Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus · Bird, Vertebrate, Warm-blooded, Wild
Animal Family
Strigidae, order Strigiformes, class Aves
Animal Category
Bird of Prey
Breed / Variety
Nominate subspecies Bubo virginianus virginianus
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, with a stable population trend. Protected under national and international wildlife laws such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
About This Creature
Large and powerfully built owl with prominent tufts of feathers resembling horns, known as plumicorns. It measures 43 to 63 cm in length with a wingspan up to 143 cm, featuring mottled brownish-grey plumage, a white throat patch, and striking large yellow eyes.
Physical Characteristics
Features a rounded head with large, forward-facing bright yellow eyes providing binocular vision. Prominent ear tufts are used for signaling mood and camouflage rather than hearing. Equipped with a sharp, hooked dark beak and extremely strong talons capable of applying immense crushing pressure.
Behavior & Temperament
Solitary and nocturnal predator with strong territorial behaviors. Communicates primarily through deep hooting calls. Highly adaptable, aggressive when defending territory or nests, and possesses exceptional auditory and visual hunting adaptations.
Habitat & Diet
Origin Region
Americas, spanning from North America down through Central America to South America
Habitat
Forest, Desert, Grassland/Savanna, Wetland/Marsh, Mountain/Alpine, Urban/Suburban; Aerial and Arboreal
Diet & Nutrition
Carnivore feeding primarily on small to medium-sized mammals such as rabbits, rodents, and hares, as well as birds, reptiles, and occasionally larger prey like skunks and domestic cats.
Lifespan & Health
Typically lives 10 to 15 years in the wild, and up to 30 years or more in captivity. Mortality factors include starvation, territorial disputes, collisions with vehicles, and human-wildlife conflicts.
Special Characteristics
Remarkable silent flight due to specialized serrated feather edges that dampen sound. Exceptional nocturnal vision and asymmetrical ear placement for precise sound localization in total darkness.
Ecological Information
Apex nocturnal predator serving as a crucial keystone species in regulating rodent and small mammal populations, helping to maintain balance within diverse ecosystems.