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The great horned owl is the largest of Ohio's resident owls and the largest "eared" owl in North America. Once abundant in the state, great horned owl numbers have declined with the development of Ohio. This owl will eat a tremendous variety of animals and is a talented hunter; these attributes have allowed it to adapt to nearly all habitat types where there are suitable nest sites. It has a variety of calls or notes including a five-or six-note hoot, shrieks, barks, growls, and a spine-chilling scream. The great horned owl is considered the top bird of prey, fearing no creature but man.
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Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
At-a-Glance
• Mating: Monogamous
• Peak Breeding Activity: Late January through mid-March
• Incubation Period: 28-35 days; 30 days typical. Incubation begins as soon as the first egg laid and ends about 30 days after the last egg is laid.
• Young Hatch: Generally beginning in late Febraury through early April
• Clutch Size: 3-4 eggs
• Number of Broods per Year: 1
• Migration Patterns: In the extreme northern portions of its range, the shortage of prey in the winter results in owl movement from those areas to more productive hunting grounds. Provided adequate food supplies are available, migration is minimal.
• Typical Foods: Small rodents, small cats, skunks, beaver, songbirds, geese, adult turkeys, chickens, pheasants, grouse, muskrats, snakes, eels, rabbits, porcupines, and squirrels among other animals.
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Description
The great horned owl has a mixture of brown and varying shades of black and buff feathers. A considerable number of feathers show white, especially under the chin where there is a conspicuous throat patch. The breast is heavily barred-- feather color variation gives the impression of bars. Two large tufts of longer feathers come off either side of the great horned owl's head. Male and female great horned owls are identical in appearance, but the female is noticeably larger.
Habitat and Habits
Great horned owls can be found throughout Ohio, but their primary habitat area is open farmlands where numerous woodlots are interspersed among the agricultural fields. Wooded parks and riparian corriders are also used; extensive forested areas are avoided. These owls deliver a classic owl-like call -- a deep hoo-hoo-hoooo, with each phrase given four to six times. The male gives a higher pitched hoot than the female.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
Great horned owls are the earliest nesters, but they don't build their own nests. These owls will use the abandoned nests of hawks, eagles, herons, and squirrels; tree dens and cavities may also be used. Large, mature trees are the preferred sites. When tree nest sites are lacking, great horned owls also use old buildings, cliffs, and even the bare ground. While the female incubates, the male hunts, bringing his mate food. He continues, bringing food to owlets when they hatch. If a clutch of eggs is destroyed, the female may attempt to renest. |
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