Family: Strigidae, Owls view all from this family
Description 25" (64 cm). W. 4' 7" (1.4 m). A large owl, varying in color from nearly white (in Arctic) to dark brown and gray. Mottled and streaked below, setting off the white throat; prominent, widely spaced ear tufts; yellow eyes.
Habitat Forests, deserts, open country, swamps, and even city parks.
Nesting 2 or 3 white eggs on the bare surface of a cliff or cave or even on the ground; in the East it most often appropriates the unused stick nest of a heron, hawk, or crow.
Range Resident throughout North America south of tree line.
Voice Series of low, sonorous, far-carrying hoots, hoo, hoo-hoo, hoo, hoo, with second and third notes shorter than the others.
Discussion The largest of American "eared" owls, the Great Horned is exceeded in size only by the rare Great Gray Owl. The Great Horned Owl preys on a wide variety of creatures, including grouse and rabbits as well as beetles, lizards, frogs, and birds, including crows, ducks, and other owls. On occasion, it even captures skunks. It is the largest and best known of the common owls. It is one of the first birds to nest, laying its eggs as early as late January, even when there is still snow on the ground.
