Great Horned Owl
NameGreat Horned Owl
Common NameGreat Horned Owl
Scientific NameBubo virginianus
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)130
Length (cm)55
Weight (g)1700
Plumage DetailsMottled grayish-brown overall with fine barring on the underparts, a distinctive white throat patch, and prominent 'ear' tufts. The facial disc is typically reddish-brown with a dark border, framing bright yellow eyes.
Vocalization / CallA deep, resonant series of hoots, commonly described as 'hoo-hoo-hoo-hooo-hoo', with variations in rhythm and pitch.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, woodland, desert, grassland, wetland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread throughout North and South America, from the Arctic tree line south to the Strait of Magellan.
Identifying Featureslarge size, prominent ear tufts, yellow eyes, white throat patch, deep hooting call, nocturnal activity
Description
A large, powerful owl known for its prominent ear tufts and deep hooting call. It is a highly adaptable nocturnal predator found across a wide range of habitats throughout the Americas.
