Great Horned Owl Facts
Bubo virginianus
Great horned owls are adaptable nocturnal predators found from Arctic woodland to tropical forest and city parks. Powerful talons and near-silent flight allow them to take an unusually broad range of prey.
- Habitat
- Forest
- Diet
- Rodents, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and other small animals
- Lifespan
- 13–28 years
Great Horned Owl Facts at a Glance
Great horned owls are adaptable nocturnal predators found from Arctic woodland to tropical forest and city parks. Powerful talons and near-silent flight allow them to take an unusually broad range of prey.
It belongs to the family Strigidae in the order Strigiformes. This profile is designed as a concise starting point; the source names below document the review basis.
Great Horned Owl Habitat
Great Horned Owls live in Forest and Grassland and Urban habitats. Their recorded range includes the Americas. Suitable food, shelter, and conditions for raising young help shape that range.
What Do Great Horned Owls Eat?
Great Horned Owls have a carnivore diet that includes Rodents, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and other small animals. The food available in their environment shapes how they find, hunt, forage for, or receive meals.
Great Horned Owl Lifespan, Size, and Weight
Great Horned Owls typically live for 13–28 years. Adults measure about 46–64 cm and weigh around 0.9–2.5 kg; these ranges can vary with sex, age, environment, and access to food.
Great Horned Owl Conservation Status
Great Horned Owl is listed here as Least Concern. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.
Quick facts
- Region
- The Americas
- Habitat
- Forest, Grassland, Urban
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Lifespan
- 13–28 years
- Size
- 46–64 cm
- Weight
- 0.9–2.5 kg
Fun facts
- The horn-like tufts on the head are feathers rather than ears.
- Soft-edged flight feathers reduce turbulence and help muffle wing noise.
- Females are generally larger than males, as in many birds of prey.
- They often reuse nests built by hawks, crows, or other large birds.
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Sources and image credit
Animal facts are reviewed against the references below. The photograph remains available under the stated license.