Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus

 

 

 

 

Education birds representing this species: Andre and Tonka - this species is also represented on the Exhibit Trail

Interesting Facts:

• "King of the Forest"
• Second largest owl in North America
• Only consistent predator of the skunk - has little to no sense of smell!
• All owls have feathers on their feet and it seems it serves many purposes - see June 5th update for details.

Physical Dimensions:

• wing span ~3.5-4.5 feet
• weight ~2-5.5 pounds (females larger)

Prey

• small mammals
• rabbits
• insects
• woodchucks
• geese
• herons
• scorpions
• other owls
• amphibians
• reptiles

Hunting Techniques:

• Mostly flies from perches next to open areas
• Silent flyers - surprises prey

Range:

• Nearly all of North America and parts of South America
• no regular migration - though individuals may wander if necessary

Color:

• no sexual dimorphism (when males and females differ in coloring). Sexual dimorphism is unusual in raptors.

Reproduction:

• Does not build its own nest - takes over abandoned crow, squirrel or hawk nests. Big sloppy stick nests, sometimes with oak leaves. Likes holes in trees, tops of dead trees/snags - 15-90 feet above ground.
• "Builds" nest in late January-May
  1-4 eggs
  30-37 days of incubation
  "Branchers" at 6-10 weeks (stay in their birth tree and surroudning ground/shrubs)
  Truly fledged at 10-26 weeks
  Independent of parents at 6+ months old

Conservation:

• No conservation issues.