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Great Horned Owl in Maryland

Great Horned Owl in Maryland

Bubo virginianus

Great Horned Owl in Maryland — Quick Overview

There are 19,973 recorded sightings of Great Horned Owl in Maryland, with 299 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in December through March.

When to See Great Horned Owl in Maryland

Most often reported in December through March.

Monthly sightings distribution for Great Horned Owl in Maryland
MonthRecorded SightingsPeak Month
January2,330Yes
February2,181Yes
March2,216Yes
April2,163No
May1,623No
June0No
July0No
August901No
September1,640No
October1,799No
November1,555No
December2,217Yes

Compared With Other Regions

Explore how Great Horned Owl sightings in Maryland 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 Maryland

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Great Horned Owl is most often reported in Maryland in December through March, 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 Maryland?

There are 19,973 documented Great Horned Owl records in Maryland. 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 Maryland?

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 Maryland.