Great horned owl in a tree 3

In this image the great horned owl (tiger owl) is looking around while perched in a tree, probably looking for its next meal.

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by Flees Photos

Title

Great horned owl in a tree 3

Artist

Flees Photos

Medium

Photograph - Photograph Giclee And Home Decor

Description

In this image the great horned owl (tiger owl) is looking around while perched in a tree, probably looking for its next meal.

facts about Great Horned Owls:

Appearance: Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus) are large owls with a wingspan of about 3.3 to 4.8 feet (1 to 1.5 meters) and a length of 18 to 25 inches (46 to 63 centimeters). They have prominent feathered tufts on their heads, which resemble "horns" or "ears" but are not actually horns. They have yellow eyes, a pale face, and mottled brown feathers that provide excellent camouflage.

Distribution: Great Horned Owls are found throughout the Americas, from northern Canada and Alaska to South America. They have a wide range and inhabit diverse habitats, including forests, woodlands, deserts, swamps, and urban areas.

Habitat: These owls are adaptable and can inhabit various habitats as long as there are suitable roosting and nesting sites and an abundant food supply. They are commonly found in both natural and human-altered environments.

Diet and Hunting: Great Horned Owls are formidable hunters and have a diverse diet. They primarily feed on small to medium-sized mammals, such as rabbits, squirrels, mice, and rats. They are also opportunistic predators and will eat birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even other owls. They hunt at night using their keen hearing and silent flight to surprise their prey.

Adaptations: Great Horned Owls have several adaptations that make them successful predators. They have large, forward-facing eyes that give them excellent binocular vision for precise depth perception in low light. Their feathers have soft fringes that help muffle the sound of their flight, allowing them to approach prey silently. Their facial disc, a ring of feathers surrounding their face, helps funnel sound to their ears, enhancing their hearing abilities.

Reproduction: Great Horned Owls are early breeders, often nesting in late winter or early spring. They do not build their own nests but instead use abandoned nests of other birds, such as hawks or crows, or even old squirrel dreys. The female typically lays 2 to 3 eggs, and both parents participate in incubation and raising the young owls.

Vocalizations: Great Horned Owls are known for their distinctive hooting calls. The male's call is a deep, resonant "hoo-hoo-hoo" sound, while the female's call is slightly higher-pitched. Their vocalizations are used for territorial defense and communication between mates.

Conservation Status: Great Horned Owls are not considered globally threatened. They are widespread and adaptable, able to survive in various habitats. However, habitat loss, collisions with vehicles, and exposure to environmental contaminants can pose risks to their populations.

Great Horned Owls are magnificent birds of prey known for their powerful hunting abilities and distinct appearance. Their presence in ecosystems helps regulate prey populations and maintain the balance of their habitats.

Uploaded

April 23rd, 2017