Great Horned Owl
NameGreat Horned Owl
Common NameGreat Horned Owl
Scientific NameBubo virginianus
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)127
Length (cm)55
Weight (g)1700
Plumage DetailsMottled grayish-brown plumage with fine barring on the underparts, providing excellent camouflage. It features a distinctive white throat patch, bright yellow eyes, and prominent feather tufts on its head, often referred to as 'ear tufts'. The facial disc is typically reddish-brown.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, deep, resonant hooting call, typically a series of four to five hoots: 'hoo-hoo-hooo-hoo-hoo'.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, woodland, desert, grassland, urban, suburban, tundra, swamp
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread throughout North and South America, from the Arctic tree line south to Tierra del Fuego, making it one of the most widely distributed owls in the Americas.
Identifying Featuresprominent ear tufts, large size, yellow eyes, deep hooting call, mottled brown plumage, white throat patch
Description
The Great Horned Owl is a large and powerful nocturnal predator, easily recognized by its prominent ear tufts and deep hooting call. It is highly adaptable, inhabiting a wide range of environments across the Americas, where it preys on various small to medium-sized animals.
