15 Owls In Arizona – With Location

Arizona, with its unique desert ecosystems and sprawling forests, is home to a rich tapestry of wildlife. Among the most captivating of these creatures are the owls, those mysterious birds of the night that have intrigued humans for centuries. With their silent flight, haunting calls, and piercing eyes, owls are a symbol of the wild, untamed beauty of the Arizona night. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of owls that call Arizona their home.

15 Types of Owls In Arizona

1. Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl, often referred to as the “tiger of the skies,” is a sight to behold in the Arizona wilderness. This majestic bird, with its large, powerful body and distinctive ear tufts, is one of the most common and widespread owls in North America. The Great Horned Owl is a master of adaptation.

It thrives in a variety of habitats, from the dense forests to the open deserts of Arizona. This owl is easily recognized by its deep, resonating hoot that echoes through the night. What makes the Great Horned Owl truly remarkable is its hunting prowess. With its keen eyesight and acute hearing, it can locate and capture prey even in complete darkness.

2. Barn Owl

The Barn Owl, with its heart-shaped face and ghostly appearance, is another fascinating owl species found in Arizona. This owl is known for its eerie, screeching call, quite different from the typical hoots of other owls.

Barn Owls are primarily found in open habitats, such as fields, marshes, and, as their name suggests, barns and other human structures. They are excellent hunters, using their exceptional hearing to locate prey in the dark. The Barn Owl plays a vital role in pest control, as it primarily feeds on rodents.

3. Flammulated Owl

The Flammulated Owl is a small, elusive owl species that can be found in the high-elevation forests of Arizona. This owl is known for its flame-like markings, which give it its name and provide excellent camouflage against tree bark. Despite its small size, the Flammulated Owl is a skilled predator.

It primarily feeds on insects, making it a beneficial part of the forest ecosystem. This owl’s soft, low hoot is a common sound in Arizona’s pine forests during the summer months. The Flammulated Owl’s secretive nature and nocturnal habits make it a challenge to spot.

4. Whiskered Screech Owl

The Whiskered Screech Owl, a resident of Arizona’s mountain woodlands, is a small owl with a big personality. This owl is named for its whisker-like feathers around its beak, which give it a distinctive appearance. The Whiskered Screech Owl is known for its variety of vocalizations, from hoots to barks to whistles.

These sounds add a unique melody to the nighttime chorus of the Arizona forests. This owl is an adept hunter, feeding on a variety of small creatures, including insects, spiders, and small mammals. The Whiskered Screech Owl’s role as a predator helps to keep these populations in check.

5. Northern Saw-whet Owl

The Northern Saw-whet Owl, a petite and endearing species, is a hidden gem within the Arizona bird community. Despite its small size, this owl has a presence that is hard to ignore. Its large, round eyes and cat-like face make it one of the most adorable owl species you can encounter in Arizona.

The Northern Saw-whet Owl is named for its distinctive call, which sounds similar to a saw being sharpened on a whetstone. This owl prefers dense, coniferous forests, where it nests in tree cavities and hunts for small rodents and insects. Although it’s not easy to spot due to its nocturnal habits and excellent camouflage, the Northern Saw-whet Owl is a delightful part of Arizona’s rich birdlife.

6. Long-Eared Owl

The Long-Eared Owl, with its tall, ear-like tufts and piercing yellow eyes, is a captivating sight in the Arizona wilderness. This medium-sized owl is known for its cat-like face and slender body, making it a unique member of Arizona’s owl family. The Long-Eared Owl is a master of disguise.

It roosts in dense foliage during the day, blending in perfectly with its surroundings. At night, it emerges to hunt, using its excellent hearing to locate small mammals and birds. The Long-Eared Owl’s secretive nature and striking appearance make it a favorite among birdwatchers. Its role as a predator helps maintain a balance in the populations of its prey.

7. Western Screech Owl

The Western Screech Owl is a common resident of Arizona’s woodlands and deserts. This small, robust owl is known for its distinctive call, a series of short, hooting notes that add a unique melody to the night.

The Western Screech Owl is a versatile hunter, feeding on a variety of prey, from insects to small mammals and even birds. It nests in tree cavities and is often found in areas with a mix of trees and open spaces. This owl’s adaptability and hunting skills make it an important part of Arizona’s ecosystems.

