Bird Spotlight - Great Horned Owl

In the shadowy embrace of the moonlit night, a silent ruler glides through the darkness, the Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus). With its piercing yellow eyes and iconic "horns," this majestic bird of prey commands respect and fascination from birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. Here's everything you need to know to identify, find, and appreciate this enigmatic night hooter.

What Does a Great Horned Owl Look Like?

The Great Horned Owl is a large and powerful bird, measuring 18 to 24 inches (46–63 cm) in length. A few key identification features:

• "Horns" — the tufts on top of its head are elongated feathers called plumicorns, not actual ears or horns.
• Plumage — varies from light to dark brown, mottled with white and buff markings that provide exceptional camouflage against tree bark and foliage.
• Facial disc — the rounded disc surrounding the eyes enhances their hearing and gives them their distinctive, intense expression.
• Eyes — large and bright yellow, adapted for exceptional vision in low-light conditions.

Where Does the Great Horned Owl Live?

Great Horned Owls are widespread across North America and parts of South America, making them one of the most adaptable raptors on the continent. They inhabit a remarkably diverse range of environments:

• Dense forests and woodlands
• Open grasslands and deserts
• Suburban parks and urban areas
• Agricultural land near large trees

During the day, they roost in dense trees, often occupying abandoned nests of large birds like red-tailed hawks or herons. They are most active at night, though they also hunt at dusk and dawn.

What Does the Great Horned Owl Eat?

Great Horned Owls are apex predators and among the most formidable hunters in the bird world. They prey on a wide array of animals, including:

• Small to medium mammals (rabbits, squirrels, mice, voles)
• Birds, including other raptors and even other owl species
• Reptiles, amphibians, and large insects

They fly in near-total silence thanks to specialized feather structure, and their exceptional hearing allows them to detect the faintest rustle of prey in the underbrush. Their powerful talons deliver a swift, decisive kill.

Tips for Spotting a Great Horned Owl in the Wild

Encountering a Great Horned Owl in its natural habitat is a thrilling experience — but it requires patience and knowing where to look.

• Explore diverse habitats. Check woodlands, grassland edges, and urban parks near large trees where they commonly perch and roost.
• Go out at dusk or after dark. Owls are most active at night. Bring a flashlight with a red light setting, it's less disturbing to wildlife and won't ruin your night vision. Don't be that person blinding yourself and the wildlife.
• Listen for their call. The Great Horned Owl's deep, resonant hooting (typically a series of 4–5 low hoots), carries far on still nights. Familiarize yourself with it using a birding app like Merlin or Chirp before heading out. DO NOT play the call in an attempt to attract the Owls. It can cause an Owl to waste precious energy defending its nest and put owlets in danger. Again, don't be that person.
• Look for whitewash and pellets. Check the base of large trees for owl pellets (regurgitated fur and bones) and whitewash (droppings), these are reliable signs of a regular roost site.
• Be patient and quiet. Great Horned Owls are easily disturbed. Observe from a distance and avoid sudden movements or noise.

Can You Attract Great Horned Owls to Your Backyard?

Attracting Great Horned Owls directly is challenging as they require large territories and active hunting grounds. However, you can make your property more owl-friendly:

• Install nesting platforms. If you live in a suitable area with large trees, a nesting platform may attract Great Horned Owls or other large raptors.
• Minimize outdoor lighting. Owls prefer dark environments. Reducing bright outdoor lights makes your yard more hospitable and reduces disturbance to nocturnal wildlife.
• Avoid rodenticides. Owls that eat poisoned rodents can suffer secondary poisoning. Skip the rat poison and let the owls do the pest control naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sound does a Great Horned Owl make?

The Great Horned Owl produces a deep, resonant hooting call, typically a series of 4 to 5 low hoots often described as "who's awake? me too." Males and females often duet, with the female's voice slightly higher in pitch. Their calls are most frequent in late winter during breeding season.

When do Great Horned Owls nest?

Great Horned Owls are early nesters. They begin nesting in January or February, often while snow is still on the ground. They don't build their own nests, instead taking over large abandoned nests from hawks, herons, or crows.

Are Great Horned Owls dangerous?

Great Horned Owls are powerful predators and can be defensive near active nests. They have been known to strike humans who get too close. Always observe from a respectful distance, especially during nesting season (January–April).

How big is a Great Horned Owl?

Great Horned Owls measure 18 to 24 inches (46–63 cm) in length with a wingspan of 3.3 to 4.8 feet (101–145 cm). Females are noticeably larger than males, as is common in raptors.

Are Great Horned Owls rare?

Nope. Great Horned Owls are common and widespread across North America. They are one of the most adaptable and frequently encountered large owls on the continent, found in habitats ranging from dense forests to city parks.

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