Bird Spotlight - Great Horned Owl

Bird Spotlight

The Enigmatic Great Horned Owl: Silent Ruler of the Night

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 bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike. In this blog post, we'll explore the identification, habitat and behavior, of this night hooter and provide bird-watching tips to so you too can witness the enigmatic Great Horned Owl IRL.

Size and Feather

The Great Horned Owl is a large (18 to 24 in/46 to 63cm) and powerful bird, distinguished by its elongated feathers or plumicorns on the top of its head, which are not actually ears or horns. Their plumage varies in color from light to dark shades of brown, mottled with white and buff markings, providing exceptional camouflage against tree bark and foliage. The facial disc surrounding their eyes enhances their keen hearing abilities and gives them their distinctive facial appearance.

As nocturnal hunters, the Great Horned Owl's eyes are large and bright yellow, enabling them to see exceptionally well in low-light conditions.

Habitat and Behavior

Great Horned Owls are widespread across North and parts of South America, inhabiting a diverse range of environments. They are versatile and can be found in forests, deserts, grasslands, and even urban areas. These adaptable owls are skilled hunters, preying on a wide array of animals, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, and even other owls.

Great Horned Owls are formidable predators, flying silently and using their powerful talons to capture and kill their prey swiftly. Their exceptional hearing enables them to detect even the faintest rustle of a mouse in the underbrush.

As nocturnal creatures, Great Horned Owls are most active during the night, but they may also hunt at dusk and dawn. During the daytime, they find refuge in dense trees, often occupying abandoned nests of other large birds.

Bird Watching Tips for Spotting Them in the Wild

Encountering a Great Horned Owl in its natural habitat can be a thrilling experience, but it requires patience and knowledge of their preferred habitats. Here are some bird-watching tips:

Explore Diverse Environments: Look for Great Horned Owls in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and urban areas, near large trees where they often perch.

Be Patient and Quiet: Great Horned Owls are elusive and easily disturbed. Spend time quietly observing from a distance to avoid scaring them away.

Nocturnal Observations: Owls are most active at night, so consider night excursions with a flashlight that emits red light to search for their glowing eyes in the darkness. Using red light is less disturbing for wildlife and less blinding for everyone.

Listen for Calls: Familiarize yourself with their distinctive hooting calls, as this will increase your chances of detecting their presence. There are a number of apps that you can use to familiarize yourself with bird calls.

Bird Watching Tips for Attracting Them to Your Backyard

Attracting Great Horned Owls to your backyard is challenging, as they require large territories and suitable hunting grounds. However, you can create an inviting environment for other owl species or birds of prey by:

Nesting Platforms: If you live in an owl-friendly area and have a suitable location, you can install nesting platforms for owls or other birds of prey.

Avoiding Bright Lights: Owls prefer dark environments, so minimize outdoor lighting to reduce disturbance and create a more suitable habitat.

Provide Nest Boxes: Some smaller owl species may use nest boxes, so consider installing owl nest boxes following specific guidelines for your region.

The Great Horned Owl stands as a symbol of mystery and nocturnal prowess, captivating all who glimpse its silent flight and luminous eyes in the dark. By understanding their preferred habitats and behaviors, bird watchers can increase their chances of encountering these majestic owls in the wild or create an inviting environment for other owl species or birds of prey in their backyard.