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Great Horned Owl

Introduction

The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is one of the most recognizable and widespread owls in North America. Known for its piercing yellow eyes, deep hooting call, and signature ear tufts (which aren’t ears at all!), this powerful predator rules the night skies across the U.S. Let’s dive into the world of this mysterious and majestic raptor.

What Does a Great Horned Owl Look Like?

Great Horned Owls are large and stocky, standing about 18 to 25 inches tall, with a wingspan ranging from 3.3 to 4.8 feet. Their mottled gray-brown plumage blends perfectly with tree bark, while their “horns” (feather tufts) give them a stern, commanding appearance. Their massive, feathered feet and sharp talons are built for crushing prey with up to 500 pounds of pressure.

Where Do Great Horned Owls Live in the U.S.?

These owls are true habitat generalists. From dense forests and deserts to swamps, grasslands, and even suburban parks, the Great Horned Owl thrives across nearly every U.S. state — from Alaska to Florida. You can find them nesting in tree cavities, abandoned hawk nests, cliffs, and even buildings.

What Do Great Horned Owls Eat?

They’re not called “tigers of the sky” for nothing. Great Horned Owls eat a wide variety of prey, including:

Rabbits, squirrels, and skunks
Rats and mice
Other birds — including hawks, crows, and even smaller owls
Amphibians, reptiles, and insects

They’re one of the few predators that regularly hunt skunks thanks to their weak sense of smell!

The Iconic Great Horned Owl Call

If you’ve ever heard a low, booming "hoo-hoo-HOO hoo-hoo" in the middle of the night, you’ve likely heard a Great Horned Owl. Their haunting hoots carry far and serve to attract mates and defend territory.

Breeding and Nesting

These owls begin nesting earlier than most U.S. birds — often in late winter (January–February). They don’t build their own nests but instead reuse those of hawks or crows. Females lay 1 to 4 eggs, and the male provides food while she incubates.

Are Great Horned Owls Dangerous?

Not to humans — unless you’re disturbing their nest! But to prey, they’re formidable. Their silent flight and crushing grip make them excellent ambush predators. They’re even known to take down prey larger than themselves.

Fun Facts About the Great Horned Owl

Lifespan in the wild: 10–15 years (longer in captivity)
Eyes are as large as a human’s — but fixed in place, so they rotate their heads nearly 270°
Known for attacking hawk nests and even eating porcupines!

Conservation Status

The Great Horned Owl is not endangered. It’s currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN thanks to its adaptability and wide range. However, threats like habitat destruction, vehicle collisions, and rodenticides still affect local populations.

Where to See Them in the Wild

Some U.S. hotspots include:

Yellowstone National Park (WY)
Adirondack Mountains (NY)
Big Bend National Park (TX)
Everglades National Park (FL)

Look for them at dusk perched high in trees, on fence posts, or flying silently across open fields.

Final Thoughts

The Great Horned Owl is not only a symbol of wilderness in America — it’s a master of survival, stealth, and strength. Whether you’re a birder, photographer, or just love the night sky, keep an eye (and ear) out for this fierce and fascinating bird.

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