Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
Physical Characteristics
Size
18-25 inches
Wingspan
3.3-4.8 feet
Weight
2.5-3.8 lbs
Plumage
Large, mottled gray-brown, prominent ear tufts, yellow eyes, white throat
Distinctive Features
Large
Natural History & Behavior
🌳 Habitat
Forests, swamps, deserts, urban parks
🍽️ Diet
Mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians
🦅 Behavior
Powerful predator, hunts at night, uses abandoned nests of other large birds
🗺️ Migration Pattern
Non-migratory resident
🎵 Sounds
Deep hooting 'hoo-hoo-hoo hoo hoo
🛡️ Conservation Status
Least Concern
Fun Facts
Great Horned Owls have adapted well to their environment
Conservation status: Least Concern
Average size: 18-25 inches
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Great Horned Owl sound like?
Great Horned Owls make Deep hooting 'hoo-hoo-hoo hoo hoo'. These vocalizations are used for communication, territory defense, and attracting mates.
Where do Great Horned Owls live?
Great Horned Owls inhabit forests, swamps, deserts, urban parks. Non-migratory resident
What do Great Horned Owls eat?
The diet of Great Horned Owls consists primarily of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians. They forage using various techniques depending on their habitat.
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