About This Species
The Great Horned Owl is one of North America's most formidable and adaptable birds of prey. With its broad wings, piercing yellow eyes, and distinctive ear tufts, it has an unmistakable presence both in silhouette and sound. Found in an extraordinary range of habitats—from forests and deserts to wetlands, farmland, and suburban neighborhoods—this owl is a highly skilled nocturnal hunter and a true apex predator of the night.
Fun Facts
- Top of the food chain: Great Horned Owls are powerful predators that hunt everything from mice and rabbits to skunks, and even other raptors, making them one of the most versatile hunters in North America.
- Winter breeders: Unlike most birds, they begin nesting in the dead of winter, with eggs often laid in January or February while snow still covers the ground.
- Near-silent flight: Specialized feathers allow them to fly almost silently, making it nearly impossible for prey to detect their approach in the dark.
- Nest recyclers: They don't build their own nests but instead take over old hawk, crow, or heron nests, making them master reusers of real estate.
- Legendary call: Their deep, resonant hooting—often heard as "hoo-hoo-hoo, hoo-hoo"—is one of the most iconic sounds of the North American night.
