Arizona, a state of breathtaking geological and ecological diversity, presents a unique and captivating stage for owl enthusiasts. From the saguaro-studded Sonoran Desert to the sky island mountains and deep canyons, the vast array of habitats creates ideal homes for numerous owl species.
These enigmatic nocturnal hunters, with their silent flight and piercing eyes, offer some of the most thrilling wildlife encounters. While their secretive nature often makes them challenging to spot, knowing their distinct calls, preferred Arizona habitats, and key identification marks significantly increases your chances of connecting with one of the Grand Canyon State's magnificent owls. Here are seven top owl species you're most likely to encounter in Arizona.
1. Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) – The Apex Predator of the Southwest
The Great Horned Owl reigns as Arizona's largest and most widespread owl. This formidable predator is a year-round resident, adaptable enough to thrive in virtually every Arizona habitat, from the lowest desert floors to the highest mountain forests. Its powerful presence and iconic hoot make it a true symbol of the Western wilderness.
Identification: This robust, large owl is easily recognized by its prominent ear tufts (feather tufts, not actual ears) and mottled brown and grayish plumage. Its piercing yellow eyes are set in a large facial disc. They are often seen perched on prominent branches, power poles, or cliffs at dusk.
Habitat & Behavior: Great Horned Owls are incredibly versatile, found in deserts, riparian areas, mountains, canyons, and even suburban parks. Their diet is vast, preying on everything from rodents, rabbits, and reptiles to large birds, other owls, and even skunks. Their deep, resonant hooting call, typically a rhythmic "hoo-hoo-hooo hoo hoo," is a classic sound of Arizona nights.
2. Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii) – The Desert Whinny
The Western Screech-Owl is the most common small owl in much of Arizona, particularly in desert and riparian areas. These diminutive owls are masters of camouflage, their mottled plumage blending seamlessly with tree bark, making them more often heard than seen.
Identification: Standing only about 8 inches tall, they are typically mottled gray-brown with prominent ear tufts and bright yellow eyes. They are very similar in appearance to the Eastern Screech-Owl but differ in their vocalizations.
Habitat & Behavior: In Arizona, Western Screech-Owls prefer riparian woodlands, desert washes (especially where saguaros or other large cacti provide cavities), suburban areas with mature trees, and canyons. They are opportunistic hunters, feeding on large insects, scorpions, small mammals, birds, and amphibians.
Voice: Their distinctive call is a series of accelerating hoots, often described as a "bouncing ball" sound, or a single trill. It lacks the quavering, horse-like whinny of the Eastern Screech-Owl.
3. Elf Owl (Micrathene whitneyi) – The World's Smallest Owl
Arizona is privileged to host the Elf Owl, the smallest owl species in the world, measuring a mere 5-6 inches tall – about the size of a sparrow! This tiny desert specialist is a summer resident in Arizona, migrating south to Mexico for the winter.
Identification: This tiny owl has a round head with no ear tufts, short tail, and bright yellow eyes. Its plumage is mottled grayish-brown, providing excellent camouflage. Given its size, it's often overlooked.
Habitat & Behavior: Elf Owls are strictly associated with desert habitats, particularly where saguaro cacti provide suitable nesting and roosting cavities (often old woodpecker holes). They also utilize riparian areas with large trees and canyons. They are insectivorous, sallying out from perches to catch moths, beetles, and crickets, and occasionally taking small lizards or mice.
Voice: Their call is a distinctive, high-pitched, yelping "ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch," often described as sounding like a small dog. Listen for them in saguaro forests at dusk.
4. Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) – The Ground Dweller
The Burrowing Owl is Arizona's most unique owl, as it is largely diurnal (active during the day) and lives underground. It's a fascinating species often found in open, arid landscapes.
Identification: This small owl has long legs, a relatively short tail, and no ear tufts. Its plumage is mottled brown and sandy-colored, allowing it to blend with its dry environment. It has prominent white "eyebrows" and bright yellow eyes. They often bob their heads when agitated.
Habitat & Behavior: Burrowing Owls prefer open, treeless habitats such as grasslands, prairies, deserts, and even golf courses or airports. They utilize abandoned burrows of prairie dogs, ground squirrels, or badgers for nesting and roosting. Their diet consists primarily of large insects (grasshoppers, beetles) and small mammals, but also reptiles and amphibians.
Voice: Their call is a soft, somewhat dove-like "coo-coo," but when agitated or threatened, they emit a sharp, rattling hiss that mimics a rattlesnake – a clever defense mechanism.
5. Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis) – The Canyon Dweller (Threatened)
The Spotted Owl is a more elusive and highly sought-after species in Arizona, known for its preference for old-growth forests and deep canyons. The Arizona subspecies (Strix occidentalis lucida) is federally listed as Threatened, making its sightings particularly significant.
Identification: A medium-to-large owl with a rounded head and no ear tufts. Its plumage is dark brown with distinctive white spots on its head and chest (unlike the barring of the Barred Owl). It has striking dark brown eyes.
