California’s official bird checklist contains 14 owl taxa. This guide covers the 12 checklist entries that are not marked as rarities there: American Barn Owl, Flammulated Owl, Western Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Burrowing Owl, Spotted Owl, Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, and Great Gray Owl. Snowy Owl and Elf Owl are excluded because the California Bird Records Committee marks them as rarities. The resulting list is an editorial selection, not a claim that these are every owl ever recorded in the state.
Reliable owl identification comes from several clues used together: silhouette and size, plumage, facial pattern, ear-tuft shape, behavior, habitat, location, season, and sound. A single feature can mislead, especially in poor light or when an owl is viewed briefly. The strongest species-level details in the sources available for this guide concern Burrowing Owl, American Barn Owl, and Spotted Owl; for the other nine entries, this article identifies what is established and shows how to verify current local information without turning an uncertain range or an old record into a promise of a sighting.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What the California checklist actually includes
The California Bird Records Committee checklist is the appropriate starting point for deciding which names belong in a statewide list. Its Strigiformes section contains 14 owl taxa and marks Snowy Owl and Elf Owl as rarities. Removing those two marked entries leaves the 12 species covered here:
| Species in this guide | Why it is included | What the available evidence establishes here |
|---|---|---|
| American Barn Owl | Non-rarity checklist entry | Detailed identification, behavior, habitat, and nesting information from Cornell Lab |
| Flammulated Owl | Non-rarity checklist entry | Species is on the checklist; detailed field marks and schedules are not established in the sources reviewed |
| Western Screech-Owl | Non-rarity checklist entry | Species is on the checklist; detailed field marks and schedules are not established in the sources reviewed |
| Great Horned Owl | Non-rarity checklist entry | Species is on the checklist; detailed field marks and schedules are not established in the sources reviewed |
| Northern Pygmy-Owl | Non-rarity checklist entry | Species is on the checklist; detailed field marks and schedules are not established in the sources reviewed |
| Burrowing Owl | Non-rarity checklist entry | Detailed identification, habitat, behavior, and activity pattern from Cornell Lab |
| Spotted Owl | Non-rarity checklist entry | Audubon distinguishes the Californian form within the Spotted Owl group and describes broad seasonal movements |
| Long-eared Owl | Non-rarity checklist entry | Species is on the checklist; detailed field marks and schedules are not established in the sources reviewed |
| Short-eared Owl | Non-rarity checklist entry | Species is on the checklist; detailed field marks and schedules are not established in the sources reviewed |
| Boreal Owl | Non-rarity checklist entry | Species is on the checklist; detailed field marks and schedules are not established in the sources reviewed |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Non-rarity checklist entry | Species is on the checklist; detailed field marks and schedules are not established in the sources reviewed |
| Great Gray Owl | Non-rarity checklist entry | Species is on the checklist; detailed field marks and schedules are not established in the sources reviewed |
For current habitat and geographic context, use the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s California Wildlife Habitat Relationships (CWHR) system. CWHR is an official reference for life history, modeled range, and management information, but a map is not a guarantee that an owl is present, visible, or accessible at a particular location.
#1 Best Overall
- Dog multivitamins chewable for skin & coat : Dog multivitamin is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E,which can relieve skin allergies,dryness,itching and other problems.Multivitamin for dogs nourishes skin follicles.Long-term consumption of dog vitamins multivitamin can make dog hair stronger and smoother,and reduce coat loss.The COQ10 in dog multivitamin chewable can resist oxidation and delay cell aging.Dogs with skin injuries can eat dog vitamins and supplements to promote wound healing
- Dog multivitamin relieves joint inflammation: Dog vitamins for hip and joint can supplement high-quality MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate to promote cartilage development and repair. Long-term consumption of dog multivitamins chewable can enhance the elasticity and toughness of joint cartilage, improve joint flexibility, and move more freely. Dog multivitamin chews can reduce joint friction and relieve joint pain. Dog vitamins and supplements can prevent and improve dog joint problems
- Dog multivitamin chews are good for the gut: Vet-endorsed formula dog vitamins and supplements made from natural ingredients.Dog vitamins multivitamin chewables contain a rich blend of probiotics to support intestinal and digestive health.Dog vitamins for small dogs can regulate the balance of intestinal flora,help calcium absorption,and promote bone development.Dog multivitamins chewables improve energy metabolism,converting food into energy, making dogs more energetic in their daily activities
- Dog multivitamin chews protect overall health:Senior dog vitamins and supplements help improve blood circulation and prevent cardiovascular disease.Dog multivitamins chewable support normal liver function,promote liver detoxification,and improve negative mood.For dog with heart problems and older dog,taking dog vitamins and supplements in moderation is an auxiliary health care measure.Dog vitamins multivitamin helps enhance white blood cell activity,improve immunity,prevent infection and disease
- Dog multivitamins chewable promote brain development: The DHA in krill oil in multivitamin for dogs is an important component of the brain and retina. Dog vitamins and supplements can improve dog cognitive ability. When training puppies to learn basic commands, puppies who are properly supplemented with dog vitamins multivitamin will behave more intelligently and improve memory.Dog supplements & vitamins can prevent and relieve eye problems such as dry eyes and tear stains, and keep eyes healthy
How to identify an owl without over-relying on one field mark
- Start with silhouette. Note whether the bird looks long-legged and ground-oriented, compact and round-headed, or broad-winged. Estimate size against a familiar bird or nearby object rather than guessing inches in the dark.
