California’s wide range of landscapes—spanning redwood forests, dry deserts, rugged mountains, and open grasslands—makes it a perfect home for many different owl species. In this guide, we’ll explore 19 types of owls that live throughout the state. You’ll learn where each one is found, how they adapt to their surroundings, and the unique ways they hunt and thrive. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just curious about local wildlife, these incredible nocturnal birds are sure to capture your interest.
1. Spotted Owl
The Spotted Owl is one of California’s most iconic forest-dwelling birds. You’ll mostly find them in the dense, mature forests of Northern and Central California, particularly in the Sierra Nevada and coastal ranges. They are non-migratory and can be seen year-round, although they are most active during their breeding season from March to June.
These owls depend on old-growth forests for survival, using tall trees with layered canopies for roosting, nesting, and hunting. Due to this dependency, they are sensitive to habitat loss from logging and wildfires. Conservation efforts have been ongoing to protect their environment in California.
Spotted Owls are primarily nocturnal and use their excellent hearing and stealth to catch small mammals like woodrats and flying squirrels. During the day, they rest silently on high branches, well-camouflaged among the foliage.
In California, competition with the more aggressive Barred Owl has become a growing issue. Wildlife biologists in the state are closely monitoring the populations to manage the balance and preserve the Spotted Owl’s place in the ecosystem.
2. Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl is one of the most widespread and adaptable owls in California. Found throughout the state—from deserts and mountains to forests and even urban areas—this owl is active year-round and does not migrate. It’s most vocal during the winter breeding season, typically from January to April.
With its large size, feathered tufts (horns), and deep hoots, it’s a dominant predator in California’s nocturnal skies. It survives by preying on a wide variety of animals, including rabbits, rodents, reptiles, and even other birds, thanks to its powerful talons and sharp beak.
This owl is incredibly adaptable and makes its nests in tree cavities, cliff ledges, or even abandoned buildings. In California, it’s common to see them roosting quietly in shaded tree branches during the day, well-camouflaged and still.
Their resilience to different habitats and diet flexibility allow them to thrive even in changing environments, making them one of the most successful owl species in California.
3. Barn Owl
The Barn Owl is commonly found across agricultural lands, grasslands, and open fields in California. It is especially widespread in the Central Valley and coastal areas, where barns and other structures provide ideal nesting spots. These owls are mostly nocturnal and are often seen hunting silently over fields at dusk.
They are easily recognized by their pale, heart-shaped face and ghostly white underparts. In California, Barn Owls nest in tree cavities, old barns, and man-made nest boxes, often raising multiple broods each year depending on food availability.
Their main prey includes mice, voles, and other small rodents, making them highly valued for natural pest control on California farms. Their silent flight and acute hearing make them skilled hunters even in complete darkness.
Barn Owls are year-round residents in California, but their survival is tied closely to the availability of open hunting grounds and suitable nesting sites. Land development and habitat loss pose moderate threats in some regions.
4. Barred Owl
The Barred Owl is a relatively recent arrival to California, originally native to the eastern United States. It has expanded its range westward and is now found in Northern California, especially in redwood forests and along river valleys. Sightings have increased over the past few decades, raising ecological concerns.
This owl is larger and more aggressive than the native Spotted Owl, and it often competes for the same habitat. Barred Owls have adapted well to California’s moist, wooded areas, where they nest in large tree cavities and hunt a wide range of prey including small mammals, birds, amphibians, and insects.
They are known for their distinctive call—“Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”—often heard in the evenings and at night. They tend to stay in the same area year-round and do not migrate.
Due to their rapid range expansion, Barred Owls pose a serious threat to Spotted Owl populations. Wildlife managers in California are monitoring interactions closely and considering methods to limit the Barred Owl’s spread.
5. Northern Spotted Owl
The Northern Spotted Owl is a subspecies of the Spotted Owl found specifically in the old-growth forests of northwestern California, including parts of the Klamath and Coast Ranges. These owls are non-migratory and live year-round in dense, moist forests dominated by Douglas-fir and redwoods.
They are highly dependent on mature forest ecosystems for nesting and hunting. In California, their presence indicates a healthy, undisturbed woodland environment. They roost in shady, cool spots during the day and become active at night, preying mostly on flying squirrels and woodrats.
Northern Spotted Owls are especially vulnerable due to habitat destruction and competition from Barred Owls. Logging and large wildfires continue to fragment their range in California, leading to declining populations.
