Are There Owls in San Diego?
Yes, owls are common around San Diego. Several species thrive in the city's diverse habitats, from coastal bluffs to urban neighborhoods. Year-round residents include Barn Owls and Great Horned Owls. You might hear them calling at night or see them hunting in open areas, canyons, and parklands throughout the metro area.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 23, 2026.
Great Horned Owl · Michael Warner CC BY
Great Horned Owl · Michael Warner CC BY
Great Gray Owl · Nigel Voaden CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 543,378
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- May, April, June
- peak months
Yes, owls are in California. Next you'll want:
What owl sound like
Verified field recordings from Xeno-canto. Press play to hear the calls birders listen for in the field.
Northern Saw-whet Owl · alarm call, wail
0:05Bridgeport State Park, Okanogan County, Washington · © Bruce Lagerquist CC BY-NC-SA · XC450314
Burrowing Owl · call
0:05Calipatria, Imperial County, California · © Paul Marvin CC BY-NC-SA · XC143782
Elf Owl · call
0:06Riverside, California · © Tim Schreckengost CC BY-NC-SA · XC135243
Verified species, source iNaturalist
13 types of owls recorded in California
13 owl species have a verified observation record in California across the owl order (Strigiformes), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Also recorded in California
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Flammulated OwlNativePsiloscops flammeolus | Psiloscops flammeolus | 48 |
Plus 1 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
46,797 verified observations on iNaturalist of owl have been recorded in California, most often in May, April, June.
When owl are recorded in California
Yes, owls are common around San Diego. Several species thrive in the city's diverse habitats, from coastal bluffs to urban neighborhoods. Year-round residents include Barn Owls and Great Horned Owls. You might hear them calling at night or see them hunting in open areas, canyons, and parklands throughout the metro area.
Where Owls Live in San Diego
Owls thrive throughout San Diego's varied landscape, from coastal cliffs to inland canyons and urban neighborhoods. Barn Owls are abundant across the region, living in coastal bluffs, urban and suburban areas, and open grasslands. Great Horned Owls inhabit canyons, foothills, and wooded areas throughout the city, including parks like Mission Trails Regional Park and preserved canyon systems. Burrowing Owls occupy coastal and semi-open areas, particularly around San Diego Bay, coastal bluffs near Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, and open spaces with low vegetation. Screech Owls inhabit parks and gardens with mature trees, especially in established neighborhoods with good tree cover. San Diego Bay provides habitat for multiple owl species hunting over water for small fish and aquatic prey. Inland canyons such as those in the foothills support several owl species seeking shelter and hunting grounds. Balboa Park, with its mature trees and protected habitat, offers homes for resident and visiting owls. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park and other coastal preserves create excellent hunting habitat with open areas and suitable nesting sites. Learn more about owls throughout California at/wildlife/california/owl.
Owl Activity Seasons in San Diego
Owls are active year-round in San Diego, with activity levels shifting across seasons. Winter brings increased owl calling as some northern populations migrate south, expanding local diversity. Great Horned Owls begin breeding activity in December and January, their deep calls heard frequently through February and March as pairs establish territories and nest. Barn Owls also intensify vocalization and breeding activity during winter and early spring. Spring migration in March through May brings additional species passing through San Diego, adding to local owl diversity temporarily. Summer months are quieter as breeding owls focus on raising young rather than calling. Fall migration in September through November again increases diversity as birds move south. Year-round resident populations of Barn Owls and Great Horned Owls maintain territories throughout all seasons. Late evening and early night hours offer the best opportunities to hear owls vocalizing, particularly from dusk until midnight. While owls can be observed any month, winter and early spring provide the most reliable times for hearing them call and establishing their presence. Visit/wildlife/californiato learn more about owl behavior across the state.
Identifying San Diego Owls
San Diego's owls vary considerably in size and appearance, requiring attention to identifying features. Barn Owls are medium-large birds with distinctive heart-shaped faces, pale coloring, and dark eyes. Great Horned Owls are large with prominent ear-like tufts, yellow eyes, and mottled brown plumage. Burrowing Owls are small, only eight to ten inches tall, with yellow eyes, spotted brown plumage, and long legs adapted for ground hunting. All owls possess forward-facing eyes providing binocular vision and excellent night sight, combined with large ears for detecting faint sounds. Calls provide reliable identification tools. Barn Owls produce harsh screams and hisses rather than hooting. Great Horned Owls make deep, resonant hooting sounds often written as "hoo-hoo-hoo, hoo-hoo." Burrowing Owls produce soft cooing calls and chittering sounds. Observing hunting behavior helps too: Barn Owls fly slowly over open ground using hearing, Great Horned Owls hunt from perches, and Burrowing Owls often hunt from the ground or low perches. Combining these visual, vocal, and behavioral clues allows confident species identification throughout San Diego. See/wildlife/california/owlfor statewide identification resources.
Best Locations for Owl Watching in San Diego
Several specific San Diego locations offer reliable owl observation opportunities through sight and sound. Mission Trails Regional Park provides inland habitat with mature trees, canyons, and open areas attracting multiple owl species year-round. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers coastal habitat with suitable nesting and hunting areas for Barn Owls and Burrowing Owls. San Diego Bay shoreline, particularly around Point Loma and coastal preserves, provides excellent hunting habitat for Barn Owls and opportunities to observe them at dusk. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park combines open grassland with coastal habitat, attracting Burrowing Owls and Great Horned Owls. Inland canyons throughout San Diego's foothills, including Los Penasquitos Canyon and San Diego River canyon areas, support owl populations in mixed chaparral and oak woodland habitat. Urban parks like Balboa Park, with mature trees and protected vegetation, host resident screech owls and occasionally other species. Coastal areas around Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach attract owls hunting at dusk over open terrain. Neighborhoods with mature trees and low light pollution offer chances to hear calling owls, particularly during breeding season. Dusk and early night hours provide the best observation windows for seeing and hearing owls throughout the metro area. Check/wildlifefor resources on finding wildlife in your region.
