Owls In South Carolina – (With Locations)

South Carolina’s diverse landscapes, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coastal lowlands, provide a perfect habitat for a variety of owl species. These nocturnal raptors are an integral part of the state’s rich biodiversity, and they play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling populations of small mammals, insects, and other animals. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of owls that grace the night skies of South Carolina, each with its own unique charm and characteristics.

9 Types of Owls In South Carolina

1. Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl, often referred to as the “tiger of the skies,” is a sight to behold in South Carolina’s night sky. This majestic bird is easily recognized by its large size, ear-like tufts, and piercing yellow eyes. The Great Horned Owl is a true survivor, adapting to a wide range of habitats, from dense forests to city parks.

This owl is known for its deep, resonating hoot that echoes through the night, a sound as captivating as it is eerie. The Great Horned Owl is a formidable predator, with a diet that includes rodents, rabbits, and even other birds. Its strong talons and sharp beak make it a skilled hunter.

2. Eastern Screech Owl

The Eastern Screech Owl, a smaller yet equally fascinating owl species, is a common resident of South Carolina. It’s known for its distinctive call, a haunting trill that can send shivers down your spine. The Eastern Screech Owl is a master of disguise. Its grey or reddish-brown feathers blend perfectly with the tree bark, making it almost invisible to the untrained eye.

This owl prefers woodland areas, but it’s also found in suburban and urban environments. Despite its name, the Eastern Screech Owl doesn’t actually screech. Instead, it emits a series of whinnies and soft trills. This owl is an opportunistic hunter, feeding on a variety of prey, from insects to small mammals.

3. Barred Owl

The Barred Owl, with its soulful brown eyes and distinctive “Who cooks for you?” call, is a beloved figure in South Carolina’s avian community. This owl is known for its barred plumage, which gives it a unique, striped appearance. The Barred Owl prefers mature forests near water bodies, where it hunts for a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and amphibians.

Unlike most owls, the Barred Owl is known to be quite vocal during the day, especially in late winter and early spring. The Barred Owl’s haunting call, striking appearance, and intriguing behavior make it a favorite among birdwatchers. This owl, like its counterparts, plays a vital role in maintaining the health of our ecosystem.

4. Barn Owl

The Barn Owl, with its heart-shaped face and ghostly appearance, is one of the most distinctive owls found in South Carolina. This owl is known for its silent flight, a characteristic that makes it an efficient and deadly predator. The Barn Owl’s primary habitat includes open fields and farmlands, where it hunts for rodents under the cover of darkness.

The Barn Owl’s call is unlike the typical hoot of other owls. Instead, it emits a chilling screech that can startle the unprepared listener. Despite its eerie call, the Barn Owl is a friend to farmers, helping control the population of pests like mice and rats. This owl is a testament to the diversity and adaptability of South Carolina’s owl species, each contributing to the balance and health of our ecosystem in its unique way.

5. Short-eared Owl

The Short-eared Owl is a sight to behold in the open grasslands of South Carolina. This medium-sized owl is known for its short ear tufts, which are often difficult to see. The Short-eared Owl is unique among its peers as it is most active during dawn and dusk, making it easier to spot than its nocturnal counterparts.

The Short-eared Owl’s diet primarily consists of small mammals, particularly voles. This owl has a distinctive flight pattern, characterized by buoyant, moth-like flapping. Its call, a series of short hoots, is often heard during the breeding season. This owl, like its counterparts, plays a vital role in maintaining the health of our ecosystem.

6. Long-eared Owl

The Long-eared Owl, a secretive and less commonly seen resident of South Carolina, is known for its long ear tufts that resemble horns. This owl prefers dense forests where it can roost during the day, hidden from potential threats. The Long-eared Owl is a skilled hunter, feeding primarily on small mammals.

Its call, a deep hoot, is often heard during the breeding season. This owl, like its counterparts, plays a vital role in maintaining the health of our ecosystem. The Long-eared Owl’s story is yet another chapter in the fascinating tale of South Carolina’s nocturnal raptors.

