GREAT HORNED OWL
Bubo virginianus
Notable Physical Characteristics - Size - Habitat - Nesting - Hunting
Behavior - Call - Additional Information - Resources
Notable Physical Characteristics
Broad body
Large head
Barred belly
Orange face
Well defined facial disk
Large yellow eyes
Large Owl
Length: 22”
Wingspan: 44”
Weight: 3.1 lb.
Ranges throughout North America and Northern South America
Adapted to survive in any climate but arctic-alpine regions
Found in deserts, grasslands, and forest habitats
Most commonly uses tree nests, but also nests in tree cavities, cliffs, deserted buildings, and will lay eggs on the ground
Clutch size: 1-4 eggs
Incubation Period: 30-37 days
Incubation by female only
Nocturnal perch hunter
Wide variety of prey: ranging from small rodents to larger rabbits
Hunts from perches adjacent to open areas
Sometimes will walk on the ground to stalk small rodents and insects
Nocturnal
Deep, powerful wingbeats
Tucks head in and holds wings horizontally in flight
Highly territorial
Territories maintained and protected year-round
Threats consist of bill-snapping, hissing, and low screams
Deep hooting, hoo hoodoo hoooo hoo
Female has a higher pitch than male
Talons take a force of 13 kg to open
No annual migration
Monogamous
Often mobbed by crows, ravens, and other birds