Habitat & Behavior: In Arizona, Spotted Owls are found in mature, often old-growth, coniferous or mixed forests at higher elevations, as well as in steep-walled canyons with perennial water sources. They are nocturnal hunters, primarily preying on small mammals, particularly woodrats, and some birds. Their sedentary nature and reliance on specific habitat make them vulnerable.
Voice: Their distinctive four-note hoot is often described as "who-whoo...who-whoo."
6. Flammulated Owl (Psiloscops flammeolus) – The Migratory Gem
The Flammulated Owl is a tiny, highly migratory owl that is a summer resident in Arizona's mountain conifer forests. It is largely overlooked due to its small size, strictly nocturnal habits, and high-elevation habitat.
Identification: Slightly larger than an Elf Owl but still very small (about 6-7 inches). It has small ear tufts and large, dark eyes. Its plumage is a finely mottled mix of gray and reddish-brown (the "flammulated" part of its name refers to these rusty markings), providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
Habitat & Behavior: Flammulated Owls breed in mature ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and mixed-conifer forests at higher elevations. They are primarily insectivorous, specializing in moths and beetles, which they often catch in mid-air.
Voice: Their call is a distinctive, low-pitched, single or double "hoot," often repeated regularly, which is surprisingly deep for such a small bird.
7. Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) – The Tiny Mountain Migrant
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a tiny owl in North America, and it is a fascinating, though often overlooked, resident in Arizona's higher-elevation mountain forests, typically found year-round but can be migratory.
Identification: This owl (7-8 inches) has a disproportionately large, round head, no ear tufts, and bright yellow eyes. Its plumage is mottled brown on the back with streaks on the white underparts. They have a somewhat "surprised" expression.
Habitat & Behavior: In Arizona, Northern Saw-whet Owls prefer dense conifer or mixed forests in mountain ranges. They are strictly nocturnal hunters, primarily preying on mice and voles, which they catch by diving from a low perch. Their small size and secretive nature make them very difficult to spot.
Voice: Its unique call, a series of repetitive, mechanical "toot-toot-toot" notes, is reminiscent of a dull saw sharpening on a whetstone (hence its name).
General Owl Spotting Tips for Arizona
Time of Day: Most owls are strictly nocturnal, so your best chances are at dusk, throughout the night (listening for calls), and at dawn. Burrowing Owls are the exception, often active during the day.
Know Their Calls: Learning the distinct calls for each species is paramount, as you'll often hear them long before you see them.
Focus on Habitat: Go to the right places: saguaro forests for Elf Owls, riparian corridors for Western Screech-Owls and Barred Owls, open grasslands for Burrowing Owls, and higher elevation forests for Flammulated, Spotted, and Northern Saw-whet Owls.
Look for Roosts: During the day, owls will roost in dense foliage, tree cavities, or rock crevices. Look for "whitewash" (droppings) or owl pellets (regurgitated undigested parts of prey) at the base of trees.
Ethical Viewing: Always maintain a respectful distance. Never use flash photography directly at an owl, as it can damage their sensitive night vision. Avoid excessive playback of calls, which can stress the birds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do owls eat in Arizona?
The Arizona owls feed on a range of items. Some like to feed on mammals, reptiles, birds, and fishes. At the same time, some particular species of Arizona owl like to feed on snails, insects, spiders, earthworms, and even crustaceans.
The choice of food entirely depends on the habitat they live in and the species they belong to. Many owls also like to eat moths and beetles and larger birds. Moreover, owls can drink, and they usually meet their water needs from the animals they prey on.
In the winter, the owl may fulfill their water needs by eating snow.
Are owls common in Arizona?
Yes, there are more than 13 Arizona owl species that are commonly seen in the region. Among all of the owl species in Arizona, the Barn Owls are the most commonly occurring species of owls of Arizona and are among the most widespread birds. However, the local population is declining due to the loss of appropriate habitat.
Other factors include the collision with vehicles, pesticides, and so on but you can still find them in abundance in open areas of Arizona.
What is the biggest owl in Arizona?
The Great Horned Owl is the largest owl in Arizona and has an estimated height of 2-3 feet. It also features a brown/grey color with barred feather patterns on the underside. This owl also has a whitish throat that looks like a collar and distinctive ear tufts and larger yellowish eyes with black prominent pupils.
They have excellent hearing abilities that they use when awake or hunting. In addition, they have amazing eyesight with the ability to fly quietly.
Are owls protected in Arizona?
Yes, all owl species in Arizona are protected under the Federal Law and Migratory Bird Treaty Act. These birds are also protected under the Arizona State LAW – ARS Title 17. It is illegal to hunt, kill, capture, or cause any sort of damage to any species.
Before we move on, here is a super amazing YouTube video about Barn Owl cries (you should check out other Arizona owl sounds too):
Wrapping Up
Some owls are seasonal visitors to the region, while others stay here all year round. Plan your visit to their local habitat, including deserts, forests, and higher spots within the city.
Good luck!
Check out some great locations to see birds in Arizona.
