1. Great Horned Owls: These owls are known predators and have been observed hunting and eating smaller owl species, such as screech owls and elf owls.
2. Northern Goshawks: These hawks are powerful predators and have been known to prey on various bird species, including small owls.
3. Red-Tailed Hawks: Red-tailed hawks are opportunistic hunters and may occasionally prey on small owls if the opportunity arises.
4. Golden Eagles: Golden eagles are large birds of prey and have been known to hunt and consume small owls as part of their diet.
It's important to note that while these birds of prey may prey on small owls, the frequency of such predation may vary depending on various factors such as habitat, population densities, and prey availability. Small owls have various defense mechanisms, such as camouflage, stealth, and keen hearing, which help them avoid predation to some extent.