Conservation efforts in California include habitat protection, federal listings under the Endangered Species Act, and ongoing studies aimed at supporting sustainable forest practices while preserving owl populations.
6. Western Screech Owl
The Western Screech Owl is a small but resilient owl commonly found across California, including foothills, deserts, oak woodlands, and suburban neighborhoods. These owls are year-round residents and are most vocal during the breeding season in spring, often heard with their soft trilling or bouncing ball call at night.
They are cavity nesters, often using holes in old trees, cacti, or even nest boxes in backyards. In California, they’ve adapted well to urban areas, provided there’s enough tree cover and access to prey like insects, mice, and small birds.
Their camouflage is excellent, with mottled gray or brown feathers that blend seamlessly into tree bark, making them difficult to spot during the day. They remain inactive during daylight, roosting quietly in shaded cavities.
Though small, Western Screech Owls are aggressive hunters and vital for pest control. Their ability to thrive in a variety of habitats, including human-modified landscapes, helps maintain a stable presence across much of California.
7. Burrowing Owl
The Burrowing Owl stands out among California’s owl species due to its unique daytime activity and ground-dwelling lifestyle. Found in open grasslands, deserts, and farmlands—especially in Southern and Central California—this owl is often seen perching near its burrow during daylight hours.
Unlike most owls, Burrowing Owls nest and roost in underground burrows, often taking over abandoned squirrel or prairie dog holes. In California, they are most active in spring and summer, though some populations remain year-round in milder areas.
They feed on insects, rodents, and small reptiles, often hunting both day and night. These owls are known for their long legs, bobbing motions, and ability to run swiftly on the ground when alarmed.
Habitat loss due to development and agricultural expansion has led to population declines in parts of California. As a result, conservationists and agencies are working to protect nesting sites and maintain open spaces critical to the owl’s survival.
8. Great Grey Owl
The Great Grey Owl is one of the largest owl species in the world and is rarely seen in California, with its range limited mostly to the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada. In California, it is a state-endangered species, with a small population that relies on undisturbed meadows surrounded by dense coniferous forests.
They are year-round residents in these cooler regions and are most visible during late spring and summer when raising their young. Despite their size, they are surprisingly elusive, using their soft, fluffy plumage for silent flight and camouflage.
Great Grey Owls hunt mainly during dawn and dusk, using their acute hearing to detect voles and small rodents beneath snow or thick ground cover. Unlike other owls, they often perch low to the ground to listen for prey movements.
Conservation efforts in California focus on protecting the fragile meadow ecosystems where these owls nest and hunt. Logging, grazing, and recreational development have all posed challenges to their already limited habitat.
9. Northern Pygmy Owl
The Northern Pygmy Owl is a tiny but bold predator found in the mountainous and forested areas of California, including the Sierra Nevada and Coast Ranges. Unlike most owls, it’s often active during the day, particularly at dawn and dusk, making it more likely to be spotted than other species.
This owl prefers mixed coniferous forests and wooded canyons, where it hunts small birds, mammals, and insects. It often uses old woodpecker holes for nesting. Though small, it is fierce and will take on prey close to its own size.
In California, the Northern Pygmy Owl is a year-round resident, and its presence is sometimes given away by the alarm calls of songbirds mobbing it. Its high-pitched, repetitive whistles are also a clue to its location.
Because of its size and diurnal habits, it plays a unique role in California’s owl population. It faces some habitat loss but is still considered relatively stable across much of its range.
10. Long-eared Owl
The Long-eared Owl is a secretive, medium-sized owl found in scattered regions across California. It prefers dense riparian woodlands or conifer groves near open areas like meadows and grasslands, which provide ideal hunting grounds. They are winter visitors in much of the state, though small breeding populations remain year-round in some northern and central parts.
Long-eared Owls nest in abandoned crow or hawk nests high in trees. They roost communally in dense foliage, often in willows, cottonwoods, or pines, making them difficult to spot. In California, they are often detected by their soft hoots or the pellets they leave beneath roosting trees.
They hunt mainly at night, using silent flight to ambush small mammals such as voles and mice. Their long ear tufts help break up their outline, providing excellent camouflage.
While not common, they are present in healthy numbers in suitable California habitats. However, they are sensitive to habitat destruction and human disturbance, so protection of nesting and roosting areas is key to their conservation.
