We’ll present the most frequent owls in Nevada, along with pictures and important information. The data was gathered only from verified sources and double-checked by an ornithologist.
There are many different types of owls that live in Nevada. The most common type of owl is the great horned owl. These owls can be found throughout the state, and they are easily recognizable by their large size and distinctive “horns.” Other types of owls that can be found in Nevada include the barn owl, the long-eared owl, and the short-eared owl. Each of these owls has its own unique characteristics and habits.
Common Types of Owls in Nevada
Burrowing Owls
Burrowing owls are small, long-legged owls found throughout North and South America. These nocturnal predators nest and roost in burrows underground, which can be either those they excavate themselves or ones abandoned by other animals such as prairie dogs or kangaroo rats. Some interesting facts about these unique creatures include:
- Burrowing owls are one of the few owl species that are active during the day.
- They are also one of the smallest owl species, with adults measuring only about eight inches tall.
- Burrowing owls have very long legs in proportion to their bodies, which helps them run quickly and catch prey easily.
- Their feathers are specially adapted to camouflage them in the dirt and sand of their habitats.
- Burrowing owls eat a wide variety of prey, including insects, lizards, snakes, small mammals, and even birds.
- They typically hunt by perching on an elevated spot and scanning the ground for movement, but they can also fly down and catch prey in midair.
If you’re lucky enough to spot a burrowing owl in the wild, you’ll be able to enjoy watching one of nature’s most fascinating predators up close. Just be sure to give them plenty of space and respect their habitat, so as not to disturb these amazing animals.
Northern Pygmy-Owls
The Northern Pygmy-Owl is a small owl that can be found in Nevada. They are the smallest owl in North America, and they have dark eyes and a brown cap. Northern Pygmy-Owls eat mostly insects, but they will also eat small rodents or birds. They are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night.
If you’re lucky enough to see a Northern Pygmy-Owl, you’ll notice that they have a white chin and throat, and their belly is brown with white spots. Their back is gray with brown bars, and their wings are brown with grayish-brown stripes. Northern Pygmy-Owls are very quiet owls, and you may not even hear them if they’re nearby.
Northern Pygmy-Owls are a great example of how adaptable owls can be. They live in a variety of habitats, from forests to deserts, and they can survive in both cold and hot climates. They are also one of the few owl species that can breed in the summer.
Northern Pygmy-Owls make great pets, and they can be easily trained to come when you call them. If you’re interested in owning a Northern Pygmy-Owl, be sure to check with your local wildlife officials to see if it’s legal to do so in your state or province.
Western Screech-Owl
The Western Screech-Owl is a small owl that is found in western North America. They are gray or brown in color, and have a characteristic screeching call. They are nocturnal birds, meaning they hunt at night.
Western Screech-Owls eat a variety of prey, including insects, rodents, and small birds. They hunt by perching on a branch and waiting for their prey to come close. When they see an opportunity, they will swoop down and snatch their prey with their sharp talons.
If you’re lucky enough to spot a Western Screech-Owl, you may get to see them performing one of their other unique behaviors. Some owls have been known to ‘hoot’ in a series of two or three notes, and others have been observed carrying sticks or leaves around in their beaks.
Western Screech-Owls are an interesting bird to watch and are a common sight in western North America. If you’re ever in the area, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these fascinating creatures!
Northern Saw-Whet Owl
The Northern Saw-Whet Owl is a medium-sized owl with pale brown plumage and a white eyebrow. They are found in open habitats such as deserts, grasslands, and agricultural fields. These owls are active during the day and hunt small mammals and birds. They typically roost on tree branches or in cavities during the night.
The Northern Saw-Whet Owl is a relatively common owl in North America. They are not currently considered to be threatened or endangered. However, like all owls, they are at risk from habitat loss and fragmentation. If you live in an area where these owls are found, you can help them by creating nesting and roosting habitats in your backyard. You can also provide food and water for them during the summer months. Northern Saw-Whet Owls are a beautiful sight to behold and make wonderful additions to any birding list!
Barn Owl
The Barn Owl is a distinctive bird with its heart-shaped facial disc and white, black, and brown plumage. It is found in open habitats around the world. In North America, it is most common in the western United States, where it preys on small mammals such as rodents. The Barn Owl is nocturnal, meaning it is most active at night. It roosts during the day in trees, caves, or other sheltered areas. The bird typically mates for life and nests in tree cavities, cliffs, or man-made structures such as barns.
The Barn Owl is a medium-sized owl with a wingspan of about three feet. The bird’s body is white with brown streaks on the back and head. The facial disc is white with a black border, and the bill is black. The eyes are dark brown. The legs and feet are covered in feathers that help the owl to be silent when it flies.
The Barn Owl feeds primarily on small mammals such as rodents, rabbits, and bats. The owl hunts at night by flying slowly and silently over open areas, listening for the movements of its prey. Once it spots a target, the owl swoops down to catch it with its talons. Barn Owls will also eat reptiles, amphibians, birds, and insects.
Related post: Types of Owls in Alaska
Elf Owl
The elf owl (Micrathene whitneyi) is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. The smallest owl in North America, it is also one of the smallest owls in the world, with a length of only about six inches and a weight of fewer than two ounces. Despite its tiny size, the elf owl is a fierce predator, preying on small mammals, reptiles, and insects.
The elf owl is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. In the United States, it is found in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah. It prefers desert habitats with plenty of trees or other structures on which to perch and hunt.
The elf owl is nocturnal, meaning it is most active at night. During the day, it roosts in a tree or on a cliff, often hiding in a hollow cavity. At night, it hunts for its prey, using its sharp eyesight and hearing to locate its victims. Once it has found its prey, it swoops down and grabs it with its sharp talons.
