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Click above to hear the call of the Great Horned Owl. This classic sound of the wild can be heard over several miles during a still night. Some calls are actually ventriloquial. |
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Great Horned Owls tend to perch during the daylight hours. They mainly hunt at night. From a quiet perch, the owl listens for sounds that indicate a creature's presence. When the sound is pinpointed, the owl silently swoops in, spreads its talons wide and pounces on its prey - known as the "perch and pounce" hunting method. |
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The Great Horned Owl was first seen in the Virginia colonies, hence its species name Virginianus. |
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Great Horned Owls are one of the earliest spring nesting birds - as early as January or February. They may use the abandoned nests of other large birds. Generally 2-3 white eggs are laid. Both male and female incubate the eggs and both parents feed the young, who fledge at 45-55 days old. |
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Great Horned Owls are big and bulky with a wingspan of 45"-60" (115-150 cm). A very fierce bird, it has earned the nickname "Tiger of the Air". |
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A long-lived owl, captive birds have been known to live 29-38 years, and wild owls up to 13 years. Most mortality is related to man. The only natural enemies are other Great Horned Owls and occasionally Northern Groshawks or Peregrine Falcons. |
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Contrary to popular belief, owls cannot turn their heads completely around. They can rotate their heads 270 degrees. Great Horned Owl eyes are almost as large as those of a human, allowing a large amount of light to pass through the pupils. This enables them to see in the dark. Their keen sense of hearing helps them hunt at night. |
