Great Horned OwlNamed for its large size, and the large ear tufts that extend above the head. The tufts are not really ears---most likely, they act to camouflage the bird by breaking up its outline amidst tree branches. Other names: Big hoot owl, cat owl, chicken owl, eagle owl, hoot owl, king owl. Hunting habits: Feeds on just about anything from the smallest shrew to large hares and rabbits; gray, red, flying, and fox squirrels; skunks (most birds have no sense of smell); porcupines; and crows taken from their night roosts. Usually hunts at night, but can also hunt by day. Usually carries prey to a feeding roost where pellets collect. Migrating habits: This species is usually non-migratory. However, when occasional food shortages occur within the breeding range, some individuals are forced south. It is easiest to band these birds during the first 2-3 hours of darkness, when they are flying low. As the night wears on they may well be migrating higher. Nesting habits: Takes over an abandoned nest from a Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle, heron, crow, or squirrel, or uses the hollow of a tree. Both parents incubate the eggs for 26-36 days. Young first fly 63-70 days after hatching. Length: 45-64 cm Wingspan: 91-153 cm Weight: Most Great Horned Owls caught in autumn are of unknown sex; 2 known adult males averaged 1536 grams; 4 adult females averaged 2190 grams. These were undoubtedly light (i.e., food- stressed). Life expectancy: In captivity to 29 years. One banded bird in Iowa lived 13-14 years before it was shot. Other banded birds have lived 17 years, 4 months and 20 years, 7 months. More Great Horned Owls die from shooting than any other cause. |
