17 Owls In California – Including Location

California, with its diverse landscapes and climates, is a haven for a variety of bird species, and owls are no exception. These nocturnal raptors, with their distinctive hoots and mesmerizing eyes, are an integral part of the state’s rich biodiversity. From the silent flight of the Barn Owl to the piercing gaze of the Great Horned Owl, each species offers a unique glimpse into the captivating world of these night-time hunters. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of owls that call California their home.

Types of Owls In California

1. Spotted Owl

The Spotted Owl, a true emblem of California’s rich birdlife. This medium-sized owl is known for its unique appearance, characterized by dark brown feathers adorned with white spots, hence its name. The Spotted Owl’s dark, round eyes and heart-shaped face.

These owls prefer old-growth forests and wooded areas, where they nest in tree cavities or on branches. Their diet mainly consists of small mammals, but they’ve also been known to enjoy a variety of birds and reptiles. Despite their serene demeanor, Spotted Owls are skilled hunters, using their keen hearing and sight to locate prey even in the dark.

2. Barn Owl

The Barn Owl, with its distinctive heart-shaped face and pale, golden-brown plumage, is one of California’s most recognizable owl species. These owls are often found in open habitats, including farmlands, grasslands, and marshes, where they hunt for rodents and other small mammals.

Barn Owls are known for their silent flight, a trait that makes them efficient, stealthy hunters. They use their exceptional hearing, even better than their sight, to locate their prey in the dark. Interestingly, Barn Owls don’t hoot like other owls; instead, they emit a long, eerie screech that can send chills down your spine.

3. Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl, often referred to as the ‘tiger of the skies,’ is a sight to behold. This large owl, named for the tufts of feathers that resemble horns on its head, is one of the most widespread owl species in California. Great Horned Owls are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, from dense forests to city parks.

They are known for their deep, resonating hoot that can be heard for miles around, especially during their breeding season. These owls are formidable predators, with a diverse diet that includes rabbits, rodents, birds, and even other raptors. Their powerful talons and keen eyesight make them one of the top predators in their ecosystem.

4. Snowy Owl

The Snowy Owl, a rare but cherished sight in California, is a bird of undeniable beauty. With its stunning white plumage and piercing yellow eyes, this owl is a symbol of the Arctic tundra, often associated with snowy, cold landscapes. However, during certain winters, these owls venture south into California.

Snowy Owls are among the largest owl species, and their impressive wingspan can reach up to five feet. They are diurnal, meaning they are active both day and night. Their diet mainly consists of lemmings and other small mammals, but they are known to catch birds in flight as well.

5. Burrowing Owl

The Burrowing Owl, a small but charismatic bird, is a unique member of California’s owl family. Unlike most owls, these birds are ground dwellers, known for their unusual habit of living in burrows, often those abandoned by prairie dogs or ground squirrels. Burrowing Owls are easily recognizable with their long legs, round heads, and bright yellow eyes.

They are active during the day, often seen standing upright near their burrows, keeping a watchful eye for predators and prey. Their diet includes insects, rodents, and small birds. Despite their small size, Burrowing Owls are full of personality. They are known for their bobbing dance, a behavior believed to mimic the movement of prey to lure predators away from their nests.

6. Great Grey Owl

The Great Grey Owl, the world’s largest species by length, is a majestic sight in the forests of California. This owl is known for its large size, round head, and the distinctive “bow tie” marking on its throat. Its soft, grey plumage blends perfectly with the tree trunks, providing excellent camouflage.

Great Grey Owls prefer dense forests and meadows, where they hunt for small mammals. They have an incredible hearing, able to detect prey under two feet of snow or in a tunnel. Despite their large size, their hoot is surprisingly soft and melodious, adding a soothing soundtrack to California’s wilderness.

7. Western Screech Owl

The Western Screech Owl, a small but mighty bird, is a common resident of California’s woodlands and suburbs. This owl is known for its stocky body, large round eyes, and ear tufts, giving it a distinctive appearance. Western Screech Owls are versatile hunters, feeding on a variety of prey, including insects, rodents, and small birds.

