About the Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is a species documented in our database. Learn more about this species through the information below.
Conservation Status
Great Horned Owl is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Population Trend
stable
Current Threats
- Habitat loss and fragmentation
- Climate change
- Human persecution (shooting, trapping)
Photo Gallery
6 photos available
Geographic Distribution
Distribution by Region
Western United States
Continent: North America
Country: United States
Region: Western states, from California to Montana
Canada
Continent: North America
Country: Canada
Region: Southern provinces
South America
Continent: South America
Country: Argentina, Chile, Peru
Region: Southern regions
Distribution Overview
The Great Horned Owl is a widespread species found in North and South America, inhabiting forests, woodlands, and urban areas.
Quick Facts
- Size
- 55 - 65 cm
- Weight
- 900 - 1400 g
- Lifespan
- up to 20-30 years years
- Diet
- Small mammals (voles, mice, rabbits, hares)Birds (songbirds, game birds, waterfowl)Reptiles (snakes, lizards)Amphibians (frogs, toads)Insects (grasshoppers, crickets, beetles)
Habitat
ForestsWoodlandsUrban areasGrasslands
Behavior
- Hunts at night, using acute hearing and exceptional vision to locate prey
- Perches in trees or on power poles, scanning for prey
- Engages in monogamous breeding, with pairs forming during breeding season
- Females lay 2-4 eggs, which are incubated for approximately 30 days
- Both parents care for young, which leave the nest after approximately 6-8 weeks