Great Horned Owl
A powerful American owl with prominent ear tufts, one of the most adaptable owls.
Overview
A powerful American owl with prominent ear tufts, one of the most adaptable owls.
History & Origin
The Great Horned Owl occurs naturally in the Americas. Raptors and owls (birds of prey) are distributed worldwide across forests, grasslands, wetlands, mountains and even cities. Diurnal raptors include hawks, eagles, falcons and kites; owls are their nocturnal counterparts.
Appearance & Size
It is a Large (46-63cm) bird. They are defined by a hooked beak, powerful talons, keen eyesight and, in owls, a facial disc and silent, soft-edged flight feathers. Sizes range from small falconets to large eagles.
Temperament & Behavior
Birds of prey are solitary, instinctively wild and top-of-the-food-chain predators; owls are primarily nocturnal. They are not companion pets and in most places are protected by law.
Care & Husbandry
All are carnivorous, taking mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and large insects with their feet; owls often swallow prey whole and regurgitate pellets. Raptors and owls are kept by licensed rehabilitators, falconers and zoos, requiring large weathering areas, perches, a species-appropriate whole-prey diet and specialist veterinary care.
Health & Lifespan
Common captive problems include bumblefoot, aspergillosis (a fungal lung disease), beak and talon overgrowth and malnutrition. In the wild lifespans are shorter, but in care many reach 10-20 years.
Popularity & Recognition
The peregrine falcon is the fastest animal on Earth in a hunting stoop; raptors and owls are cornerstone species for conservation and environmental monitoring.