Elf owls are monogamous, meaning they mate for life. The female elf owl lays two to four eggs in a nest made of twigs, leaves, and other plant material. She incubates the eggs for about three weeks before they hatch. Both parents help to care for the young owls, which fledge (leave the nest) at about six weeks old.
Long-eared Owls
Long-eared Owls are medium-sized owls with long, pointed wings and short tails. They have large eyes and a distinctive facial disk that is outlined in black. Long-eared Owls are mostly brown in color, but can also be gray or white depending on the subspecies.
They are named for their large ear tufts, which are used to help them blend in with their surroundings. Long-eared Owls are found in woodlands across North America and Europe. In the United States, they are most common in the western states, including Nevada.
Long-eared Owls hunt at night, using their excellent hearing to locate their prey. They eat a variety of small animals, including rodents, insects, and other birds.
Long-eared Owls are monogamous and mate for life. The female builds a nest of sticks in a tree or on the ground and lays two to four eggs. Both parents help to incubate the eggs and care for the young owlets.
Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl is a large owl with a round head and long, ear-like tufts. It has yellow eyes and a white chin. The upper parts are grayish brown, and the underparts are light with dark streaks. The wings are broad, and the tail is long. Great Horned Owls can be found in woodlands, forests, and deserts. They hunt at night for small mammals, such as mice and rabbits. Great Horned Owls are found in North and South America.
Great Horned Owls are silent hunters. They use their excellent hearing to detect prey even when it is hidden under snow. Great Horned Owls have large talons that can kill prey as large as a skunk.
They also have a sharp beak for tearing meat. Great Horned Owls are monogamous and mate for life. The female lays two to four eggs, which she incubates for about five weeks. The young owlets fledge (leave the nest) at eight or nine weeks old. Great Horned Owls can live up to 25 years in the wild.
The Great Horned Owl is a large owl with a round head and long, ear-like tufts. It has yellow eyes and a white chin. The upper parts are grayish brown, and the underparts are light with dark streaks. The wings are broad, and the tail is long. Great Horned Owls can be found in woodlands, forests, and deserts. They hunt at night for small mammals, such as mice and rabbits. Great Horned Owls are found in North and South America.
Where can I find great horned owls in Nevada?
In the United States, it is found in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah. It prefers desert habitats with plenty of trees or other structures on which to perch and hunt.
Short-eared Owls
Short-eared Owls are found in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. They have brown feathers with white spots on their wings and tail. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl measuring 16 to 20 inches in length with a wingspan of 36 to 44 inches. Females are larger than males.
They have a round head with yellow eyes and a black beak. The ears are short and hidden in the feathers. They hunt during the day and night, usually perching on the ground or low in a tree. They eat small mammals such as mice, voles, and rabbits; birds; reptiles; amphibians; and insects.
Short-eared Owls breed in the spring and lay one to four eggs. The chicks hatch about a month later and are able to fly within two months.
Short-eared owls are found in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. They have brown feathers with white spots on their wings and tail. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl measuring 16 to 20 inches in length with a wingspan of 36 to 44 inches. Females are larger than males. They have a round head with yellow eyes and a black beak. The ears are short and hidden in the feathers.
American Barn Owl
The American Barn Owl is a medium-sized owl with a round head and no ear tufts. They have long legs and their wings are relatively short. The barn owl’s feathers are white with brownish-grey streaks. Their belly is typically lighter in color than their back.
Juvenile barn owls have more grey and brown feathers than adults. American barn owls typically mate for life and will use the same nest site year after year if possible. These owls do not build their own nests, but rather use abandoned cavities in trees or cliffs, or old nests built by other birds.
Barn owls eat mostly small mammals such as mice, voles, and shrews. They hunt by flying low over the ground, using their exceptional hearing to locate their prey. American barn owls are found throughout North and South America. In the United States, they are most common in the western states.
Flammulated Owl
The Flammulated Owl is a small owl measuring around 20cm in length. It has dark brown plumage with pale streaks and yellow eyes. This owl is found in North America, specifically in the western United States and Mexico. It typically inhabits coniferous forests near mountain ranges.
The diet of the Flammulated Owl consists mainly of insects, but it will also eat small mammals and birds. This owl is nocturnal and typically hunts from a perch. It has a distinctive call that sounds like “tee-hee”. The Flammulated Owl is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
The Flammulated Owl is a small owl measuring around 20cm in length. It has dark brown plumage with pale streaks and yellow eyes. This owl is found in North America, specifically in the western United States and Mexico. It typically inhabits coniferous forests near mountain ranges. The diet of the Flammulated Owl consists mainly of insects, but it will also eat small mammals and birds. This owl is nocturnal and typically hunts from a perch. It has a distinctive call that sounds like “tee-hee”. The Flammulated Owl is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Are owls protected in Nevada?
Yes, owls are protected in Nevada. They are considered a special-status species and it is illegal to hunt, trap, or harass them. Owls play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling rodent populations.
Are there owls in Reno?
There are no owls in Reno. The closest owl to Reno would be the Flammulated Owl which is found in the Sierra Nevada mountains east of Reno. If you’re interested in seeing an owl, your best bet would be to contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center or go on an owl-watching tour.
What kind of owls live in Las Vegas?
The only owl that lives in Las Vegas is the American Barn Owl. This owl can be found throughout the southwest United States. It prefers open areas such as deserts, grasslands, and agricultural land.
Are owls common in Las Vegas?
No, owls are not common in Las Vegas. The American Barn Owl is the only owl species that are found in the area.