First of all, this animal happens to be 18-25 inches tall and has a wingspan of 36-60 inches. The way that you can tell the difference from this owl and others is this one has feathers shaped like a horn on top of it's head. Another feature of this owl is that it's underside is a light grey with dark bars with a white band of feathers on the upper chest. They have large, staring yellow eyes, bordered by an orange buff facial disc.

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The parts of the world that this animal is found is in north, central, and South America. It is mostly found in dense woodlands, hardwoods and conifers along cliffs, rocky canyons, and forest openings.

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This animal does not build its own nest; it takes nests of other animals like hawks, squirrels and crows. This owl is not even close to being on the endangered species list and is far from being on the extinct list. Nesting season starts in January or February. The owl lays about 2-4 eggs.

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This animal feeds on rabbits and hares which are its preferred prey. Mammalian prey includes all rodents, squirrels, mink, skunks, raccoons, armadillos, porcupines, domestic cats and dogs, shrews, moles, muskrats, and bats. Birds that are prey for this owl includes all other Owls (except Snowy Owl), grouse, woodpeckers, crows, turkeys, pigeons, Red-tailed Hawks, bitterns, Great Blue Heron, ducks, swans, gulls, etc. Reptiles include snakes, turtles, lizards, and young alligators. Amphibians include frogs, toads, and salamanders. Other foods include fish, large insects, scorpions, centipedes, crayfish, worms, and spiders. It competes for food against other Great Horned Owls.

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The natural predators of this animal are other Great Horned Owls and Northern Goshawks. Humans also contribute to owl deaths by shooting road kill and electrocutions. This owl will defend its self by attacking until the intruder is killed or driven off. What I think is interesting is that it can meow, bark and coo, and snap its beak.

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Author: Casandra R

Published: 02/2007

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Photo Credits: Taken by Peter Manidis, (AKA Falxuis). 3-4 Year old Great horned owl, taken in Balsam Mountains, North Carolina. Bird is currently in rehabilitation after sustaining a wing injury from colliding with a car.