These loud little birds are known for their piercing cry that has been known to startle many a hiker at night.
These nocturnal creatures are beautiful with mottled feathers that are mostly white in color, making them fairly easy to spot if you see them.
Unlike most owls that are known for their darker appearance, the ghost-like barn owl can be spotted darting between trees.
With its mighty cry and distinguished white pallor, this owl can look fairly spooky when it heads home for its nest, which is almost always located in a nicely covered cavity.
The Barn Owl is mostly nocturnal and isn’t a fan of the blazing Arizona sun, so you won’t generally see this bird out during the day.
If you are lucky, you might spot one transitioning from one area to the next after a particularly long night of hunting.
However, their nests are often tucked away in hidden cavities, making it difficult to see them the majority of the time.
These birds are most active at night, but can sometimes be found tucked away during the day under bridges.
Maricopa County is known for its fair share of Barn Owls in Arizona.
Though you might not see them too easily during the day, night time makes it possible to get a good look at them if you are lucky.
They can be found more easily in Desert habitats, which is what makes them partial to Arizona.
There is a nice collection of small mammals for them to feast on. Look for them in Willows and Cottonwoods as well.
However, true to their name, these owls prefer structure. The Barn Owl has been known to hide in abandoned buildings, and even enjoys the odd overhang on a cliff.