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Great Horned Owl in Michigan

Great Horned Owl in Michigan

Bubo virginianus

Great Horned Owl in Michigan — Quick Overview

There are 29,316 recorded sightings of Great Horned Owl in Michigan, with 606 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in February through May.

When to See Great Horned Owl in Michigan

Most often reported in February through May.

Monthly sightings distribution for Great Horned Owl in Michigan
MonthRecorded SightingsPeak Month
January3,136No
February2,787Yes
March3,326Yes
April4,443Yes
May3,589Yes
June0No
July0No
August1,275No
September2,055No
October2,081No
November1,943No
December2,830No

Compared With Other Regions

Explore how Great Horned Owl sightings in Michigan 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 Michigan

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Great Horned Owl is most often reported in Michigan 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 Michigan?

There are 29,316 documented Great Horned Owl records in Michigan. 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 Michigan?

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 Michigan.