Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

Recognizable by its large ear tufts, yellow eyes, and barrel-shaped body, the Great Horned Owl is one of North America's most powerful raptors. It inhabits forests, deserts, and even suburban areas across the Americas. This fearless predator regularly takes prey much larger than itself, including skunks and other raptors.

Fun Fact

Great Horned Owls have a grip strength of about 300 psi — enough to snap a broomstick.

Attributes

TypeOwl

Habitatforest, desert, urban

SizeLarge

Dietrodents

FlightStandard

Colorsbrown, gray, white

MigratoryNo

ContinentsNorth America, South America

Nest Typeplatform

ConservationLeast Concern

Difficulty: easy