11. Northern Saw-whet Owl
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a small, elusive owl found in forested areas of California, particularly in the Sierra Nevada, North Coast, and sometimes coastal woodlands. This owl is mostly nocturnal and hard to detect due to its small size and quiet habits, though its high-pitched tooting call can give it away during breeding season.
It prefers dense forests with nearby clearings for hunting. In California, it uses tree cavities for nesting and often migrates to lower elevations or milder climates in winter, especially in the northern part of the state.
Despite its tiny frame, the Saw-whet Owl is a skilled hunter, preying on mice, voles, and small birds. It often decapitates its prey and stores leftovers on branches for later meals—an impressive trait for such a small bird.
Though widespread, it remains largely unseen due to its reclusive nature. In California, habitat preservation and the presence of suitable nesting cavities are vital for sustaining its populations.
12. Snowy Owl
The Snowy Owl is a rare winter visitor to California, typically spotted in the northern and central coastal areas or wide-open fields during irruption years—periods when larger numbers migrate south due to scarce food in the Arctic. These majestic white owls with golden eyes and dark markings are hard to miss when they do appear.
Unlike forest-dwelling owls, Snowy Owls prefer open terrain such as beaches, grasslands, and airports, where they can scan for prey like rodents and birds. In California, they often show up unexpectedly during colder months, creating excitement among birdwatchers.
Snowy Owls are mostly diurnal, hunting both day and night. Their powerful build and keen eyesight allow them to detect movement over great distances. They often perch on the ground or low posts, staying motionless while surveying their surroundings.
Because they don’t breed in California, their appearance here is unpredictable and usually temporary. Conservationists monitor these irruptions closely to understand Arctic ecosystem changes that influence their migration patterns.
13. Short-eared Owl
The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized, ground-nesting owl found in California’s open grasslands, coastal plains, and agricultural fields. It is most commonly seen during winter months, though small breeding populations exist in northeastern parts of the state during spring and summer.
This owl is active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk, gliding low over open fields in search of voles and small mammals. In California, they often share habitat with Burrowing Owls, although Short-eared Owls prefer wetter meadows and marshy areas.
They nest directly on the ground, hidden in tall grass or reeds, making them vulnerable to disturbance from agriculture and grazing. Their soft facial disk and small “ear” tufts (barely visible) help focus sound while hunting.
In recent decades, their numbers have declined in parts of California due to habitat loss. Preserving open space and controlling grazing intensity are important steps toward maintaining healthy Short-eared Owl populations across the state.
14. Flammulated Owl
The Flammulated Owl is a small, migratory owl that breeds in montane forests of California, particularly in the Sierra Nevada and parts of the Modoc Plateau. It arrives in late spring, typically around May, and departs by early fall to wintering grounds in Central America.
This owl prefers mature pine or mixed conifer forests at mid to high elevations. Despite its tiny size and quiet demeanor, it’s a nocturnal hunter that feeds almost entirely on insects, especially moths and beetles—making it unique among California’s mostly rodent-eating owls.
Flammulated Owls nest in old woodpecker cavities and are very discreet, making them difficult to detect. Their soft, low-pitched hoots can sound more like distant toads than birds, often leading to underreporting of their presence.
In California, they are considered a species of special concern due to their specific habitat needs and sensitivity to logging. Preserving mature forest stands is essential for their continued success in the state.
15. Spotted Owl (Occidentalis ssp.)
The Occidentalis subspecies of the Spotted Owl, commonly referred to as the California Spotted Owl, is primarily found in the Sierra Nevada, Southern Cascades, and coastal mountains of California. Unlike the Northern Spotted Owl, this subspecies inhabits drier montane forests with a mix of conifers and hardwoods.
California Spotted Owls are non-migratory and can be observed throughout the year, especially active during the spring breeding season. They favor mature forests with closed canopies, which provide cover, nesting cavities, and reliable prey such as woodrats and voles.
These owls are sensitive to habitat fragmentation. Logging, wildfires, and competition from the Barred Owl all pose serious threats to their population in California. Ongoing conservation efforts include forest management practices that prioritize preserving old-growth characteristics.
Their quiet hoots and elusive behavior make them challenging to spot, but they remain a key species for indicating forest health across California’s mountain ecosystems.
