Great horned owl in a tree 2

In this image, the perched great horned owl (tiger owl) looks somewhat mad. This is an illusion caused by the position of its head but it is an... more

by Flees Photos

Title

Great horned owl in a tree 2

Artist

Flees Photos

Medium

Photograph - Photograph Giclee And Home Decor

Description

In this image, the perched great horned owl (tiger owl) looks somewhat mad. This is an illusion caused by the position of its head but it is an interesting pose.

facts about Great Horned Owls:

Appearance: Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus) are large and powerful owls. They have a distinctive appearance with prominent ear tufts, which are not actually ears but rather feather tufts on their heads. They have a wingspan of about 3.3 to 4.8 feet (1 to 1.5 meters) and can reach a length of 18 to 25 inches (46 to 63 centimeters). They have large yellow eyes, a white throat patch, and mottled brown feathers.

Distribution: Great Horned Owls are one of the most widely distributed owl species in the Americas. They are native to North and South America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, deserts, mountains, and urban areas.

Habitat: Great Horned Owls are adaptable birds that can live in a range of habitats. They are often found in forests and woodlands, but they can also be seen in suburban areas with suitable prey and nesting sites.

Hunting and Diet: These owls are skilled hunters and have a diverse diet. They primarily feed on small to medium-sized mammals like rabbits, squirrels, rats, and mice. They are also known to prey on birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even other owls. Their powerful talons and silent flight enable them to ambush and capture their prey effectively.

Silent Flight: Great Horned Owls have specialized feathers on their wings that allow for almost silent flight. This adaptation helps them approach their prey silently and makes them efficient nocturnal hunters.

Vocalizations: Great Horned Owls have a wide range of vocalizations. Their classic call is a series of deep, resonant hoots that sound like "hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo" followed by a lower-pitched "hoo-hoo." They also produce other sounds like screeches, growls, and hisses, which they use for communication and territorial displays.

Nesting and Reproduction: Great Horned Owls are early breeders, often laying their eggs in late winter or early spring. They do not build their own nests but instead use abandoned nests of other large birds or even squirrel dreys. They are known for their fierce defense of their nests and can be aggressive towards intruders, including humans.

Conservation Status: Great Horned Owls are not considered globally threatened. They are adaptable birds and can thrive in various habitats. However, like many other owl species, they face threats such as habitat loss, collision with vehicles, and secondary poisoning from consuming prey exposed to pesticides.

Great Horned Owls are majestic and formidable predators that are well-adapted for nocturnal hunting. Their distinct appearance and haunting calls make them a fascinating species to observe in the wild.

Uploaded

April 23rd, 2017