Owls are fascinating nocturnal birds of prey that are found all over the world. California is home to several different species of owls, each with their own unique habitats, behaviors, and calls. When it comes to identifying the most common owl in the state, there are a few key species that stand out as the front runners.
The Great Horned Owl
The great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) is considered the most widespread owl in North America. This large and powerful owl can be found in virtually every habitat in California, from dense forests to open deserts. Great horned owls are extremely adaptable birds that thrive in urban and wilderness areas alike.
Some key facts about the great horned owl in California:
- Found in all 58 California counties
- The most widely distributed owl in the state
- Occupies a wide variety of habitats including forests, deserts, wetlands, parks, and backyards
- Nest in trees, on cliffs, or even on the ground
- Hunt rodents, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and insects
- Have distinctive ear tufts and barring on the underside
- Lay 2-3 eggs from January to March
The adaptability and broad habitat range of the great horned owl make it the most ubiquitous owl species in the state. They are a common sight from the redwood forests of Northern California to the arid deserts of the south. The great horned owl’s characteristic deep hooting call is a staple sound of nighttime throughout the state.
The Western Screech Owl
The western screech owl (Megascops kennicottii) is a small species found throughout much of California. Despite its name, this owl does not actually “screech” but produces a range of soft whinnies, trills, and barks.
Some key facts about the western screech owl in California:
- Found along the entire California coast and much of the interior
- Prefers wooded areas like parks, river groves, and suburbs
- Cavity nesters that use old woodpecker holes and man-made nest boxes
- Come in two color morphs: gray and reddish-brown
- Hunt insects, small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians
- Nocturnal but often active at dusk
- Lay 3-7 eggs from March to June
The western screech owl’s ability to thrive in wooded urban and suburban areas makes it a common sight for many Californians. They often use backyard nest boxes. Their small size at only about 8 inches tall helps them go unnoticed even in busy neighborhoods. The western screech owl fills an important niche as an insect and rodent controller.
The Barn Owl
With its distinctive heart-shaped face and light plumage, the barn owl (Tyto alba) is a unique fixture across the California landscape. Barn owls are found in open country throughout most of the state.
Some key facts about the barn owl in California:
- Found in all but the high mountain areas
- Range includes grasslands, agricultural areas, salt marshes, and suburbs
- Nest and roost in barns, sheds, silos, and other structures
- Screechy call sounds like raucous shrieking
- Primarily hunt voles and other small mammals
- Face helps direct sound to ears for precise hunting
- Clutch size ranges from 4 to 7 eggs
With their appetite for crop-damaging rodents, barn owls are friends to California farmers. Cities and suburbs also provide fertile hunting grounds for these owls. Their eerie nighttime calls are sure to stop people in their tracks.
The Northern Spotted Owl
The northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) holds the distinction of being an endangered species. Though their numbers have dwindled, they remain an important part of California’s old-growth forest ecosystem.
Some key facts about the northern spotted owl in California:
- Only found in isolated pockets along the California coast
- Require large, dense stands of ancient conifers for nesting and roosting
- Play a key role in controlling populations of flying squirrels and woodrats
- Primarily eat flying squirrels but also take birds, bats, and insects
- Spend winters close to their summer breeding areas
- Only lay 1-3 eggs per clutch from March to June
Habitat loss is the main threat facing northern spotted owls in California and beyond. Protecting the remaining old-growth forests plays a vital role in the fate of this iconic species. Though rare, a glimpse of a northern spotted owl in its ancient redwood habitat is an unforgettable experience.
The Burrowing Owl
One of California’s most unique owls is the small burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). Unlike most other owls, burrowing owls live in underground burrows, especially those dug by ground squirrels and prairie dogs.
Some key facts about the burrowing owl in California:
- Found in open grasslands and desert areas with low vegetation
- Use burrows dug by other animals rather than digging their own
- Often perch conspicuously outside of burrow entrances
- Primarily eat insects like grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles
- Also prey on small rodents, reptiles, and young birds
- Nesting season is March to August
- Lay large clutches of up to 11 eggs
The burrowing owl population in California has declined significantly in recent decades as grasslands have been lost to urban development. They now prefer areas like golf courses and airports with close-cropped grass. Protecting and managing habitat for these small owls continues to be an important conservation priority.
Other Notable California Owls
While the owls described above are the most widespread and common in California, there are several other owl species that inhabit the state in smaller numbers:
- Long-eared owl – Found in dense woodlands throughout much of the state.
- Short-eared owl – Inhabits open areas like grasslands, wetlands, and meadows.
- Northern pygmy owl – A tiny cavity nester of oak woodlands and conifer forests.
- Elf owl – The smallest owl in the world, found locally in desert scrub habitats.
- Northern saw-whet owl – A forest dweller that winters along the California coast.
- Flammulated owl – resides in mature pine forests of Northern California.
California provides excellent habitat diversity for owls. Even the rarest species play an important role in keeping ecosystems balanced and rodent populations under control. Conserving a variety of natural habitats across the state benefits owl populations and maintains vital biodiversity.
Conclusion
When considering abundance and distribution across the varied Californian landscape, the great horned owl stands out as the state’s most common owl. From dense forests to stark deserts, great horned owls thrive thanks to their supreme adaptability. Urban areas bring out both great horned owls and western screech owls, both perfectly at home among neighborhoods and city parks. Agricultural areas attract barn owls, which help control rodent pest populations. Though threatened, the iconic northern spotted owl persists in pockets of old-growth redwood forest. And tiny burrowing owls scrape out a living in California’s wide-open spaces. California’s diversity of habitats makes it a haven for owls, even as human impacts threaten some species. Maintaining natural areas and protecting owl habitats ensures these captivating raptors continue flourishing as an important part of California’s ecosystems.