Arizona is a fantastic place for bird lovers, especially those who are interested in owls. The state has many types of owls, each with its own special features and habits.
15 Owls Species in Arizona
From the big and powerful Great Horned Owl to the tiny Elf Owl, Arizona’s different environments are great places for these amazing birds. In this article, we will explore the many owl species in Arizona, where you might find them, and some cool facts about each one. Whether you are a skilled birdwatcher or just getting started, learning about Arizona’s owl will definitely be an exciting adventure!
1. Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl is one of the largest owls in Arizona. It has big, noticeable ear tufts and bright yellow eyes. These owls are found in many places, including forests, deserts, and cities. Known for their deep hooting call, they are sometimes called the “tiger of the sky” because of their strong hunting skills.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Diet | Small mammals, birds, reptiles |
| Lifetime | 5-15 years |
| Habitat | Forests, deserts, cities |
| Size | 18-25 inches |
| Unique Trait | Large, powerful, with ear tufts |
2. Barn Owl
Barn Owls are known for their heart-shaped face and quiet flight. They are often seen in open areas like grasslands and farmlands. Their ghostly look and spooky calls make them quite mysterious. They are great hunters of rodents, which helps control pest numbers.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Diet | Rodents, small mammals |
| Lifetime | 4-10 years |
| Habitat | Grasslands, farmlands |
| Size | 13-15 inches |
| Unique Trait | Heart-shaped face, silent flight |
3. Elf Owl
The Elf Owl is the smallest owl in Arizona, measuring only 5-6 inches tall. Despite their tiny size, they are fierce hunters, mostly eating insects. They are usually found in desert areas, nesting in old woodpecker holes in saguaro cacti.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Diet | Insects, small vertebrates |
| Lifetime | 3-6 years |
| Habitat | Desert areas |
| Size | 5-6 inches |
| Unique Trait | Smallest owl, nocturnal hunter |
4. Western Screech Owl
Western Screech Owls are small with ear tufts. They blend in well with their grayish-brown color in woodlands and suburban areas. Their call is a series of soft hoots heard at night.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Diet | Insects, small mammals |
| Lifetime | 8-13 years |
| Habitat | Woodlands, suburban areas |
| Size | 7-10 inches |
| Unique Trait | Small, with ear tufts, camouflaged |
5. Burrowing Owl
Burrowing Owls are unique because they live in burrows in the ground, often found in open grasslands and deserts. They have long legs and are active during the day. When excited or alarmed, they bob up and down.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Diet | Insects, small mammals |
| Lifetime | 6-8 years |
| Habitat | Grasslands, deserts |
| Size | 7-10 inches |
| Unique Trait | Lives in burrows, diurnal activity |
6. Northern Pygmy Owl
The Northern Pygmy Owl is tiny but bold, often hunting during the day. They live in forests and woodlands and eat small birds, mammals, and insects. Despite being small, they can take on prey larger than themselves.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Diet | Small birds, mammals, insects |
| Lifetime | 6-7 years |
| Habitat | Forests, woodlands |
| Size | 6-7 inches |
| Unique Trait | Tiny, diurnal hunter |
7. Long-eared Owl
Long-eared Owls have long ear tufts and a slender body. They prefer dense woodlands and forests where they are well-hidden. They are mainly active at night and are known for their excellent camouflage.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Diet | Small mammals, birds |
| Lifetime | 10-15 years |
| Habitat | Woodlands, dense forests |
| Size | 13-16 inches |
| Unique Trait | Long ear tufts, nocturnal |
8. Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owls have a round face and short ear tufts. They are often seen flying low over open fields and grasslands, especially at dawn and dusk. Their flight is buoyant and moth-like. They migrate long distances between breeding and wintering grounds.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Diet | Small mammals, birds |
| Lifetime | 4-12 years |
| Habitat | Open fields, grasslands |
| Size | 13-17 inches |
| Unique Trait | Round face, active at dusk and dawn |
9. Spotted Owl
Spotted Owls have dark eyes and spotted feathers. They live in dense forests and canyons. They are known for their distinctive hooting call and prefer old-growth forests. Conservation efforts are in place to protect their habitat.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Diet | Small mammals, birds |
