The most widely distributed owl in the Americas and a fierce generalist predator capable of taking prey larger than itself — including skunks, falcons, and other owls.

Also called: Hoot Owl, Cat Owl, Tiger Owl

Native status: Native; one of the most widespread owls in the Americas

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 46–63 cm (18–25 in); wingspan 100–145 cm (3.3–4.8 ft)
Weight0.9–2.5 kg (2–5.5 lb); females ~25% heavier
LifespanWild typically 13 years; oldest documented 28
OrderStrigiformes
FamilyStrigidae

§ Encyclopedia

The great horned owl, also known as the tiger owl or the hoot owl, is a large owl native to the Americas. It is an extremely adaptable bird with a vast range and is the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas. Its diet consists primarily of rabbits and hares, rats and mice, and voles; it remains one of the few regular predators of skunk. Hunting also includes rodents, larger mid-sized mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.

Source: Wikipedia — Great horned owl Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive owl with prominent "horn" ear tufts, yellow eyes, mottled brown body, distinctive white throat patch. Females and males look similar; females larger.

Similar species. Long-eared Owl (smaller, more vertical posture). Barred Owl (no ear tufts, dark eyes).

Voice. Deep resonant "hoo-hoo-hoo, hoo-hoo" — the classic Halloween owl hoot. Pairs duet during winter.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Highly varied: rodents, rabbits, skunks, songbirds, ducks, herons, snakes, crayfish — among the most catholic raptor diets in North America.

Behavior. Nocturnal hunter, but increasingly seen at dawn and dusk. Begins courtship in midwinter — among the earliest nesting birds in North America. Takes over nests of crows, hawks, or squirrels.

§ Range

Throughout the Americas from arctic Canada to Argentina

§ Habitat

Almost any habitat with trees: forests, deserts, suburbs, woodlots

§ Threats

Vehicle strikes, rodenticide secondary poisoning, lead from ingested ammunition fragments in carrion.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the great horned owl is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Avoid second-generation rodenticides. Drive cautiously at dusk. Use lead-free ammunition.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • Owl Research Institute
  • The Peregrine Fund
  • IUCN Red List 2018