One of the most powerful and widespread owls in the Americas. Found from the Arctic tundra of Canada all the way down to the jungles of South America, this owl has adapted to nearly every type of habitat — forests, deserts, swamps, cities, and everything in between. Its versatility and strength make it one of the top nocturnal predators wherever it lives.
One of the great horned owl’s most recognizable features is its large size and impressive appearance. It has a stocky body, powerful talons, and a broad, rounded head marked by feathery tufts — the “horns” that give it its name. These tufts aren’t ears but rather are used for communication and camouflage, breaking up the outline of its head among branches. Its yellow eyes are bright and intense, perfect for low-light hunting, and its plumage — usually a mix of brown, gray, black, and white — helps it blend seamlessly into tree bark or rocky landscapes.
The great horned owl is a fearless hunter known for taking down a wide variety of prey, from small mammals like rabbits and rodents to larger animals like skunks, birds, reptiles, and even other raptors. Thanks to its powerful grip, it can crush prey instantly. Its diet is so diverse that it can survive in areas where other predators might struggle. It hunts mostly by perching silently and watching, then swooping down with a fast, quiet strike.
The great horned owl has some of the most powerful talons in the bird world — its grip strength can reach about 136 kilograms (300 pounds) per square inch, enough to easily pierce and hold struggling prey. Another fascinating detail: its feather structure allows it to fly almost completely silently, thanks to soft-edged flight feathers that muffle the sound of air passing over the wings.
Distribution
Argentina
Belize
Bermuda
Bolivia
Brazil
Canada
Colombia
Costa Rica
Ecuador
El Salvador
Falkland Islands
French Guiana
Guatemala
Guyana
Honduras
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Saint Pierre
South Georgia
Suriname
United States
Uruguay
VenezuelaAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
