Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Strigiformes · Strigidae
About
The great horned owl, also known as the tiger owl or the hoot owl, is a large owl native to the Americas. It is an extremely adaptable bird with a vast range and is the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas. Its diet consists primarily of rabbits and hares, rats and mice, and voles; it remains one of the few regular predators of skunk. Hunting also includes rodents, larger mid-sized mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
Fun Fact
Great horned owls are one of the few animals that regularly hunt skunks — their poor sense of smell means the spray doesn't deter them, and they've been found reeking of skunk at nesting sites.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Forests, deserts, and urban areas
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
13-15 years
Threats
- Deforestation
- Habitat Fragmentation