They are known for their haunting trills and whinnies, sounds that add a touch of mystery to the night. Despite their small size, Western Screech Owls are fearless and have been known to defend their nests against much larger predators.

8. Long-eared Owl

The Long-eared Owl, named for its distinctive ear tufts, is a medium-sized owl that can be found in various parts of California. This owl’s slender body, mottled brown and white plumage, and bright yellow eyes make it a captivating sight for bird enthusiasts. Long-eared Owls prefer dense forests and woodlands, where they roost during the day in the thick foliage of trees.

They are nocturnal hunters, feeding primarily on small mammals and birds. Their flight is silent, and their keen hearing allows them to locate prey even in complete darkness. These owls are known for their communal roosting behavior during the non-breeding season, a trait that sets them apart from most solitary owl species.

9. Barred Owl

The Barred Owl, with its soulful eyes and distinctive hooting call, is a beloved member of California’s owl family. This large owl is known for its round head, brown and white striped plumage, and dark eyes, a feature that distinguishes it from most other owl species.

Barred Owls prefer mature forests with large trees, where they nest in tree cavities or old nests of other birds. They are skilled hunters, feeding on a variety of prey, including rodents, birds, and amphibians. Their hooting call, often described as sounding like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” is a familiar sound in their habitats.

10. Northern Saw-whet Owl

The Northern Saw-whet Owl, one of the smallest owl species in North America, is a charming resident of California’s forests. This owl is known for its round head, yellow eyes, and brown and white spotted plumage. Despite their small size, Northern Saw-whet Owls are fierce hunters, feeding primarily on small rodents.

These owls are named for their call, which sounds similar to the whetting of a saw. They prefer dense forests, where they nest in tree cavities and hunt under the cover of darkness. Their small size and elusive nature make them a prized sighting for birdwatchers.

11. Short-eared Owl

The Short-eared Owl, a medium-sized owl with a worldwide distribution, is a regular visitor to California’s open landscapes. This owl is known for its short ear tufts, which are often difficult to see, and its yellow eyes surrounded by dark patches, giving it a somewhat surprised expression.

Short-eared Owls prefer open habitats, such as grasslands, marshes, and tundra, where they hunt for rodents and other small mammals. They are one of the few owl species that are active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk. Their flight is distinctive, often described as moth-like, as they glide and flap low over the ground in search of prey.

12. Northern Pygmy Owl

The Northern Pygmy Owl, one of the smallest owls in North America, is a delightful sight in the forests of California. This tiny owl, about the size of a soda can, is known for its round head, yellow eyes, and spotted brown and white plumage.

Northern Pygmy Owls are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, a trait that sets them apart from most other owl species. They are fierce hunters, feeding on a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and insects. Despite their small size, they are known to take on prey larger than themselves.

13. Flammulated Owl

The Flammulated Owl, a small owl with a big name, is a summer resident of California’s mountain forests. This owl is known for its flame-like markings, which give it its name, and its dark eyes, a feature that distinguishes it from most other small owls.

Flammulated Owls prefer mature forests with old trees, where they nest in tree cavities and hunt for insects. They are nocturnal and elusive, making them a challenging but rewarding sight for birdwatchers. Their soft, low hoots add a soothing soundtrack to the night.

14. Elf Owl

The Elf Owl, the smallest owl species in the world, is a rare but delightful sight in California. This tiny owl, about the size of a sparrow, is known for its round head, yellow eyes, and greyish-brown plumage. Despite their small size, Elf Owls are fierce hunters, feeding primarily on insects and spiders.

These owls prefer desert and scrubland habitats, where they nest in tree cavities, often those created by woodpeckers. They are nocturnal and elusive, making them a challenging but rewarding sight for birdwatchers. Their high-pitched calls add a unique soundtrack to the night.

15. Northern Spotted Owl

The Northern Spotted Owl, a subspecies of the Spotted Owl, is a cherished resident of California’s old-growth forests. This medium-sized owl is known for its dark brown plumage, adorned with white spots, and its dark, round eyes.

