A large (18-25 inches) owl, the Great Horned Owl is most easily identified by its brown body, flat disk-shaped face with large yellow eyes, and large brown “ear” tufts. This species may be distinguished from the similarly-sized Barred Owl (Strix varia) by that species’ lack of ear tufts and brown eyes. Male and female Great Horned Owls are similar to one another at all seasons. The Great Horned Owl is the most widely distributed owl species in the Americas. This species occurs from Alaska and northern Canada south to Central America, and South American populations occur from Venezuela south to southern Argentina and Chile. All populations of Barred Owl are non-migratory. Great Horned Owls may be found in a number of woodland habitat types across this species’ wide range, from cold evergreen woodland in the far north and south to humid tropical forest near the equator. Within these habitats, Great Horned Owls prefer open areas along woodland edges, frequently venturing outside the forest into nearby fields and meadows to hunt. Great Horned Owls eat small animals, including rodents, rabbits and hares, and small to medium-sized birds. Great Horned Owls use their excellent hearing to locate prey on the ground in order to fly down and capture it with its talons. Also, like most owls, this species hunts primarily at night, making it difficult to observe. Great Horned Owls are most visible roosting high in trees during the day, and may best be located while producing this species’ characteristic hooting calls between dawn and dusk.
Rights Holder: Unknown
Bibliographic Citation: Rumelt, Reid B. Bubo virginianus. June-July 2012. Brief natural history summary of Bubo virginianus. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C.