8. Elf Owl

The Elf Owl, the smallest owl in the world, is a special highlight of Arizona’s birdlife. This tiny owl, with its round head and short tail, is a delightful sight in the desert and woodland habitats of Arizona. The Elf Owl is known for its high-pitched, yelping call, a sound that adds a unique touch to the Arizona night.

Despite its small size, this owl is a skilled hunter, feeding primarily on insects. The Elf Owl’s presence in Arizona is a testament to the state’s diverse habitats and rich biodiversity. This pint-sized predator plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations, making it an important part of the ecosystem.

9. Burrowing Owl

The Burrowing Owl is a unique member of Arizona’s owl family. Unlike most owls, this small, long-legged species is often active during the day, and it has a special adaptation that sets it apart – it lives in burrows! The Burrowing Owl is known for its bright yellow eyes and distinctive, cooing call.

It can be found in open habitats, such as grasslands and deserts, where it uses abandoned rodent burrows for nesting and roosting. Despite its small size, the Burrowing Owl is a formidable hunter, feeding on a variety of prey, from insects to small mammals. Its presence in Arizona’s ecosystems helps control pest populations.

10. Spotted Owl

The Spotted Owl, with its dark eyes and spotted plumage, is a symbol of the old-growth forests of Arizona. This medium-sized owl is known for its soft, four-note hoot and its preference for mature, undisturbed forests.

The Spotted Owl is a skilled hunter, feeding primarily on small mammals. Its role as a predator helps maintain a balance in the populations of its prey, contributing to the overall health of the forest ecosystem. Spotting a Spotted Owl in the wild is a thrilling experience for any birdwatcher.

11. Short-Eared Owl

The Short-Eared Owl is a sight to behold in the open habitats of Arizona. This medium-sized owl is known for its short ear tufts, which are often difficult to see, and its distinctive, irregular flight pattern. The Short-Eared Owl is a nomadic hunter, often seen flying low over fields and marshes in search of small mammals and birds.

Its presence in Arizona’s ecosystems plays a crucial role in controlling the populations of these prey species. The Short-Eared Owl’s adaptability and wide range of habitats make it a fascinating subject for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

12. Ferruginous Pygmy Owl

The Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, one of the smallest owls in Arizona, is a charismatic member of the state’s bird community. This tiny owl, with its rusty-colored plumage and piercing yellow eyes, is a delightful sight in the desert and woodland habitats of Arizona.

The Ferruginous Pygmy Owl is known for its series of rapid, whistling hoots. Despite its small size, this owl is a skilled predator, feeding on a variety of prey, from insects to small birds and mammals. The Ferruginous Pygmy Owl’s presence in Arizona is a testament to the state’s diverse habitats and rich biodiversity.

13. Mexican Spotted Owl

The Mexican Spotted Owl, a subspecies of the Spotted Owl, is a treasured resident of Arizona’s forests. This owl, with its dark eyes and patterned plumage, is a symbol of the rich biodiversity found within the state’s mature woodland ecosystems.

The Mexican Spotted Owl is known for its soft, hooting call that echoes through the forest at night. It’s a skilled hunter, feeding primarily on small mammals. Its role as a predator helps maintain a balance in the populations of its prey, contributing to the overall health of the forest ecosystem.

14. Mottled Owl

The Mottled Owl, with its speckled brown plumage and large, dark eyes, is a captivating sight in the Arizona night. This medium-sized owl is known for its haunting, whistling call, a sound that adds a touch of mystery to the nocturnal landscape.

The Mottled Owl is a versatile hunter, feeding on a variety of prey, from insects to small mammals. It prefers dense forests and woodlands, where it uses its excellent camouflage to blend in with its surroundings.

15. Pygmy Owl

The Pygmy Owl, one of the smallest owls in Arizona, is a charismatic member of the state’s bird community. This tiny owl, with its round head and piercing yellow eyes, is a delightful sight in the desert and woodland habitats of Arizona.

The Pygmy Owl is known for its series of rapid, whistling hoots. Despite its small size, this owl is a skilled predator, feeding on a variety of prey, from insects to small birds and mammals. The Pygmy Owl’s presence in Arizona is a testament to the state’s diverse habitats and rich biodiversity.