Northern Spotted Owls prefer dense, old-growth forests, where they nest in tree cavities or on large branches. They are skilled hunters, feeding primarily on small mammals. Unfortunately, these owls are currently facing habitat loss due to logging and urban development, making conservation efforts crucial for their survival.

16. True Owl

The term “True Owl” refers to owls belonging to the family Strigidae, which includes most owl species. These owls are characterized by their round heads, large eyes, and nocturnal habits. In California, True Owls include species such as the Great Horned Owl, the Barn Owl, and the Spotted Owl, among others.

True Owls are versatile hunters, feeding on a variety of prey, from insects to small mammals. They are known for their silent flight and keen hearing, which allow them to locate prey even in complete darkness. Their haunting calls add a touch of mystery to the night.

17. Spotted Owl

The Spotted Owl, a true emblem of California’s rich birdlife, is a sight to behold. This medium-sized owl is known for its unique appearance, characterized by dark brown feathers adorned with white spots, hence its name. The Spotted Owl’s dark, round eyes and heart-shaped face make it a captivating sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

These owls prefer old-growth forests and wooded areas, where they nest in tree cavities or on branches. Their diet mainly consists of small mammals, but they’ve also been known to enjoy a variety of birds and reptiles. Despite their serene demeanor, Spotted Owls are skilled hunters, using their keen hearing and sight to locate prey even in the dark.

Popular Owl Spotting Locations In California

Point Reyes National Seashore

Located in Marin County, Point Reyes National Seashore is a haven for birdwatchers. Its diverse habitats, ranging from coastal beaches to forested ridges, attract a variety of owl species, including the Great Horned Owl and the Northern Spotted Owl. The park’s quiet trails and vast open spaces provide ample opportunities for spotting these magnificent creatures, especially during the early morning or late evening hours.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, renowned for its stunning landscapes, is also home to several owl species. The park’s vast forests and meadows provide ideal habitats for the Great Grey Owl and the Northern Spotted Owl. Visitors can join guided birdwatching tours or explore the park’s trails independently to catch a glimpse of these elusive birds.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park, known for its iconic Joshua Trees, is a great place to spot the Western Screech Owl and the Great Horned Owl. The park’s desert environment provides a unique backdrop for owl spotting. Nighttime guided tours offer the best chances of seeing these nocturnal hunters in action.

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park, home to the world’s largest trees, is also a habitat for several owl species. The park’s dense forests provide ample opportunities to spot the Northern Spotted Owl and the Great Grey Owl. The park offers guided birdwatching tours, providing visitors with the chance to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Redwood National and State Parks

Redwood National and State Parks, known for their towering redwood trees, are home to a variety of owl species. The parks’ old-growth forests provide ideal habitats for the Northern Spotted Owl and the Barred Owl. Visitors can explore the parks’ extensive trail system to spot these magnificent birds.

Big Sur

Big Sur, with its rugged coastline and dense forests, is a great place to spot owls. The area’s diverse habitats attract a variety of owl species, including the Great Horned Owl and the Northern Spotted Owl. The Ventana Wildlife Society offers guided birdwatching tours, providing visitors with the opportunity to spot these elusive creatures.

Angeles National Forest

Angeles National Forest, located in Southern California, is home to several owl species. The forest’s diverse habitats, ranging from chaparral to pine forests, provide ample opportunities to spot the Great Horned Owl and the Western Screech Owl. The forest’s extensive trail system allows visitors to explore these habitats and spot these magnificent birds.

San Francisco Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area, with its mix of urban parks and wild spaces, is a great place to spot owls. Species such as the Great Horned Owl and the Western Screech Owl can be found in parks throughout the region. The Golden Gate Audubon Society offers birdwatching tours and resources, providing visitors with the chance to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Best Times And Seasons For Spotting Owls In California

Owls are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. Thus, the best time to observe owls is usually around dusk and dawn when they are hunting. Some species, like the Northern Pygmy Owl and the Burrowing Owl, are also active during the day, making daytime spotting possible.

As for the seasons, owls can be observed year-round in California. However, the breeding season, which typically occurs in late winter and early spring, can be an especially good time for owl spotting. During this period, owls are more vocal and active as they court mates and defend their territories, making them easier to locate.