Photography by Desert Oasis Insider

Desert Oasis Insider · Bird field guide

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

Bubo virginianus

Prominent ear tufts and yellow eyes; listen for deep hooting around dusk.

Desert & gardensMountains & woodlands

View 2 photographs Get to know this bird

Bird group: Raptors & owls
Where to look: Desert, canyons & woodland
Explore the region: Coachella Valley bird guide

What to notice

Prominent ear tufts and yellow eyes; listen for deep hooting around dusk.

Where to look

Desert, canyons & woodland

When to look

They are year-round residents of the Coachella Valley and can be seen at dusk or heard calling during quiet desert nights.

Next time you are outside

Prominent ear tufts and yellow eyes; listen for deep hooting around dusk.

Record a sighting

Habitat guidance is not a guaranteed sighting. Photographs may have been taken outside the valley.

Original photography

Through the lens.

Select any photograph for a closer look. Move through the gallery with the arrows or a swipe.

02Great horned owl in flight above desert palms under a starry sky

This is a regional bird guide; photographs may also come from places beyond the valley. Locations are noted when available.

Identification & natural history

Know what to notice.

A striking and formidable raptor commonly found in the Coachella Valley and surrounding mountain ranges.

Key Characteristics:

Appearance: Prominent "horns" or ear tufts, large yellow eyes, and mottled brown and gray plumage with barred underparts. Their coloration provides excellent camouflage against tree bark and desert terrain.
Behavior: This owl is a powerful nocturnal hunter with a diverse diet, preying on mammals, birds, reptiles, and even skunks. It is known for its deep hooting call.
Nesting: Often nests in cliffs, large trees, or even man-made structures. In desert regions, they may use old nests of hawks or ravens.
Adaptations: Silent flight, excellent night vision, and an acute sense of hearing make it an apex predator in its habitat.

Ecological Role:

Great Horned Owls help control populations of rodents and other small mammals, playing a vital role in the desert ecosystem. They are year-round residents of the Coachella Valley and can be seen at dusk or heard calling during quiet desert nights.