| Lifetime | 10-15 years |
| Habitat | Dense forests, canyons |
| Size | 17-19 inches |
| Unique Trait | Dark eyes, spotted feathers |
10. Mexican Spotted Owl
The Mexican Spotted Owl is a type of Spotted Owl with lighter spots. It is found in canyons and forests and is considered threatened. These owls are protected and known for their soft, muffled calls.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Diet | Small mammals, birds |
| Lifetime | 10-15 years |
| Habitat | Canyons, forests |
| Size | 17-19 inches |
| Unique Trait | Lighter spots, conservation priority |
11. Northern Saw-whet Owl
Northern Saw-whet Owls are small with a big head. They live in dense forests and woodlands. Their call sounds like a saw being sharpened, which is how they got their name. They mainly hunt small mammals and birds.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Diet | Small mammals, birds, insects |
| Lifetime | 7-10 years |
| Habitat | Dense forests, woodlands |
| Size | 7-8 inches |
| Unique Trait | Big head, saw-like call |
12. Flammulated Owl
Flammulated Owls are tiny with reddish coloring. They live in forests with dense foliage and eat mostly insects. Their soft, low hoots are heard at night during the breeding season.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Diet | Insects |
| Lifetime | 7–10 years |
| Habitat | Forests, woodlands |
| Size | 6–7 inches |
| Unique Trait | Reddish coloring, insect eater |
13. Whiskered Screech Owl
Whiskered Screech Owls are similar to Western Screech Owls, but are smaller and have whisker-like feathers on their face. They live in mountain forests and eat insects and small vertebrates. They have a unique trilling call.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Diet | Insects, small vertebrates |
| Lifetime | 5–8 years |
| Habitat | Mountain forests |
| Size | 6–8 inches |
| Unique Trait | Whisker-like feathers, trilling call |
14. Ferruginous Pygmy Owl
Ferruginous Pygmy Owls are small and reddish-brown. They are active during the day and can be found in deserts and woodlands. Their diet includes small birds and insects. Despite their size, they are bold hunters.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Diet | Small birds, insects |
| Lifetime | 4–7 years |
| Habitat | Deserts, woodlands |
| Size | 6–7 inches |
| Unique Trait | Reddish-brown, diurnal hunter |
15. Great Gray Owl
The Great Gray Owl is the largest owl in North America, with a distinctive facial disc. They prefer dense forests and mountainous areas. They hunt small mammals and have a silent flight, which helps them hunt quietly. Their impressive size and haunting calls make them popular among birdwatchers.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Diet | Small mammals, birds |
| Lifetime | 10–15 years |
| Habitat | Dense forests, mountains |
| Size | 24–33 inches |
| Unique Trait | Largest owl, silent flight |
Summary
Arizona’s different habitats support many owl species, each with unique traits that make them interesting to study and observe. Whether you are exploring deserts, forests, or grasslands, you can find these amazing owls in Arizona. They are important to the ecosystem and a delight for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
What kind of owls are in Arizona?
Arizona has many owls, including the Great Horned Owl, Barn Owl, Elf Owl, Burrowing Owl, and more.
What is the giant owl in Arizona?
The Great Gray Owl is the largest owl in Arizona.
Are owls protected in Arizona?
Yes, some owls, like the Mexican Spotted Owl, are protected due to their threatened status.
FAQs About Owls in Arizona
1. What is the most common owl in Arizona?
The most common owl in Arizona is the Great Horned Owl. It can be found in many different habitats across the state.
2. When is the best time to see owls in Arizona?
Owls are most active at dusk and night. Early evening and just before dawn are the best times to spot them.
3. Where can I find Burrowing Owls in Arizona?
Burrowing Owls are usually found in open grasslands and deserts. Look for them around the edges of burrows they live in.
4. What do owls in Arizona eat?
Owls in Arizona eat a variety of things depending on their species. Common diets include small mammals, insects, and birds.
5. Are there any endangered owls in Arizona?
Yes, the Mexican Spotted Owl is considered a threatened species and is protected due to habitat loss.
6. How can I attract owls to my backyard?
To attract owls, provide a safe and quiet environment with tall trees or suitable nesting boxes. Avoid bright lights and loud noises.
7. Do owls migrate in Arizona?
Some owls, like the Short-eared Owl, migrate seasonally, while others, such as the Great Horned Owl, stay in Arizona year-round.
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