Great Horned Owls

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus


Listen to how they sound

Great horned owls are large, powerful birds of prey, recognizable by their tufted "horns" and bright yellow eyes, they have mottled brown and gray plumage that provides excellent camouflage. Highly adaptable, they thrive in various habitats and are skilled hunters, preying on rodents, birds, and even larger mammals. Known for their deep hoots, they also exhibit strong parental care, often nesting in abandoned nests of other birds.

CONSERVATION STATUS: LEAST CONCERN

Range

Throughout the Western Hemisphere, from Alaska to Uruguay, absent from the Amazon Rainforest.

Fast Facts

  • Description

    Great horned owls are imposing birds characterized by prominent feather tufts resembling horns and large, piercing yellow eyes. Their feathers are intricately patterned with shades of brown, gray, and white, which help them blend seamlessly into their surroundings. They have a robust body and a broad, rounded face, along with strong legs equipped with sharp talons for capturing prey.

  • Diet

    Great horned owls are versatile hunters with a diverse diet. They primarily eat rodents, rabbits, and birds but are known to take down larger prey. They hunt primarily at night and have excellent night vision.

  • Size

    These owls typically measure between 18 to 25 inches (46 to 63 cm) in length, with a wingspan ranging from 3.3 to 4.8 feet (1 to 1.5 meters). Males tend to be slightly smaller than females.

  • Lifespan

    In the wild: 10-15 years

    In human care: 20-30 years

Great horned owls are known for their impressive adaptability and strength, but did you know they can take down prey much larger than themselves? These powerful hunters have been recorded capturing animals like foxes and even young deer! Their wide-ranging diet and impressive hunting skills make them one of the most formidable owls in North America.

Fun Fact

Our Wildlife Ambassador

Minerva

Minerva was found lying on the ground as a chick. Wildlife rehabbers placed her back in her nest, but when they went back to check on her the next day, she was found lying on the forest floor again. They determined that Minerva was rejected by her mother, and she was admitted to rehab where it was discovered that her right pupil does not dilate properly. Minerva would not be able to hunt for herself in the wild due to the condition of her eye. Rehabbers made the decision to imprint her so she could become an education ambassador. Minerva was transferred to Raptor Hallow Sanctuary when she was only a few months. Today she mesmerizes and thrills guests that visit our trail, welcoming them as they walk by her.

Minerva has been at the sanctuary since 2023