Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl (*Bubo virginianus*) is a large, adaptable owl found across much of the Americas.
The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is a large, adaptable owl found across much of the Americas. It is known for its feather tufts, yellow eyes, deep hooting call, and broad diet of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and other prey. In Canada, it is one of the best-known owl species, especially in southern and central regions.
Description
This owl is a large, thick-bodied bird with broad wings, a rounded head, yellow eyes, and distinctive ear tufts. Plumage colour varies widely across its range, from darker birds in some regions to paler birds in northern areas.
Habitat and range
Great Horned Owls occur throughout much of the Americas and are especially widespread in North America. They occupy many semi-open habitats, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, and urban environments.
Diet and hunting
The species is a generalist predator that eats a wide range of animals, including rabbits, rodents, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and occasionally skunks. It is known for strong hunting ability and can take prey larger than itself.
Conservation
The Great Horned Owl is listed as least concern and is generally regarded as stable. Its adaptability to varied habitats has helped it remain widespread.
Key facts
- The Great Horned Owl is one of the most common owls in North America.
- It has prominent feather tufts on its head that resemble horns but are not horns.
- It is a powerful nocturnal predator with a very broad prey base.
- Its habitat includes forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, cities, and suburban areas.
- The species is considered adaptable and currently has a stable population trend.
The Great Horned Owl occurs in parts of Canada and is one of the country’s best-known owl species, especially in southern and central regions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the scientific name of the Great Horned Owl?
Does the Great Horned Owl really have horns?
Where does the Great Horned Owl live?
What does the Great Horned Owl eat?
Is the Great Horned Owl endangered?
How large is the Great Horned Owl?
References
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Horned_Owl/overviewSupports: Common name, scientific name, broad habitat range, diet, and status as a common North American owl.
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Horned_Owl/idSupports: Measurements, physical description, and plumage variation across range.
- National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/great-horned-owlSupports: Size, weight, lifespan, least concern status, and stable population trend.
- National Wildlife Federation — https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Birds/Great-Horned-OwlSupports: Feather tufts are not horns; range across North America and into Mexico, Central America, and South America.
- Audubon — https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/great-horned-owlSupports: Range throughout North America and much of South America.
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum — https://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/Great%20horned%20owl.phpSupports: Physical description and occurrence in the United States, parts of Canada, and Central and South America.