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| − | ;Bubo virginianus | + | ;[[:Category:Bubo|Bubo]] virginianus |
| − | [[Image:Great_Horned_Owl.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by geomorph]] | + | [[Image:Great_Horned_Owl.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by geomorph.]] |
==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
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==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
| − | A very widely distributed bird throughout the Americas. Great Horns are found from Alaska to Argentina, mainly in forested areas. However, they also live in desert regions, where they nest in cacti. | + | A very widely distributed bird throughout the Americas. Great Horns are found from [[Alaska]] to [[Argentina]], mainly in forested areas. However, they also live in desert regions, where they nest in cacti. |
==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
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==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
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==Behaviour== | ==Behaviour== | ||
The Great Horned Owl is a fierce predator, known as the "Winged Tiger" or "Flying Tiger". These owls will hunt small rodents, rabbits and hares, snakes, other birds (particularly waterfowl), and many other small animals. They have been known to pluck hawks and falcons from their nightly roosts, and they are some of the only animals which can hunt porcupines and skunks. Great Horns are largely nocturnal, but will hunt in daylight if necessary. They are mainly perch hunters, sitting atop a favored vantage point (often at the edge of the forest) and scanning for prey. | The Great Horned Owl is a fierce predator, known as the "Winged Tiger" or "Flying Tiger". These owls will hunt small rodents, rabbits and hares, snakes, other birds (particularly waterfowl), and many other small animals. They have been known to pluck hawks and falcons from their nightly roosts, and they are some of the only animals which can hunt porcupines and skunks. Great Horns are largely nocturnal, but will hunt in daylight if necessary. They are mainly perch hunters, sitting atop a favored vantage point (often at the edge of the forest) and scanning for prey. | ||
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==Voice== | ==Voice== | ||
A loud, booming hoot; ''hoo hu-hoo, hoo hoo'' | A loud, booming hoot; ''hoo hu-hoo, hoo hoo'' | ||
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==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
{{GSearch|Bubo+virginianus}} | {{GSearch|Bubo+virginianus}} | ||
| − | [[Category:Birds]] | + | [[Category:Birds]] [[Category:Bubo]] [[Category:Incomplete]] |
Revision as of 23:57, 15 January 2008
- Bubo virginianus
Identification
Large owl, 18-23 inches long. Wingspan reaches over 4 feet. The quintessential owl, this bird has two tufts of feathers on either side of its head. It is these "horns" that give the bird its name and a cat-like head shape. Great Horns are mostly brownish with patterning, but northern birds are very pale, while those on the Pacific Northwest coast are almost black. These owls have a rusty orange face, and a very noticeable white throat. They are buff below, and have pale, lightly feathered feet. Great Horns also have gleaming golden eyes and powerful talons.
Distribution
A very widely distributed bird throughout the Americas. Great Horns are found from Alaska to Argentina, mainly in forested areas. However, they also live in desert regions, where they nest in cacti.
Taxonomy
Habitat
These birds are largely sedentary, though northern birds may irrupt, and there may be seasonal movement within territories.
Behaviour
The Great Horned Owl is a fierce predator, known as the "Winged Tiger" or "Flying Tiger". These owls will hunt small rodents, rabbits and hares, snakes, other birds (particularly waterfowl), and many other small animals. They have been known to pluck hawks and falcons from their nightly roosts, and they are some of the only animals which can hunt porcupines and skunks. Great Horns are largely nocturnal, but will hunt in daylight if necessary. They are mainly perch hunters, sitting atop a favored vantage point (often at the edge of the forest) and scanning for prey.
Voice
A loud, booming hoot; hoo hu-hoo, hoo hoo
