Barn Owl Status: Uncommon/Rare Distribution: Year-round resident, less common in eastern Kentucky Preferred Habitat(s): Primarily open areas that include grassland, pasture, hayfield, crop fields, old fields, open marsh, reclaimed strip-mine land, etc. Nesting: Nests in hollow trees, silos, grain bins, barns, and building crevices. They will also use nest boxes if available. Note: KDFWR tracks the occurrence of this species. Please report nesting Barn Owls by calling 1-800-858-1549 or by emailing michael.patton@ky.gov. To learn more, please check out our Kentucky Barn Owls page. Listen to Barn Owl Screams.
Barred Owl Status: Common Distribution: Statewide, year-round resident Preferred Habitat(s): Forested areas, especially bottomland areas Nesting: Nests in hollow trees, but will occasionally use nest boxes.
Eastern Screech-Owl Status: Common Distribution: Year-round resident Preferred Habitat(s): Forests/Semi-Forested, and semi-open farmland Nesting: Nests in tree cavities, but will also use nest boxes Special Note: Screech Owls usually come in one of two colors: gray or red. Both can be found in Kentucky. A brown morph can also be found, but is more common further south, especially in Florida. Listen to Screech Owl Call
Great Horned Owl Status: Common Distribution: Statewide Preferred Habitat(s): Forested areas, semi-forested areas, and semi-open farmland Nesting: Nests in old hawk nests made from sticks, but will also use hollow trees Listen to Great Horned Owl Call
Northern Saw-whet Owl Status: Uncommon/rare Distribution: Likely statewide Preferred Habitat(s): Forests/semi-forested, semi-open farmland Nesting: Does not nest in Kentucky. Migrates through Canada and the Northern U.S., but may winter in the state.
Short-eared Owl Status: Uncommon/rare Distribution: Winter statewide, rarer in Eastern Kentucky. In summer, nesting is confirmed in West-Central KY, Ohio, and Muhlenberg Counties. Preferred Habitat(s): Open areas - grassland, pastures, hayfields, reclaimed strip-mine land, etc. Nesting: Does not regularly nest in Kentucky. Documented nests have been found in grassy areas Note: In Winter, they will form communal roosts. If you see a large number of birds (five or more), please report it to KDFWR at michael.patton@ky.gov.