Owls in Arizona
Owls in Arizona are as fascinating as they are diverse. With over a dozen species found throughout the state, from the iconic great horned owl to the tiny elf owl, Arizona offers year-round opportunities to observe these incredible birds in action. Whether you're hiking desert trails, exploring oak woodlands, or scanning twilight skies in the grasslands, chances are you're in the habitat of one of these elusive, wide-eyed predators. This page is your go-to resource for discovering everything there is to know about owls in Arizona, specifically those found in Oracle State Park, whether you're a seasoned birder, curious camper, or first-time wildlife watcher.
Despite their diversity in size, habitat, and call, all owls share some remarkable traits. They are silent hunters, equipped with specialized feathers for stealth, keen eyesight, and exceptional hearing that allow them to thrive in both day and night. They play vital roles in Arizona’s ecosystems, keeping rodent populations in check and serving as indicators of habitat health. On this page, we’ll explore the unique qualities of a variety of owl species while helping you better understand what makes Arizona one of the richest places in North America to learn about and observe owls in the wild.
Great Horned Owl
Length: 18–25 inches
Voice: “Hoo!, huhu- hu, Hoo! Hoo!”
This is the owl most likely to be encountered in the park. It is found in all the park’s habitat types, and feeds on everything from mice to skunks. This owl is also the primary predator of all other owls found in the park. The great horned owl is often seen at dawn and dusk perched atop boulders and oak snags.
Western Screech Owl
Length: 7–10 inches
Voice: a series of hollow whistles on one pitch, running into a tremolo (rhythm of a small ball bouncing to a standstill)
Year-round, small common resident of park. It is often heard, but seldom seen. It occurs in all habitat types in the park, but prefers oak woodland for the abundance of cavities found there for nesting and roosting. The western screech owl preys on everything from large insects to small rabbits. It even preys on smaller owls! This owl is frequently heard on moonless nights during the spring, as long as there are no great horned owls calling in the area.
Barn Owl
Length: 14–20 inches
Voice: a shrill rasping hiss “shiiish”
Potential year-round resident of park, called the “ghost owl.” A medium sized owl that's somewhat rare to encounter in the park, but often found within the Catalinas and foothill country associated with the range. This owl can often found roosting in abandoned buildings, old wells and mine shafts. The barn owl is a mousing specialist, but will take other small prey as well.
Whiskered Screech Owl
Length: 6½–8 inches
Voice: “Boobooboo boo, Boobooboo boo”
Potential year-round resident of park. Oracle State Park lies at the northern limit of this owl’s range. This small owl is very similar in appearance to the western screech-owl, and is best identified by its distinct call. It prefers somewhat smaller prey than the western screech-owl. The best chance for hearing this owl in the park would be on a moonless night during the spring.
Northern Pygmy-Owl
Length: 7–7½ inches
Voice: a single mellow “hoo” repeated every two or three seconds
Potential year-round resident of park. A small songbird hunter, this species is the most diurnal of the owls. It is often found out and about during the day. In addition to preying on songbirds, this owl also feeds on large insects and small mammals.
Elf Owl
Length: 5–6 inches
Voice: a rapid, high-pitched “chewk, chewk, chewk, chewk”
Potential summer resident of park. The smallest owl in the western hemisphere. A known pair nests every year about a mile from the park in oak woodland habitat. This tiny owl feeds almost exclusively on large insects and small reptiles, but will occasionally take mouse sized mammals. The best chance for hearing this owl in the park would be during the summer just after dusk.
Long-Eared Owl
Length: 13–16 inches
Voice: one or two long “hooo’s,” usually silent
Winter resident of the park. A medium sized owl that resembles a smaller version of the great horned owl. At least one pair of these owls spends the winter in the park. This owl preys on small mammals and roosting birds. It is not likely that it would be heard calling during the winter.
Northern Saw-Whet Owl
Length: 7–8½ inches
Voice: a mellow whistled note repeated in endless succession: “too, too, too, too, too”
Potential winter resident of the park but more often found in the oak woodland habitat, a little further into the Catalinas. This owl could possibly be found roosting in thick oak cover, and probably would not be heard calling during the winter. This owl is a hunter of small mammals and roosting songbirds.
Short-Eared Owl
Length: 13–17 inches
Voice: An emphatic, sneazy bark: “kee-yow!, wow!”
Potential winter resident of park and we're including this medium-sized owl as a potential winter resident based solely on the presence of another bird. The northern harrier is the daytime counterpart of the short-eared owl. They share the same habitat requirements and eat the same prey. They even have the same hunting technique. Since there are northern harriers in the park every winter, there may be short-eared owls as well. The best chance for seeing this owl would be at dusk and dawn flying low over our grasslands. This owl preys on small mammals and grassland songbirds.
Flammulated Owl
Length: 6–7 inches
Voice: a mellow “hoot “ low in pitch repeated steadily at intervals of two to three seconds.
Potential spring and fall transient in the park. Oracle State Park lies along this small owl's migratory route and it might be found in the park during migration. The best time to possibly hear this owl would be during spring migration, on a moonless night, when excited owls might call from time to time as they head north. This owl feeds almost exclusively on large insects.
Mexican Spotted Owl
Length: 16½–19 inches
Voice: high-pitched “hoots” like the barking of a small dog, usually in groups of four.
Potential winter visitor of Oracle State Park and more often found in the northern foothills of the nearby Santa Catalina Mountains. Should the Catalinas acquire and retain a deep snow pack during the winter, the Mexican spotted owls residing there might be forced to move to lower elevations, potentially bringing them within the park. They would most likely be found roosting in the boulder piles, especially if the boulder pile were surrounded by large oaks. This owl preys on small mammals and the occasional roosting songbird.
In Conclusion
Whether you're hoping to hear the haunting hoot of a great horned owl at dusk or catch a glimpse of the tiny northern pygmy owl during the day, Arizona’s owl population offers a magical connection to the natural world. By learning more about these fascinating birds, you not only enrich your own outdoor experiences, you also become part of a broader effort to respect, protect, and preserve Arizona’s wild places. Use this guide to deepen your appreciation for owls in Arizona and take the next step toward becoming a more knowledgeable and responsible outdoor enthusiast.