Popular Owl Spotting Locations In Arizona

1. Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park, located in southern Arizona, is a prime location for spotting a variety of owl species. The park’s diverse habitats, from desert to woodland, provide homes for owls like the Great Horned Owl, Elf Owl, and Western Screech Owl. The towering saguaro cacti, for which the park is named, often serve as nesting sites for these nocturnal birds. A visit to Saguaro National Park offers not only the chance to spot these fascinating creatures but also to enjoy the stunning desert landscape.

2. Madera Canyon

Madera Canyon, nestled in the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson, is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The canyon’s lush, riparian habitat attracts a variety of wildlife, including several species of owls. The Spotted Owl and Whiskered Screech Owl are among the species that can be found here. The canyon’s trails offer excellent opportunities for owl spotting, especially during the early morning or late evening hours when these birds are most active.

3. Cave Creek Canyon

Cave Creek Canyon, located in the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona, is renowned for its rich birdlife. The canyon’s diverse habitats are home to a variety of owl species, including the Elf Owl, Western Screech Owl, and Northern Pygmy Owl. The canyon’s quiet, remote setting provides a peaceful backdrop for birdwatching and nature exploration.

4. Ramsey Canyon Preserve

Ramsey Canyon Preserve, located in the Huachuca Mountains, is a hotspot for birdwatchers. The preserve’s cool, shady canyon is a haven for a variety of bird species, including the Spotted Owl and Northern Pygmy Owl. The preserve’s high biodiversity and beautiful scenery make it a must-visit location for any owl enthusiast.

5. Coconino National Forest

Coconino National Forest, located in north-central Arizona, offers a variety of habitats for owls. From the ponderosa pine forests to the high desert, the forest is home to species like the Great Horned Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, and Flammulated Owl. The forest’s vast size and diverse landscapes provide ample opportunities for owl spotting and nature exploration.

6. Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, located in southwestern Arizona, is a haven for desert wildlife. The refuge’s rugged, arid landscape is home to several owl species, including the Burrowing Owl and Great Horned Owl. The refuge’s remote setting and stunning desert scenery make it a unique location for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

7. Tonto National Forest

Tonto National Forest, located in central Arizona, is one of the most diverse birding locations in the state. The forest’s varied habitats, from desert scrub to pine forests, are home to several owl species, including the Western Screech Owl, Great Horned Owl, and Northern Saw-whet Owl. The forest’s vast size and numerous trails provide plenty of opportunities for owl spotting and nature exploration.

8. Chiricahua National Monument

Chiricahua National Monument, located in southeastern Arizona, is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The monument’s unique rock formations and diverse habitats attract a variety of owl species, including the Whiskered Screech Owl and Elf Owl. The monument’s trails offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching, especially during the early morning or late evening hours when owls are most active.

9. Hassayampa River Preserve

Hassayampa River Preserve, located near Wickenburg, is a haven for a variety of bird species, including several types of owls. The preserve’s lush riparian habitat is a favorite among Great Horned Owls, Barn Owls, and Western Screech Owls. The preserve’s tranquil setting and abundant wildlife make it a fantastic location for birdwatching and nature exploration.

10. Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, located in southern Arizona, is renowned for its rich birdlife. The preserve’s riparian habitat attracts a variety of wildlife, including the Elf Owl and Western Screech Owl. The preserve’s trails wind through beautiful scenery, providing ample opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

11. San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area

San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, located in southeastern Arizona, is a hotspot for birdwatchers. The area’s riparian habitat is home to a variety of bird species, including the Great Horned Owl and Western Screech Owl. The conservation area’s high biodiversity and beautiful scenery make it a must-visit location for any owl enthusiast.

Best Times And Seasons For Observing Owls In Arizona.

Observing owls in Arizona can be a thrilling experience, but knowing the best times and seasons can significantly enhance your chances of spotting these nocturnal creatures. Owls are primarily active during the night, so the hours just after sunset and just before sunrise are often the best times for owl watching. During these twilight hours, owls are typically hunting and calling, making them easier to spot and hear.

As for the best seasons, many owl species in Arizona are year-round residents, so it’s possible to spot them throughout the year. However, spring and early summer are particularly good times for observing owls. This is their breeding season, and they tend to be more vocal and active, especially at night. Additionally, late summer and fall can be excellent for spotting migrant and wintering owls like the Northern Saw-whet Owl.