horned Owl in Kentucky?

Great Horned Owl is most often reported in Kentucky in January through April, 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 Kentucky?

There are 7,448 documented Great Horned Owl records in Kentucky. 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 Kentucky?

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 Kentucky.