- Check the head and face. Record a rounded head, visible ear tufts, a heart-shaped facial disk, or strong eyebrow and throat markings. Tufts are feathers, not ears, and may be flattened by posture.
- Watch behavior before reaching for a name. Ground activity, low quartering flight, repeated bobbing, a concealed daytime roost, or a rapid response to a call can narrow possibilities, but none is sufficient alone.
- Describe the habitat. Open grassland, pasture, desert, woodland edge, dense forest, cavity-bearing trees, and buildings each change which species are plausible. Habitat is a filter, not proof.
- Add place and season. A mountain bird in winter may occupy a different elevation from the same population in summer. Check a current local checklist or occurrence database for the county and date.
- Use sound cautiously. Record the exact notes, rhythm, and direction, then compare them with a current reference. Do not identify an unseen owl from a single uncertain hoot.
- Document the observation. Write the time, weather, habitat, distance, behavior, and all visible marks. A photograph or audio recording can preserve details that memory loses.
Species accounts
American Barn Owl
The American Barn Owl is pale overall. Cornell Lab describes dark eyes, buff and gray on the head and upperparts, and white on the face, body, and underwings. Its heart-shaped face is the quickest visual clue, especially when the bird is seen in a beam of light or gliding past an open background.
At night it hunts low over open ground and locates prey primarily by sound. Look for a quiet, low hunting flight over fields, pasture, or other open habitat rather than a high soaring flight. Barn Owls nest and roost in cavities, including trees and human structures such as barns and silos. A building-associated sighting therefore fits the species’ documented behavior, but a building alone does not identify it.
When visibility is poor, combine the pale body, dark eyes, heart-shaped face, and low open-country hunting style. Do not confuse a pale underside seen briefly with a Barn Owl unless the facial shape and flight pattern also fit.
Burrowing Owl
Burrowing Owl is the conspicuous open-country exception among California’s owls because it is often active in daylight. Cornell describes a small owl with long legs, a short tail, and a rounded head without ear tufts. Adults are brown with pale spots above, a spotted breast that grades into darker belly bars, a white throat and eyebrows, and yellow eyes.
Rank #2
- 8-in-1 Formula - Zesty Paws Multifunctional Bites are functional supplement chews with premium ingredients that support physical performance, antioxidants, hip & joint, heart, immune, skin, liver, & gut health for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.
- Skin Health & Antioxidants – For animals with sensitive skin, this formula contains Cod Liver Fish Oil and Vitamin E to help maintain normal moisture and CoQ10 to help reduce oxidative stress.
- Hip, Joint & Performance Support - Each dog chew features OptiMSM, a premium form of MSM for muscular support, which works synergistically with the Glucosamine HCl and Chondroitin Sulfate in these chews for hip and joint support plus Cod Liver Oil and B-Complex Vitamins support normal physical performance.
- Gut Health & Probiotics - These chews also contain a six-strain Gut Health Blend (500 million cfu per chew) and a Digestive Health Blend to promote gut flora while supporting normal bowel function for dogs.
- Heart, Liver & Immune Health - Multifunctional Bites feature powerful antioxidants, premium CoQ10, Cod Liver Oil and Vitamins A, C, & E to promote healthy cardiovascular function, support liver health and enhance immune response.
It spends much time on the ground or on low perches, hunts close to the ground, and may bob when alarmed. Sparse grassland, pasture, desert, and some human-altered open areas are the characteristic settings. Scan fence posts, low mounds, bare ground, and burrow entrances rather than only searching tree branches.