7. Northern Saw-whet Owl

The Northern Saw-whet Owl, one of the smallest owl species in South Carolina, is a hidden gem in the state’s avian community. Despite its small size, this owl is full of character. It gets its unique name from its call, which sounds similar to a saw being sharpened on a whetstone.

The Northern Saw-whet Owl prefers dense forests, where it can roost during the day, hidden from potential threats. This owl is a skilled hunter, feeding primarily on small mammals and insects. The Northern Saw-whet Owl’s unique call, petite size, and intriguing behavior make it a captivating character in South Carolina’s avian community.

8. Snowy Owl

The Snowy Owl, a rare visitor to South Carolina, is a sight to behold. This large, white owl is a symbol of the Arctic, and its occasional appearance in the state is a treat for birdwatchers. The Snowy Owl’s striking white plumage and large size make it one of the most recognizable owl species.

The Snowy Owl is known for its distinctive call, a series of hoots that echo through the night. This owl is a formidable predator, feeding on a variety of prey, from rodents to birds. Its rare appearances in South Carolina are usually during the winter months when it occasionally ventures south from its Arctic home.

9. Burrowing Owl

The Burrowing Owl, with its long legs and bright yellow eyes, is a unique member of South Carolina’s owl community. Unlike most owl species, the Burrowing Owl is active during the day, making it easier to spot. This owl gets its name from its unusual habit of living in burrows, often those abandoned by prairie dogs or ground squirrels.

The Burrowing Owl’s diet primarily consists of insects and small mammals. Its call, a series of short hoots, is often heard during the breeding season. The Burrowing Owl’s story is yet another chapter in the fascinating tale of South Carolina’s nocturnal raptors.

Popular Owl Spotting Places In South Carolina

Congaree National Park

The park’s expansive old-growth bottomland hardwood forest provides an excellent habitat for a variety of bird species, including several types of owls. The park’s tranquil environment and the dense canopy offer owls a perfect nesting and hunting ground. Nighttime guided walks organized by the park may offer the chance to hear the haunting hoots of owls echoing through the forest or even catch a glimpse of these elusive creatures.

Francis Beidler Forest

This Audubon sanctuary, located in the Four Holes Swamp, is a haven for a variety of bird species. The forest’s dense canopy and abundant water sources make it an ideal habitat for owls. The quiet solitude of the forest at dusk and dawn, punctuated by the calls of the owls, makes for an unforgettable birdwatching experience. The forest’s boardwalk allows visitors to explore the heart of this bird paradise.

Santee National Wildlife Refuge

This refuge is a birdwatcher’s dream, known for its rich birdlife. Its varied habitats, which include forests, marshes, and grasslands, attract a variety of owl species. The refuge’s extensive trail system and guided birdwatching tours offer ample opportunities to spot these nocturnal hunters in action.

Savannah River Site

Managed by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Savannah River Site is a unique location known for its extensive wildlife. The site’s diverse habitats, from pine forests to wetlands, provide a home for a variety of bird species, including owls. Birdwatching tours are occasionally offered, providing a unique opportunity to spot owls and learn about the site’s ecological research.

Huntington Beach State Park

This coastal park is a prime birdwatching location. While it’s known for its water birds, the park’s forests also provide habitats for several owl species. The park’s nature trails offer the chance to explore these habitats, and the peaceful beach setting provides a unique backdrop for birdwatching.

Jones Gap State Park

Located in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, this park’s mountainous terrain and forests provide a suitable habitat for owls. The park’s extensive trail system winds through some of the state’s most beautiful landscapes, offering birdwatchers the chance to spot owls while enjoying the area’s natural beauty.

Cheraw State Park

This park’s combination of forests and wetlands makes it a good spot for birdwatching, including potential owl sightings. The park’s cypress wetlands and pine forests provide diverse habitats for a variety of bird species. The park’s quiet trails and lakeside setting offer a peaceful environment for birdwatching.

Best Time And Season To Spot Owls In South Carolina

Owls are primarily nocturnal creatures, which means the best time to spot them is usually at night. Dusk and dawn, in particular, are often the most active times for these mysterious birds. As for the best season to spot owls in South Carolina, it largely depends on the specific species. However, a general rule of thumb is that late winter and early spring are excellent times for owl spotting.