Owls in Virginia: 8 Stunning Nighttime Predators for You to See

The state of Virginia houses eight gorgeous species of owls. Some appear in just about every region of the state—like Great Horned Owls and Barn Owls—while others visit once every blue moon. Since owls typically reside in heavily wooded areas, most of them are heard rather than seen. But if you’re lucky, you might find an owl on the prowl just before the sun sets, as some are diurnal and thus actively hunt during daylight hours. In this article, I’ve listed all eight species of owls in Virginia. Read on for detailed information on how to find and identify them! 1. Great Horned Owl Scientific name:Bubo virginianus Length: 18 to 26 inches Wingspan: 55.5 inches Weight: 50 ounces Lifespan: 10 to 15 years (wild); 28 years (oldest recorded) Often found in literature, children’s books, and TV,Great Horned Owlsare perhaps the most iconic species of owls in the world. They’re found year-round in Virginia, which is great news for owl fanatics. Be warned, though: Great Horned Owls attack when threatened, so they’re best admired from afar. They’re not actively hostile, but they’re not the friendliest creatures either. Author Note:Great Horned Owls are the largest owls in Virginia and the third-largest in the world, after Eurasian Owls and Blakiston’s Fish Owls. Adult Great Horned Owls measure up to 26 inches in length, which is about as tall as an adult-sized Bernese Mountain Dog. As per their namesake, these owls have horn-like tufts pointing up their heads. They have broad, barrel-shaped bodies, mottled dark-brown plumage, mahogany faces, and large, intimidating yellow eyes, making them easily distinguishable from other owls in Virginia. When it comes to food, Great Horned Owls aren’t picky. Thanks to their immense size, unwavering strength, and aggressive nature, they can handle large prey such as falcons, ospreys, and birds up

The state of Virginia houses eight gorgeous species of owls.