16. Elf Owl
The Elf Owl is the smallest owl in North America and is a rare seasonal resident of Southern California, particularly in the desert canyons and oak woodlands of places like the Anza-Borrego Desert and areas near the Mexican border. It arrives in spring to breed and migrates south by fall.
This tiny owl, barely 6 inches tall, nests in old woodpecker holes in sycamores, cottonwoods, and saguaro cacti. It is strictly nocturnal and feeds mostly on insects, especially moths, crickets, and beetles, which it catches mid-flight.
Elf Owls are more often heard than seen. Their high-pitched yelps and chatter echo through desert nights, especially in April and May when males call for mates. They’re agile fliers and quite active after dusk.
In California, their range is limited and threatened by habitat loss and water scarcity. Conservation of riparian corridors and low-elevation desert woodlands is critical for supporting the state’s few remaining Elf Owl populations.
17. Strigidae
Strigidae is not a specific owl species but a family—often called the “true owls”—which includes most of the owls found in California. This family encompasses a wide range of species such as the Great Horned Owl, Spotted Owl, and Western Screech Owl. Strigidae owls are known for their rounded facial disks, strong talons, and generally nocturnal habits.
In California, members of the Strigidae family occupy diverse habitats—from coastal forests and high mountain ranges to deserts and suburban areas. Their adaptability has helped many species within this family thrive despite habitat changes and human development.
Most Strigidae owls in California are year-round residents, although some, like the Flammulated Owl, migrate seasonally. They play a critical role in ecosystem balance by controlling rodent and insect populations.
The conservation status of Strigidae species in California varies. Some are common and stable, while others, like the Northern Spotted Owl, are declining due to habitat loss and competition. Conservation strategies are often tailored to individual species within this diverse owl family.
18. Mountain Pygmy Owl
The Mountain Pygmy Owl, often considered a regional population of the Northern Pygmy Owl, inhabits the higher elevation conifer forests of California’s Sierra Nevada and North Coast ranges. This tiny predator is diurnal, meaning it’s active during daylight—unusual for owls—and is often seen perched on branches scanning for prey.
It nests in tree cavities, especially abandoned woodpecker holes, and does well in mixed forests with a good supply of small mammals and birds. In California, its presence is often revealed by flocks of songbirds mobbing it to drive it away.
Mountain Pygmy Owls are solitary and fiercely territorial. They often take perches with clear views of surrounding forest edges, making short flights to snatch prey. They use a high-pitched, tooting call that repeats steadily and can carry long distances.
Although they aren’t considered threatened, these owls rely on intact forest environments. Logging and habitat degradation in California’s mountains could impact local populations, so forest health remains essential for their long-term stability.
19. Whiskered Screech Owl
The Whiskered Screech Owl is a small, elusive owl species found in a very limited range within Southern California, primarily in the oak and pine woodlands of the Sky Islands region near the Arizona border. Its presence in California is rare, and most confirmed sightings occur in the far southeastern mountain ranges.
This owl prefers dense, mid-elevation forests and is most active during the breeding season, which runs from late spring through early summer. It nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes and hunts mostly at night, feeding on insects, spiders, and small vertebrates.
Despite its resemblance to the Western Screech Owl, the Whiskered Screech Owl is slightly smaller and has a softer, more continuous trilling call. It can be difficult to detect without audio cues, especially due to its secretive nature and excellent camouflage.
In California, its range is extremely limited, and sightings are rare, making it a species of special interest among birders and conservationists. Habitat protection in the mountain woodlands of the border region is essential for maintaining its fragile foothold in the state.
FAQs
1. What is the most common owl in California?
The Great Horned Owl is one of the most common and widespread owls in California, found in forests, deserts, farmlands, and even urban areas.
2. Are owls in California active during the day?
Most owls in California are nocturnal, but a few, like the Northern Pygmy Owl and Short-eared Owl, are often active during daylight hours, especially at dawn and dusk.
3. Where can I spot owls in California?
You can find owls in national parks, forests, deserts, and open fields. Popular locations include the Sierra Nevada, coastal redwood forests, and grasslands in Central California.
4. Are any California owls endangered?
Yes, species like the Northern Spotted Owl and Great Grey Owl are considered threatened or endangered in California due to habitat loss and competition from invasive species.
5. Do owls migrate in California?
Some species, like the Flammulated Owl and Snowy Owl, are migratory and only visit California seasonally, while others such as the Barn Owl and Spotted Owl are year-round residents.
