Looking for the various types of owls in California? California is home to various wildlife, including different types of owls.
From the tiny Western Screechowl to the imposing Great Horned Owl, California is a great place to explore and observe these mysterious birds of prey.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of owls in California that can be found and some facts about them.
So let’s get started!
1. Barn Owl
The Barn Owl is one of California’s most common types of owls.
These owls have a distinct white heart-shaped face and a reddish-brown body with yellow beaks and feet.
They are usually found in grasslands, open fields, pastures, and agricultural lands.
They hunt by flying low over open areas and listening for their prey, typically consisting of small rodents, such as mice, voles, and shrews.
Barn Owls are territorial and will fiercely defend their nesting sites from other predators.
In California, the barn owl is a protected species, so hunting or capturing it without a permit is illegal.
This species can also be found in parts of Mexico and South America.
Although their numbers have declined due to habitat loss and pesticide use, they are still quite common throughout the state.
With proper conservation efforts, California’s Barn Owl population should remain healthy.
2. Northern Saw-Whet Owl
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a small, nocturnal owl native to the western coast of California.
This species is not commonly seen but can often be heard hooting its distinct ‘whinny’ call during the night.
The owl prefers habitats such as coniferous and mixed woodlands but can also be found in parks and residential areas.
The Northern Saw-whet Owl has a unique color pattern, with white streaks along its back and breast and brown and gray colors.
It is one of the types of owls in California with a rounded head and large yellow eyes.
These owls are very territorial and will protect their territory from other owls.
They typically hunt small mammals such as mice, voles, and shrews but can also hunt insects and some birds.
The population of Northern Saw-whet Owls has been declining in recent years due to habitat destruction and human disturbance.
Conservation efforts are being made to protect this species, including creating sanctuaries for the owls to inhabit and breeding programs.
With proper protection, the Northern Saw-whet Owl population may be able to recover and continue to thrive in California.
3. Northern Pygmy-Owl
The Northern Pygmy Owl is a small species of owl found in California. It is usually 5–7 inches long and weighs around 2 ounces.
They can be identified by their brown and gray mottled feathers, yellow eyes, and white eyebrows.
These owls are typically active and hunt small rodents, insects, and birds during the day.
They are types of owls in California that typically nest in dense forests, often near streams or ponds.
While they are uncommon, they can be found throughout California’s forests, including the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
The Northern Pygmy-owl is considered a species of Least Concern by the IUCN and is not threatened with extinction.
However, their population numbers are decreasing due to habitat loss and other environmental factors.
As such, conservation efforts are important to ensure these amazing birds remain a part of California’s ecosystem.
With proper protection, these owls can continue to play an important role in the balance of nature in California for many years to come.
4. Western-Screech Owl
The Western Screech Owl is a small owl native to California and the western United States.
It is most active at night, hunting for small rodents and insects.
These brown and gray owls have a distinctive facial disc that helps them locate prey in the dark.
They can be found in various habitats, including open woods, chaparral, riparian corridors, and urban areas.
The Western Screech Owl is not a migratory bird but will remain in the same territory all year round.
They typically nest in tree cavities or nest boxes placed in suitable habitats.
They have been known to occupy abandoned woodpecker holes or use buildings and other structures as roosting sites.
This small owl’s melodic call, heard after dusk and just before dawn, can provide hours of entertainment.
5. Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl is one of the common types of owls in California.
These large, powerful birds are known throughout the state for their piercing yellow eyes and deep hoots.
They can be seen in open fields and woodlands, perched on tree branches, or hunting along the edge of a field.
They often hunt small mammals such as mice, voles, rabbits, reptiles, and amphibians.
These majestic owls can live up to 25 years in the wild and even hunt large prey such as skunks and opossums.
They are an important part of the California ecosystem, helping to control pest populations while providing food for other predators.
6. Short-Eared Owl
The Short-Eared Owl is a species of owl commonly found throughout California.
It is a medium-sized owl with brown, mottled plumage and a unique facial disk.
This owl prefers open grasslands or marshy areas and can often be seen hunting in the early morning or late evening.
It primarily eats small mammals, such as mice and voles, but it also takes birds and insects.
It nests in tall grasses and makes a shallow scrape on the ground for its eggs. Due to its declining population, it is listed as an endangered species in California.
The Short-Eared Owl is one of the various types of owls in California, and it can be seen throughout the state.
It is most commonly spotted in the coastal areas but can also be found in the Central Valley and other parts of the state.
The best time to look for this species is at dawn or dusk when they are most active.
If you are lucky, you may be able to observe this owl hunting its prey or calling out to its mate.
You might spot one of these amazing owls with some patience and luck!
7. Great Gray Owl
The great gray owl is a native of California and one of the largest owl species in North America.
It has a round, white-gray head, yellow eyes, and a mottled gray and white body. Its wingspan is up to five feet, making it the second-largest owl species in the state.
Great gray owls are typically found in dense coniferous forests, feeding on small mammals such as voles and mice.
They are most active during the evening and can sometimes be seen hunting during the day.
During winter, these owls in California often migrate south, searching for food. These owls are quite vocal, making loud hooting noises at night.
8. Long-Eared Owl
Of the several types of owls in California, the Long-eared Owl is an elusive species native to the state.
