Owls in Kentucky

As part of the Mississippi flyway used by migratory birds enroute to the south for the winter, Kentucky is home to a wide variety of birds, including 9 species of owls. Due to the presence of the Cumberland Plateau in the east – an area with massive amounts of coal – owls tend to be rarer in this part. 

While none of Kentucky’s owls are at risk, it is worth noting that the Barn Owl population in the state is declining, mostly due to a loss in habitat.

Owls in Kentucky (KY)

List of Owls in Kentucky

NameAverage SizeStatusWhere Do They Live in the StateMating Season
Small Owls
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Length: 7 – 8 inches
Wingspan: 17-22 inches		NativeMigrates to the state in the winter, with sightings of juvenile birds being the most common in places like Daniel Boone National Forest and Jefferson Memorial ForestSpring (March to April)
Eastern Screech Owl
Length: 6-10 inches
Wingspan: 18-24 inches		NativeYear-round residents in forests and parks in the state, with sightings in Bernheim Arboretum and Research ForestFrom late winter to early spring (Between February and April)
Burrowing Owl
Length: 9-11 inches
Wingspan:  21-24 inches		AccidentalOccasional visitor to the state of KentuckyLate winter to early spring (February to August)
Large Owls
Barn Owl Length: 12-16 inches 
Wingspan: 42-43 inches 		NativeRare in the state, with nests scattered throughout northern and central KentuckyYear-round, with peaks in late winter and spring (March to June)
Great Horned Owl
Length: 18-25 inches
Wingspan: 40-60 inches		NativeVery common in the state, with sightings in the northwest in places like Bernheim Arboretum and Research ForestLate fall to early winter (November to January)
Barred Owl Length: 16-24 inches Wingspan: 16-24 inchesNativePermanent resident, with sightings in the various wetlands of Kentucky Late winter to spring (February to April)
Short-eared Owl
Length: 13-17 inches
Wingspan: 33-43 inches 		NativeThroughout the state, with a lot of sightings in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, though rarer in east KentuckyVaries, often in early spring (March to June, peaking in April)
Snowy Owl Length: 20-27 inches
Wingspan: 49-58 inches		AccidentalVagrant spotted in the northern part of the state in places like SpartaVaries by region and based on prey availability (any time between May and September)
Long-eared Owl
Length: 13-16 inches
Wingspan: 24-40 inches		NativeUncommon but have been spotted during the colder seasonsFrom late winter to early spring (around February to April)

Where Can You See Owls in Kentucky

In the western part of the state, Ballard Wildlife Management Area is home to the Barred Owl as is the “Land Between The Lakes” National Recreation Area shared between Kentucky and Tennessee.

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