|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Hit the picture to enlarge |
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
Range
All of North America except for the most hostile northern latitudes,
through Middle America and South America to Tierra del Fuego and Cape
Horn. Found in forest, second growth, swamp, woodland, town, mangrove,
and desert habitats.
Size
Length: 45 - 56 cm (22 in.)
Wingspan: 138 cm (~ 3 - 4 ft.)
Weight: 1523 g (2.5 - 3.5 lbs.)
Diet
Birds, mammals, amphibians,
reptiles, fish, insects, and cottontail rabbits are the main prey items.
Description
Bulky owls with large ear-tufts, golden eyes, and a white throat patch.
Colorations vary but chest is barred and they are generally dark on the
upper parts and somewhat lighter on the underparts. They are usually
grey-brown but can also be reddish. They closely resemble the Eurasian
Eagle Owl (above) and have been called the New World version of the
Eurasian Eagle Owl. However, they are smaller and have yellow, rather
than orange, eyes.
Natural History
Nocturnal hunters, they are mostly solitary in their habits. They have
no natural enemies and the power and savagery of their hunting prowess,
as well as their defense techniques, is well documented. Their call is a
series of 3 - 8 loud, deep, hoots, with the 2nd and 3rd hoots often
short and rapid. They nest in trees, caves, or on the ground. They do
not build their own nests, but prefer to occupy abandoned nests of other
birds, especially Red-tailed Hawks. A normal clutch contains 2 eggs and
is incubated in 28 - 30 days.
|
