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Great Horned Owl in South Carolina

Great Horned Owl in South Carolina

Bubo virginianus

Great Horned Owl in South Carolina — Quick Overview

There are 12,563 recorded sightings of Great Horned Owl in South Carolina, with 308 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in December through March.

When to See Great Horned Owl in South Carolina

Most often reported in December through March.

Monthly sightings distribution for Great Horned Owl in South Carolina
MonthRecorded SightingsPeak Month
January1,548Yes
February1,369Yes
March1,295Yes
April1,049No
May692No
June0No
July0No
August638No
September1,135No
October1,443No
November1,080No
December1,469Yes

Compared With Other Regions

Explore how Great Horned Owl sightings in South Carolina 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 South Carolina

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Great Horned Owl is most often reported in South Carolina 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 South Carolina?

There are 12,563 documented Great Horned Owl records in South Carolina. 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 South Carolina?

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 South Carolina.