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Scientific Name: Bubo Virginianus
Lifespan: 10-15 Years
Origin: United States of America (USA)
The Great Horned Owl, scientifically known as Bubo virginianus, is a majestic and formidable bird of prey that holds the title of being one of the most widespread and powerful owls in North America.
This nocturnal raptor is recognized for its distinctive appearance, with tufted ear-like feathers on its head that resemble horns, hence its name.
These "horns" are not actually ears but serve a purpose in communication and camouflage.
Read MoreMale
Height
46-63 cm / 18-25 Inches
Weight
1-2.3 kg / 2-5 Pounds
Length
45-64 cm / 18-25 Inches
Wingspan
91-153 cm / 36-60 Inches
Color
Female
Height
51-66 cm / 20-26 Inches
Weight
1.4-2.95 kg / 3-7 Pounds
Length
51-66 cm / 20-26 Inches
Wingspan
101-134 cm / 40-53 Inches
Color
Temperature
Hot: 40 to 41 °C
Cold: -18 to -7 °C
Kingdom
Animalia
Genus
Bubo
Price
500 to 1.50K USD
Bite Force
400 to 500 PSI
Phylum
Chordata
Order
Strigiformes
Activity
Top Speed: 56-64 km/h
Flight Speed: 40-55 km/h
Other
Family: Strigidae
Classification: Aves
Breed Name: True Owl
Origin Description
The Great Horned Owl, scientifically designated as Bubo virginianus, is a magnificent bird of prey indigenous to North America. Revered for its impressive size and powerful stature, it is widely regarded as one of the most formidable owls across its native range. This nocturnal hunter derives its name from the distinctive tufted ear-like feathers on its head, which resemble horns, although they serve neither an auditory nor aggressive function.
The Great Horned Owl is a highly adaptable owl species found in diverse habitats, including forests, deserts, and urban environments. Its camouflaged plumage, a mix of brown, gray, black, and white feathers, enhances its effectiveness as a stealthy predator. Characterized by piercing yellow eyes, the owl displays sexual dimorphism, with females being larger. Known for hunting skills and a varied diet, including rodents, birds, and rabbits, they adapt nesting locations to tree hollows, abandoned nests, or human-made structures.
Description
The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is a majestic and formidable bird of prey, recognized for its large size and distinctive physical characteristics. With a wingspan ranging from 3.3 to 4.8 feet (1 to 1.5 meters), it stands as one of the largest and most powerful owls in North America. This nocturnal hunter boasts prominent ear tufts, or "horns," on its head, which contribute to its imposing and iconic appearance. Despite the name, these ear tufts are not actual horns but rather feather tufts that serve a sensory purpose, aiding in communication and signaling.
The Great Horned Owl, distinguished by its intricate and camouflaged plumage, displays a spectrum of colors ranging from tawny browns to mottled grays, allowing it to seamlessly blend into diverse environments. The facial disk, a characteristic feature of owls, aids in sound localization, capturing, and directing sounds to the owl's highly sensitive ears. These adaptations contribute to the Great Horned Owl's efficiency as a stealthy predator, capable of silently descending on prey with deadly precision.