Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus), also known as the tiger owl or the hoot owl, is a formidable avian predator native to the Americas. This species is highly adaptable, with a vast range, and is recognized as the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas. Its plumage is generally mottled brown with barring, aiding in camouflage, and it possesses a distinctive white throat patch. The Great Horned Owl is one of the earliest nesting birds in North America.

Identification Tips

This large owl has prominent ear tufts, known as plumicorns, which are thought to play a role in visual communication. Its eyes are among the largest of terrestrial vertebrates, and its face is framed by a facial disc, which can vary in color. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females typically larger than males.

Habitat

Great Horned Owls can be found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests, tropical rainforests, prairies, deserts, tundra, and even urban areas. They prefer areas where open habitats and woods are juxtaposed.

Distribution

Their breeding habitat extends high into the subarctic of North America and down into South America to upland regions of Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.

Behaviour

Great Horned Owls are primarily nocturnal, with activity peaking at night. They are known for their silent flight, facilitated by specialized feather structure. These owls are territorial and may use the same territory throughout their lives. They are also known for their aggressive defense of their nests.

Song & Calls

The call of the Great Horned Owl is a series of deep hoots, often transcribed as "ho-ho-hoo hoo hoo." The female's call is higher in pitch. Vocalizations can vary from hoots to screeches and barks, especially when disturbed or during courtship.

Breeding

Great Horned Owls are early breeders, with courtship beginning in late fall. They do not build their own nests but instead take over those made by other large birds. Clutch size ranges from 1 to 6 eggs, with incubation primarily by the female.

Similar Species

The Great Horned Owl may be confused with the Lesser or Magellanic Horned Owl (B. magellanicus) where their ranges overlap. However, the Magellanic is smaller with finer barring on the underside.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet is diverse, primarily consisting of mammals and birds, including other raptors. They are capable hunters, taking prey ranging from small rodents to other birds of prey and even skunks.

Conservation status

The Great Horned Owl is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable and widespread population. However, human-related mortality, such as collisions with man-made structures and secondary poisoning, can impact local populations.