They are often spotted in the state’s open woodlands, meadows, and grasslands.
These birds have a unique look with long, curved ears and large yellow eyes. They have gray-brown bodies and white spots on their wings.
The Long-eared Owl is also known for its distinctive “hoo-hoo” call, often heard at night.
These owls are nocturnal creatures, so they are most active at night, hunting for rodents and other small mammals.
These owls live in small family groups, often nesting in abandoned barns and buildings.
They may also take over an old hawk or crow nest or even use an abandoned squirrel nest as their home.
Long-eared Owls are mostly solitary creatures and can be seen flying alone during the night.
If you’re lucky enough to spot one, you’ll see it flying in circles as it hunts for food. Although they can be difficult to find, they are a fascinating sight when spotted.
9. Barred Owl
The Barred Owl is also one of California’s most common types of owls.
It is a medium-sized owl with a rounded head and large eyes, usually found in wooded areas.
These owls tend to nest in tree cavities and are active during the day and night.
Their bright white-and-brown striped wings can identify them and make a distinct hooting sound.
Further, they feed primarily on small rodents, reptiles, amphibians, and even insects.
The Barred Owl is found throughout California’s forests and can be spotted in residential areas.
These owls are a valuable part of the ecosystem in California, as they help control populations of small animals.
Barred owls are likely to remain common in the state as long as they have access to suitable habitats.
Protecting their habitats and monitoring their population is essential to ensure they can continue to play an important role in California’s natural environment.
10. Spotted Owl
The Spotted Owl is one of California’s most iconic and beloved birds.
It is a medium-sized owl found throughout the state. It is a very vocal species, and its distinctive hoot is a familiar sound in many areas.
The Spotted owl has long, barred wings; its plumage is usually brown or gray with some white spotting.
The facial disc of these particular types of owls in California is also white with a black border.
They are typically found in wooded habitats such as old-growth forests or riparian areas.
Spotted Owls are nocturnal and feed mostly on small mammals and insects.
They are endangered due to habitat loss and competition from the invasive Barred Owl.
Conservation efforts have been undertaken to protect their habitats and to help keep the species from becoming extinct.
11. Snowy Owl
The Snowy Owl is a beautiful bird of prey that can be found in the northern parts of California.
They are usually seen during winter when they migrate from the Arctic to find food.
Snowy Owls are very large, with females larger than males, and white or gray feathers.
Additionally, they have yellow eyes, a hooked beak, and feathered feet.
They mainly feed on small mammals like rodents and hares but consume waterfowl and other small birds.
The Snowy Owls, also a type of owl in California, are solitary birds that nest on the ground.
They tend to build their nests on the outskirts of cities, near agricultural fields and wetlands.
Meanwhile, they hunt during the day, using their sharp eyesight to spot prey.
Their wingspan is impressive, and they can soar at great heights. Snowy Owls are popular in falconry and may be kept as pets in some areas.
These magnificent birds of prey are an important part of California’s wildlife.
12. Burrowing Owl
The Burrowing Owl is one of the unique types of owls in California. Its long legs and feathered face give it a distinctive appearance.
It’s mostly found in open grasslands and agricultural areas, though it can also be found near wetlands and coastal dunes.
These owls are especially active during dusk and dawn, but they can sometimes be seen out during the day.
They feed primarily on small mammals and insects, and their diet includes rodents, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
Burrowing Owls typically dig burrows for nesting and roosting and often live in colonies of up to 20 birds.
These nests can be complex, with multiple entrances and a long tunnel.
In California, Burrowing Owls are considered a Species of Special Concern due to habitat destruction and predation.
As such, conservation efforts have been implemented in certain areas to help protect this species from further decline.
13. Flammulated Owl
The Flammulated Owl is a small owl native to western North America.
It can be found in California, usually in open coniferous forests or lowland riparian areas.
This bird has a wingspan of approximately 18 inches and a weight of only 2.7 ounces.
The Flambulated Owl, which is on this list of different types of owls in California, has a distinctive call and mottled gray-brown plumage.
This owl typically nests in tree cavities, so it is important to keep trees healthy when living near these birds.
The Flammulated Owl is most active at night when it hunts for small insects like moths and beetles. Its diet also includes small rodents, lizards, and even frogs.
This species is not a major predator of other birds and is an important part of the California ecosystem.
Conservation efforts are necessary to help protect this species from habitat loss, as it may be vulnerable to climate change.
14. Elf Owl
Finally, the elf owl, the smallest owl in North America, is on this list of different types of owls in California, with an average length of just 5.5 inches.
It is found mainly in the southwestern states, including California.
They have an orange-brown facial disc and dark eyes and are mostly active at night.
Elf Owls typically inhabit semi-arid woodlands and riparian areas, such as those found in the western parts of California.
These owls feed mainly on insects and other small invertebrates, which they hunt at night. They have also consumed small mammals, lizards, and snakes.
During the breeding season, male Elf Owls attract females with a loud “whiny” call.
The female lays 2-4 white eggs in a nest built within a tree hollow or crevice in a cliff face.
During the day, the birds roost in tree cavities to protect themselves from predators.
Unfortunately, Elf Owls are threatened by habitat loss due to development and agricultural activities.
To help protect this species, conserving their habitats and promoting responsible land management practices is important.