How Owls Hunt and Behave
San Diego's owls demonstrate specialized hunting techniques adapted to the region's varied habitats. Barn Owls hunt by flying slowly over open ground, using exceptional hearing to detect movement of mice and voles beneath grass and soil. Great Horned Owls hunt from high perches, watching the ground and water below, then diving to capture rabbits, squirrels, and other substantial prey. Burrowing Owls hunt from the ground and low perches, capturing small mammals, insects, and other small creatures in open areas. All owls possess forward-facing eyes providing depth perception and night vision far superior to humans, combined with large ears detecting even faint movements. Their specialized flight feathers create nearly silent flight, allowing stealthy approach to unsuspecting prey. Owls typically swallow small prey whole and later regurgitate pellets composed of undigested bone, fur, and teeth. Most San Diego owls nest in tree cavities, abandoned structures, underground burrows, or cliff ledges depending on species. Barn Owls often use abandoned buildings and structures, while Great Horned Owls use old stick nests or cliff sites. Burrowing Owls nest in burrows created by other animals. Many owls maintain permanent territories year-round, with pair bonds sometimes lasting multiple years. Understanding these behaviors helps explain why they thrive throughout California. Their relatively low reproduction rate and long lifespans make owl populations vulnerable to environmental changes. Learn more at/wildlife/california.
Owls and San Diego Residents
Owls and people share San Diego safely when basic guidelines are understood and followed. Owls pose no threat to humans and provide valuable pest control by consuming thousands of rodents annually. If you observe an owl during daylight, it is simply roosting and should be left undisturbed without approaching closely. Never disturb active nests or young owls, as parent birds become defensive and may attack when protecting offspring. Artificial nest boxes installed in appropriate locations provide valuable homes for Barn Owls in areas where natural cavities are scarce. Maintaining habitat by leaving large trees standing and preserving canyon and grassland areas benefits owl populations significantly. Reducing pesticide use protects owls by maintaining healthy prey populations. Keeping outdoor cats indoors prevents predation on young owls and transmission of parasites. If you find an injured or orphaned owl, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator rather than handling it yourself. All California owl species are protected by law, making harm or trapping illegal. Lighting practices that reduce light pollution and glare help owls hunt effectively by maintaining natural darkness. Creating owl-friendly neighborhoods through habitat awareness and protection helps these fascinating birds thrive alongside human areas.
Owls and Similar Birds in San Diego
Several birds around San Diego might be confused with owls or mistaken for different owl species. Nightjars, including the Common Nighthawk, are sometimes confused with owls because they hunt insects at dusk and produce strange calls. However, nightjars have small bills designed for catching insects in flight, unlike owls that use powerful talons to grip larger prey. The Common Raven might be mistaken for an owl in silhouette, but ravens lack the rounded head shape, forward-facing eyes, and talons characteristic of owls. Black-shouldered Kites occasionally seen in San Diego can be confused with Burrowing Owls but have red eyes, lighter coloring, and hunt during daylight hours. Red-tailed Hawks and other raptors might be mistaken for owls in poor light but hunt primarily during daylight and lack large facial disks. Mourning Doves call in the early morning and evening, and their cooing might be confused with owl calls by inexperienced listeners. Learning to distinguish between these species greatly enriches wildlife observation in San Diego. Many local birding clubs and nature centers offer identification programs teaching these valuable distinctions and helping observers recognize owls.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego Owls
What sounds do San Diego owls make? Barn Owls produce harsh screams and metallic hissing sounds rather than hooting. Great Horned Owls make deep, resonant hooting sounds often heard as "hoo-hoo-hoo, hoo-hoo." Burrowing Owls create soft cooing calls, chirps, and chattering sounds quite different from larger species. When do owls hunt in San Diego? Most owls are primarily nocturnal, hunting most actively from dusk through early morning hours. Some species, particularly Burrowing Owls, may hunt during daylight hours especially during breeding season when food demand is highest. Can you see owls during the day in San Diego? While owls rest during daylight, they can sometimes be spotted roosting in trees, cliff crevices, or buildings. Spotting daytime-roosting owls requires patience and luck, as they choose hidden locations. Are owls endangered in San Diego? Most San Diego owl species are stable, though some face habitat pressure. All California owls are legally protected against harm or capture.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see owl in California: May, April, June
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your owl sighting in California
543,378 verified owl records have been logged in California, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in California
- Alcatraz Island · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Cabrillo National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Channel Islands National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Death Valley National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Devils Postpile National Monument · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Southeast Farallon Island (Farallon Islands NWR, restricted access) · 446 species recorded
- Pt. Pinos--general (sea & shore Coral to Jewell, Crespi Pond & cypresses) · 372 species recorded
- Furnace Creek Ranch--The Ranch at Death Valley · 367 species recorded
- San Clemente Island (please use more precise location) · 364 species recorded
- Andrew Molera SP--Big Sur River mouth · 363 species recorded
- Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary · 344 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Keep exploring
More places to see owl
More wildlife in California