Great Horned Owl
(Bubo virginianus) Y |
 |
RANGE: Breeds from western and central Alaska and central Yukon
to Labrador and Newfoundland, south throughout the Americas to
Tierra del Fuego. Winters generally throughout the breeding
range, with the northernmost populations being partially
migratory.
STATUS: Common. B.v. saturatus likely the subspecies resident in
Central .
HABITAT: Occurs in a wide variety of forested habitats. Inhabits
open coniferous, deciduous, or mixed woodlands, orchards,
second-growth forests, marshes, swamps, riverine forests,
partially wooded slopes, brushy hillsides, farm woodlots, large
city parks, and rocky canyons well away from forest cover. In
the South, prefers baldcypress hummocks and expansive dense
palmetto woodlands interspersed with scattered pine.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Large abandoned bird nests or
large cavities for nesting. Strongest nesting habitat
association with grassland and fir or ponderosa interspersed.
NEST: Uses a wide variety of nest sites up to 70 feet above
ground; frequently abandoned nests of hawks, herons, or crows.
Also uses large tree cavities, crotches, stumps, caves, and
ledges. Occasionally, constructs a nest but most often uses
abandoned nests.
FOOD: Prefers open areas near woodlands such as marshes or
meadows for hunting. Consumes an extremely varied diet; will
attempt to kill animals up to the size of a turkey or porcupine,
but prefers small to medium-sized mammals and birds. Also preys
upon reptiles, amphibians, large insects, and fishes; rarely
consumes carrion.
REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, DeGraff et al. 1980, Earhart and
Johnson 1970, Heintzelman 1979, Johnsgard 1979, Karalus and
Eckert 1974, Miller 1999, Shunk 2004, Sprunt 1955. |