Daylight activity and long legs are useful clues, but identification still benefits from the full combination: small size, no ear tufts, open sparse habitat, ground-oriented behavior, and the spotted-and-barred underside. A distant bird standing upright can look deceptively like another small raptor, so note the rounded head and short tail before deciding.
Spotted Owl
Audubon distinguishes Northern, Californian, and Mexican Spotted Owl groups and states that the Californian form occurs in California. The source also describes Spotted Owls as permanent residents in many areas, while some mountain populations move to lower elevations in winter.
Recommended Free Tools
That seasonal statement is regional context, not a guarantee that an individual will be present at a particular trail, forest, or date. Treat a winter elevation shift as a reason to check current local records, not as a schedule. Confirm the subspecies or population context when a record matters, because “Spotted Owl” can refer to a broader group than the Californian form.
Rank #3
- COMPLETE 26-IN-1 DAILY WELLNESS FORMULA: Our advanced multivitamin for dogs is formulated to help support 26 vital nutritional areas as part of a daily routine. With essential vitamins A, C, D3, and E, these gummies help support the immune system and contribute to overall heart and brain health for dogs of all sizes.
- ADVANCED HIP AND JOINT MOBILITY SUPPORT: Formulated with Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin, and MSM to help support cartilage health, joint flexibility, and everyday mobility — making them a great daily supplement for large breed dogs and active senior dogs.
- SKIN & COAT SUPPORT: Packed with Norwegian Salmon Oil and Biotin, our dog multivitamin helps nourish skin from within and supports a soft, glossy coat. Omega 3 fatty acids contribute to healthy skin and coat as part of a complete daily nutritional routine.
- PROBIOTICS & DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: Features a Six-Probiotic Blend (500 Million CFU) and Digestive Enzymes to help support gut health, smooth digestion, and nutrient absorption. Cranberry Powder is included as part of this comprehensive daily wellness formula.
- UNBEATABLE VALUE 250 COUNT JAR: Our 250-count jar provides lasting daily support in a delicious chicken flavor. Made in the USA in a GMP-certified facility, our soft chews are grain-free and suitable for puppies, adult, and senior dogs alike.
Flammulated Owl
Flammulated Owl is one of the 12 non-rarity entries selected from the checklist. The available species-level material for this article does not establish a dependable set of field marks, calls, habitat boundaries, or seasonal dates for California. For a defensible identification, record the bird’s silhouette, apparent size, facial pattern, perch height, habitat structure, vocalization, and exact date, then compare those observations with a current regional field guide and local checklist.
Western Screech-Owl
Western Screech-Owl is included as a non-rarity checklist entry. No species-specific identification description or statewide encounter schedule is established in the sources available here. Do not assign this name merely because a small owl is heard in western California. Preserve a recording when possible and verify the call, habitat, and distribution against current local information.
Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owl appears among the 12 selected checklist entries, but the sources used for this article do not provide a California-specific field-mark profile or reliable site-by-site timing. Use a current regional guide for the diagnostic combination of shape, plumage, tufts, voice, and habitat, and document the observation rather than relying on the commonness of the name.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Northern Pygmy-Owl
Northern Pygmy-Owl is a non-rarity checklist entry. The material available here does not substantiate detailed California range, seasonal movement, or identification notes. A small owl seen in daylight should not automatically receive this label; size estimates are especially unreliable without a fixed comparison. Record the perch, movement, habitat, and any facial or tail pattern, then check current county-level records.
Rank #4
- Joint Health Supplement for Dogs: Cosequin is the #1 vet recommended retail joint health supplement brand, supporting joint health in dogs for over 25 years
- Contains Glucosamine for Dogs: Cosequin contains glucosamine hydrochloride (FCHG49) and sodium chondroitin sulfate (TRH122), plus methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). This unique combination of ingredients supports healthy joints
- For Any Breed or Size: Whether you have a young or senior dog, a small or large breed, Cosequin helps support their joint health
- Tasty Chews for Daily Use: Cosequin comes in a tasty chewable tablet, making daily administration easy and convenient
- Exceptional Quality: Cosequin is backed by science, undergoing thorough quality inspections to ensure your dog receives a safe, high-quality product. It is manufactured in the United States with globally sourced ingredients
Long-eared Owl
Long-eared Owl is included in the checklist-based selection. Species-level sources in this article do not establish a complete California profile of roosting habitat, vocal activity, or seasonal accessibility. Because concealed roosts can make an apparently suitable area seem empty, absence of a sighting is not evidence that the species is absent. Use current local occurrence information and observe any roost from a distance.
Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl is one of the 12 entries covered. The supplied sources do not establish a complete set of California diagnostic details or a dependable statewide season. For an open-country owl, document flight height, wingbeats, hunting route, habitat, light conditions, and time of day. Submit uncertain records with supporting photographs or sound rather than treating a low flight over a field as conclusive.
Boreal Owl
Boreal Owl is listed among the non-rarity taxa selected for this guide. Detailed identification and encounter information for California is not established by the available sources. Consult an up-to-date western field guide and local records before planning a search, and avoid assuming that a mapped or historical occurrence means a publicly accessible bird can be found now.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Northern Saw-whet Owl is included as a non-rarity checklist entry. The sources used here do not provide a supported California field-mark summary, current range map, or seasonal timetable. A quiet, hidden owl can be missed even where records exist, so rely on documented local observations and ethical listening rather than repeated playback or close approach.
Best Value
- Itch & Allergy Relief with Omega-3 for Dogs - with 500mg of Omega (EPA+DHA) per serving, our chewable supplement helps with hot spots, dry itchy skin, ease itching, irritated skin, stops shedding.
- Skin & Coat + Hip & Joint Supplement Combined - Omega 3 is a vital element to keep your pet active, support healthy hip and joints, brain, heart, immune health. Can be served with regular pet food.
- Bark&Spark Commitment - we are keen to give best to our furry customers and we take NO compromise when it comes to product quality. Our omega 3 bites are made in the USA, with human grade ingredients.
- Up to 3 Month Supply - with 180 salmon oil treats per jar you keep your pet healthy while not spending a fortune on overpriced supplements. Best value.
- Is Your Dog a Picky Eater? We stick to simple formulas rich in natural flavors, that could tempt a fussy eater. No hassle with pills, powder, tablets or capsules.
Great Gray Owl
Great Gray Owl completes the 12-species selection. The available material does not establish a full California identification account or current public viewing guidance. Verify any sighting with multiple features and a current regional source, especially when the bird is distant, backlit, or seen only in flight.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to use range maps and local records
CDFW explains that range polygons can include places where a species is not expected because habitat is patchy or records are absent. Read a polygon as a broad planning layer, not a promise. Before visiting a site, check a current county bird checklist, recent occurrence reports, land-access rules, and seasonal closures. A map cannot tell you whether an owl is on private land, using a concealed roost, or present only irregularly.
Seasonality also varies within a species. Audubon’s Spotted Owl account notes permanent residence in many areas but lower-elevation movement by some mountain populations in winter. Similar-looking habitat in another part of California may not produce the same result. Keep the date, elevation, weather, and habitat with every record so later observers can interpret it correctly.
A responsible field workflow
- Choose a target from current evidence. Start with recent local checklists and CWHR habitat information, then confirm that the land is open to you.
- Plan for the species’ documented activity pattern. Burrowing Owl can be active by day; American Barn Owl hunts at night. Do not generalize one species’ schedule to all owls.
- Stay on legal routes and keep distance. Never enter a closed area or approach a nest, cavity, burrow, or roost to improve a photograph.
- Observe quietly. Limit light, avoid repeated playback, and stop if the bird changes its behavior, leaves a roost, or shows signs of stress.
- Record evidence. Note location at a level that protects sensitive sites, time, weather, habitat, behavior, and all visible marks. Share precise nest or roost coordinates only with responsible conservation authorities.
- Report carefully. Use the relevant local or regional reporting system, distinguish an observation from an inference, and attach media when identification is uncertain.
Choosing a reference book
Hans Peeters’s Field Guide to Owls of California and the West, published by University of California Press, is a regional reference with 346 pages, color plates, and western range maps. The publisher lists an October 2007 publication date and ISBN 9780520941168. It covers more than the 12 species in this article, so treat it as a broader California-and-West field guide rather than a dedicated 12-species checklist. Confirm current edition, stock, and retailer details before buying.
What a confident identification looks like
A strong record explains why the bird fits one species better than its alternatives. For an American Barn Owl, that means the pale body, dark eyes, heart-shaped face, and low flight over open ground agree. For a Burrowing Owl, long legs, short tail, rounded head without tufts, spotted-and-barred plumage, open sparse habitat, and ground activity agree. For a Spotted Owl, the population context and documented seasonal pattern must also make sense. For the remaining nine species, do not manufacture certainty where the available evidence does not support it: preserve the observation and verify it with current species-level references.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Leave a Reply