California is the third-largest state in the United States after Alaska and Texas, with an appropriately high level of geographical diversity. As a result, California is home to 16 owl species. One of them, the Barred Owl, has adapted well to the state’s old-growth forests despite not initially being native to California.
All owls in California remain protected under federal law. However, some of them are still at risk due to myriad factors. For instance, the population of the Burrowing Owl has dropped by 60% since the 1980s due to a loss of habitat. It is also worth noting that both the Northern and California subspecies of the Spotted Owl have been competing for resources with the aforementioned Barred Owl and failing to keep up.
List of Owls in California
Name
Average Size
Status
Where Do They Live in the State?
Mating Season
Small Owls
Northern Pygmy Owl
Length: 5.9–6.7 inches
Wingspan: 12 inches
Native
Common throughout the state, excluding a few places like the Central Valley, the Modoc Plateau, and a few arid regions with a distinct lack of trees
Relatively uncommon, with most sightings taking place in northeastern California around Suisun Marsh
Varies, often in early spring (March to September)
Spotted Owl — Northern — California
Length: 17 inches
Wingspan: 45 inches
Native
Both sub-species can be seen in the southern Cascade Range in northern California as well as in the Sierra Nevada and the Transverse, the Peninsular, and the Coast Ranges
Early spring to late summer (February to August)
Great Gray Owl
Length: 24-33 inches
Wingspan: 4-5 feet
Native
Relatively rare, with most sightings in the Sierra Nevada and certain counties like Lassen, Modoc, and Siskiyou
Spring to early summer (March to May)
Where Can You See Owls in California
Barn and Great Horned Owls are commonly seen in Los Padres National Forest, which is usually open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Sightings of the Spotted and Great Gray Owls occur in Yosemite National Park at night, while the Burrowing Owl can be seen while exploring the Bay Area during the day.
