great horned owl
1. Bird Name
The bird under focus is the Great Horned Owl, scientifically termed as Bubo virginianus.
2. Appearance
Boasting a striking appearance, the Great Horned Owl has a mystic allure with its large yellow-orange eyes, broad body, and tufted ears that offer it its ‘horned’ identity. Their plumage varies greatly in color – from mottled grey-brown to reddish-brown or even black and white. A white throat patch stands out against the darkly feathered body. Their powerful beaks and talons are black, and they exhibit a soft feather texture. There is little sexual dimorphism in terms of color or pattern, but females are typically larger than males.
3. Size
This large bird measures roughly 45-63 cm (18 to 24.8 inches) in length. Its wingspan is grand, spreading out to 91-152 cm (3-5 feet). The weight of this bird can range from 0.9 to 2.6 kg (2-5.7 lbs).
4. Habitat & Distribution
The Great Horned Owl inhabits the continents of North, Central, and South America. They can be found widely in a variety of ecosystems: from dense forests and grassy prairies to urban parks and suburban backyards. Highly adaptable, they are also found thriving in the chilly climes of the Arctic tundra and in desert settings. Their diversity of habitats is only rivalled by their distribution range, which spans from subarctic North America to the Straits of Magellan.
5. Interesting Facts
Fact one: These owls are renowned for their diversity of prey. They are known to take down prey larger than themselves, such as ospreys and peregrine falcon.
Fact two: These birds don’t build their own nests. Instead, they take over nests abandoned by other species, particularly raptors.
Fact three: Their “horns” are not true horns but tufts of feathers called plumicorns.
6. Diet
Great Horned Owls have a voracious and highly varied appetite. Their diet primarily consists of mammals like rabbits, hares, rats, squirrels and mice. They also eat birds – from small ones like screech owls to larger game like other raptors.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Great Horned Owls get their moniker from their distinctive call, a deep resonant “Hoo-hoo-hoo” that is instantly associable to their presence. They are nocturnal hunters, utilizing their extraordinary hearing and keen eyesight during the hunt. Males perform a wide variety of vocal displays to woo females, including the famous “hoo-hoo-hoo” call.
8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the conservation status of the Great Horned Owl is of ‘Least Concern.’
9. Lifespan
These robust birds have a lifespan of about 13 years on average in the wild, but under captivity, they can live up to 29 years.
10. Additional Notes
In many cultures, particularly Native American tribes, the Great Horned Owl is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. However, their incessant nighttime hoots can be quite disruptive in urban and suburban areas, leading to a love-hate relationship with humans. As apex predators, their diet helps to control populations of rodents and other pests, playing a key role in several ecosystems.
