Owls in Arizona: Here are the most common owls you'll see and how to protect them

Arizona is home to a diverse array of owl species, each with its own unique characteristics and adaptations.

One of the most notable owl species in Arizona is the great horned owl. With their large size and distinctive ear tufts, these formidable predators are a vital part of the state's ecosystem, preying on rodents and other small mammals.

These majestic birds play a vital role in controlling pest populations and helping maintain the state's delicate ecological balance. Additionally, they serve as indicators of environmental health, reflecting the overall well-being of Arizona's diverse ecosystems.

So, whether you're a bird enthusiast or a nature lover, here is everything you should know about owls in Arizona.

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What is the most common owl in Arizona?

We reached out to Heather L. Bateman, a professor at the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts at Arizona State University, to find out.

“I would say the most common is the great horned owl," Bateman said. "We also have Western screech owls, which are tiny burrowing owls. As their name suggests, they nest in the ground and that's pretty unique among owls. We can have elf owls, and they're amazing because they're the smallest owl in the world and they're probably smaller than my cellphone.

“Barn owl would be another common species in sort of urban areas. I'm thinking Phoenix area and then further out into the state we could have northern pygmy owls, long-eared owls, maybe short-eared owls and a spotted owl,” Bateman said.

What season are owls most active?

Owls are most active during the fall and winter seasons. This is because many owl species are nocturnal, which means they are primarily active at night. The longer nights of fall and winter provide more darkness for hunting and foraging.

In Arizona, owls are generally active year-round. Their specific activity patterns can vary based on the region, climate and availability of prey, but many owl species in Arizona are active throughout the year, according to the University of Arizona.

That said, there can be seasonal variations in owl behavior in Arizona. According to VisitUSAParks.com, some species may be more vocal during their breeding season, which typically occurs in the spring and early summer.

What do Arizona owls eat?

Owls in Arizona, like owls elsewhere, have a varied diet that primarily consists of small mammals, but they are opportunistic predators and feed on a wide range of prey. Common prey for Arizona owls includes:

• Rodents.
• Insects.
• Reptiles.
• Small birds.
• Arthropods such as centipedes, millipedes and spiders.

An owl's specific diet can vary depending on their habitat and what is available in their environment.

“Little tiny owls eat insects and arthropods, bigger owls eat vertebrates,” said Bateman.

For example, the Western screech owl, which is common in Arizona, primarily feeds on insects, small mammals and birds. The diet of other owl species in Arizona, like the great horned owl or barn owl, may include a wider variety of prey.

What is the giant owl in Arizona?

According to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, someone wondering about a "giant owl" in Arizona is probably referring to the great horned owl.

While not the largest owl species in the world, the great horned owl is one of the largest owls in North America and is known for its prominent "horns," which are actually feather tufts on the top of its head.

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Great horned owl fun facts

Here are some key things to know about great horned owls in Arizona:

• Appearance: Great horned owls have prominent "horns" or tufts of feathers on their heads. These tufts, also known as plumicorns, help with camouflage and are used for communicating the owl's many moods, as well as attracting potential mates.
• Habitat: Great horned owls are highly adaptable and can be found in forests, canyons, deserts, urban areas and grasslands.
• Diet: Owls are versatile predators with a broad diet. “I've seen great horned owls with snakes, mice, rabbits and a whole variety of vertebrates. So I think that's why they do well in the urban area because they have a really broad diet. They're not super specific,” said Bateman.
• Nocturnal behavior: Owls have excellent night vision and hearing, which helps them locate prey in the dark.
• Vocalizations: Owls are known for their distinctive hooting calls, which are often heard during the breeding season. “Birds have very specific calls because that's how they find their mates. That's how they delineate their territories,” said Bateman.
• Threats: Great horned owls have few natural predators, but they can face threats from habitat destruction, vehicle collisions and lead poisoning from ingesting lead shot in prey animals.
• Legal protection: Great horned owls, like all native birds of prey, are protected by federal and state laws in the United States. It is illegal to harm or possess them without the necessary permits.

“Owls are birds and birds are protected in the United States through the International Migratory Bird Treaty Act," Bateman said. "And so owls and other birds should not really be disturbed. It's best for the animal.

