Species · GBIF taxon 5959118
Bubo virginianus
bubo virginianusAlso known as Tiger Owl, Hoot Owl, Cat Owl
Great horned owls are formidable nocturnal predators easily recognized by their prominent ear-like feather tufts and intense yellow eyes. They claim territories in almost any habitat from deep forests to urban parks, using their silent flight and powerful talons to hunt an incredibly diverse array of prey. These adaptable raptors do not build their own nests, instead commandeering the abandoned stick nests of hawks, crows, or herons to raise their early-spring broods.
NocturnalApex PredatorAdaptable
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Striped Skunk
- Cottontail Rabbit
- Deer Mouse
Predators
- Golden Eagle
- American Crow
- Raccoon
ThreatsPesticide poisoning, vehicle collisions, and secondary rodenticide poisoning
HabitatsForests, woodlands, deserts, agricultural areas, and urban parks
Life span15 to 25 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- Speciesbubo virginianus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of defending nests aggressively; maintain a respectful distance to avoid defensive strikes.
- Why it is dangerous
- Equipped with extremely powerful talons capable of exerting immense pressure, they can inflict severe puncture wounds if cornered or defending a nest.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for large feather tufts on the head, bright yellow eyes, and a white throat patch.
- What to do
- Never approach a nest or handle an injured owl; contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instead.
Responsible observation
- Listen at dusk: Listen for their deep, resonant hooting duets during late autumn and winter courtship.
- Watch the crows: Look for groups of crows or jays loudly mobbing a tree branch, which often reveals a roosting owl.
- Keep your distance: Avoid approaching active nest sites, as parents will fiercely defend their young.
Competitor U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters / Public domain · cc0
Prey Wallace Keck / Public domain · cc0
Competitor Buteo_jamaicensis_1.jpg: Alan Vernon derivative work: Berichard (talk) / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Close Relative Martin Mecnarowski (http://www.photomecan.eu/) / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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