COMMON NAME: Great Horned Owl
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Bubo virginianus
IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS:
The largest of the "tufted" owls in North America, the great
horned
owl's face is dominated by the large tufts or "horns," yellow eyes,
and white throat patch. Barred on the underside, these owls can vary in color
from reddish-brown to gray to black and white. The large feet are feathered to
the ends of the toes. Immature birds resemble the adults.
RANGE:
Great horned owls can be found breeding from northern Alaska to the
tip of Tierra del Fuego. Canadian birds seem to be somewhat migratory, responding
to the population
cycles of their prey, and move into the northern United States in winter.
Similar species, such as the eagle owl, occur almost worldwide.
HABITAT:
A very adaptable bird, the great horned owl is found in a variety
of habitats. In Minnesota, they are usually found breeding in stands of trees
or in
woodlots bordering open fields in agricultural areas. They can be found
in cities
as well, utilizing parks, residential areas, and industrial developments.
NESTING:
Across its range, this owl can be found nesting in a variety of situations,
including tree and cactus cavities, nest boxes, cliff ledges, and old
crow, squirrel or
hawk nests. In Minnesota, courtship and territory formation begins in
winter, usually January and February, with eggs laid by March. Juveniles
are dependent
on the adults through the summer, and sometimes do not leave their parents'
territory until forced to do so in late fall.
FEEDING HABITS:
Considered by many to be the most voracious of all raptors, the great
horned owl feeds on an extremely wide variety of prey. These include
waterfowl,
rabbits, squirrels, marsh birds, and rodents.
RAPTOR CENTER DATA:
The Raptor Center has treated more great horned owls than any other
bird. Great horned owls can be found in the clinic year-round, from
spring
when nestlings
come in, through winter. Most of the adults are severely injured
and are not released, but nonetheless, this bird seems to be able to survive
injuries
that
would kill most other birds. Handling this bird can be dangerous
to
your health if it gets its talons into you, and their strong beak
can also
cause damage.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
Considered to be a benefactor from the habitat changes wrought by
European settlers, this bird is very common across its range today.
Although
federal statutes prohibit
shooting or harassing great horned owls, the birds are still persecuted
by some for their predation of game birds and poultry.
Meet the great horned owls at The Raptor Center
Great Horned Owl Range
Minnesota Ornithologists' Union bird range map
What's Inside | ||