What to do if an owl is in your yard?

It's possible an owl could land in your yard.

“All species of wildlife need habitat,” said Bateman. “They need food, they need a safe place to spend the night or the day during resting, they need access to nesting sites, and it seems that urban areas are providing some resources and it could be that there's other organisms around us that the owls prey on.”

If an owl is in your yard, take appropriate steps to ensure its well-being as well as the safety of pets and people. Here's what to do if you find an owl in your yard:

• Observe from a distance: “It's important to get to give all wildlife space. You should never try to handle a bird or really interfere with it, so it's best to just observe,” said Bateman.
• Keep pets and children away.
• Shelter and space: If the owl seems healthy and appears to simply be resting or taking shelter during the daytime, leave it alone and give it space. Owls are nocturnal and may be resting before they become active at night.
• Avoid disturbing the owl.
• Contact an experts: If the owl doesn't leave or if you're concerned about its well-being, contact local wildlife authorities or a wildlife rehabilitation center.

Are owls nocturnal?

Yes. Owls are considered nocturnal birds, which means they are primarily active during the night. Nocturnal animals have special adaptations that allow them to hunt, navigate, and thrive in low-light or dark conditions.

While owls are primarily nocturnal, some species may exhibit crepuscular behavior, meaning they are also active during dawn and dusk, according to LiveScience.com. This behavior allows them to take advantage of the periods when both diurnal and nocturnal prey animals are active.

Are owls friendly birds?

Although they might appear cute, owls are not considered "friendly" birds in the sense that they are not domesticated or naturally inclined to interact with humans in a friendly manner.

They are independent creatures that typically avoid human contact. Owls can be territorial and may become aggressive if they feel their territory or nest is threatened.

Owls have unique behaviors and characteristics that are essential for their survival in the wild. Respecting their natural instincts and habitats is crucial for their well-being and conservation. If you encounter an owl in the wild, observe from a distance and avoid disturbing it or its environment.

Will owls eat small dogs?

According to the International OwlCenter.org, in rare cases, some larger owl species, such as great horned owls, have been known to prey on small dogs or cats, especially if the pet is left unattended outdoors during the evening or night.

However, such incidents are infrequent, and owls are not a significant threat to most domestic pets.

What to do if an owl attacks you

Owls are reclusive and prefer to avoid human contact. Owl attacks on people are extremely rare. However, if you find yourself in a situation where an owl is displaying aggressive behavior, here are some steps to take according to ForestWildlife.org:

• Protect yourself: Use your arms to shield your head and face from the owl's talons or beak. Try to cover your head with a jacket, bag or any available clothing.
• Back away slowly: Step back and create distance between yourself and the owl. Do not make sudden or threatening movements, as this may provoke the owl further.
• Avoid eye contact: Owls may perceive direct eye contact as a threat. Avoid staring at the owl and keep your gaze averted.
• Make noise: If the owl continues to approach or behave aggressively, make loud noises by clapping your hands, shouting or using a whistle.

What is the largest animal an owl can pick up?

The largest animal that an owl can pick up and carry in its talons depends on the owl's size and strength.

According to BirdWatchingToday.com, owls are not built to carry large animals into the air as some larger raptors, like eagles or vultures, can.

Instead, owls use their talons to capture and immobilize prey on the ground or in trees. They may then eat their prey at the capture site or carry it to a nearby perch to consume.

The largest prey items owls can carry are typically those that can be carried a short distance for feeding, rather than being lifted into the air for any significant distance.

How long do owls live?

According to Tischman Pets, wild owls generally live anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Some species of owls have been known to live longer in captivity, where they receive veterinary care, a consistent food supply and protection from predators.

For example, the great horned owl and barn owl may live 15 to 20 years in the wild. In captivity, some individuals have lived 25 years or more.

In metro Phoenix, a serious threat to the lifespan of an owl is the use of rat poison, or rodenticides, to control roof rats, mice and other vermin. Owls can suffer secondary poisoning when they consume rodents that have ingested these chemicals.

“Rodenticides were found in 49 percent of 12 species of necropsied raptors. For great horned owls, the figure was 81 percent,” according to Audubon.

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