Great Horned Owl

The great horned owl is a big, powerful owl with two feathery tufts on its head that look a little like horns or cat ears. It has huge yellow eyes, a soft brown-and-grey coat of feathers, and a deep, booming voice. You can find these owls all across the Americas, from icy forests in the north to warm woodlands far to the south.

The “horns” that give this owl its name are a bit of a mystery. They are not ears, and they are not real horns. They are simply little bunches of feathers, and scientists think they might help the owl blend in with tree bark or send signals to other owls. The owl’s real ears are hidden on the sides of its head, and they are very good at hearing.

Great horned owls are skilled night hunters. They wait quietly on a branch, watching and listening, then swoop down to catch mice, rabbits, and other small animals. Their feathers have soft, fringed edges that hush the sound of their wings, so they can glide through the dark almost without a whisper. Big, strong feet help them hold on to what they catch.

These owls are most active at night and around sunset, and they rest during the day, often sitting very still in a tree where they are hard to spot. Their large eyes gather the tiny bit of light there is after dark, which helps them see when the world looks black to us.

In spring you might hear a great horned owl before you ever see one. Its deep “hoo-hoo-hoo” floats through the evening air, and a pair will often hoot back and forth to each other. Each owl’s call is a little different, so they can tell who is who.

Great horned owls are doing well, and there are millions of them living across the Americas. They are happy in forests, deserts, and even city parks, as long as there are tall trees or ledges for resting and nesting. Looking after wild places, and being careful with the poisons used to control rats and mice, helps keep these clever night birds thriving.