Bubo Virginianus – Great Horned Owl

Distinguishing Features – One of the largest of Canadian owls. Overall coloration brown with white and blackish highlights. Chest; lighter. Large, yellow eyes ringed in brownish-orange. Beak, black. Prominent ear tufts. Female is somewhat larger than male.

Size:

  • Male: 46 – 58.5 cm (19.5 – 23.5 in)
  • Female: 56 – 63 cm (22.5 – 25.25 in)

Great Horned Owl

Habitat

In both deciduous and coniferous woodlands.

Nesting

In a tree. Will usually occupy an abandoned nest of another large bird.

  • Eggs, 2 or 3; white
  • Incubation period approx. 30 days.

Notes

The Great Horned Owl is a powerful hunter and feeds on many types of small animals, including rabbits, mice, rats, grouse, ducks, crows and even the odd chicken in a farmyard. It is primarily a nocturnal hunter and retreats deep into the woods during daylight hours to rest.

The Horned Owl’s call is a series of Hoo notes, usually three to five in succession.

If you liked this post, you will surely be amazing by our article on the Snowy Owl.