Great Horned Owls

The great horned owl is one of the most powerful owls in North America. It has large feather tufts on its head that look like horns. Great horned owls have big yellow eyes and a deep hooting call. They are fierce predators that hunt at night.

Top Predator

Great horned owls are sometimes called tiger owls because of their strength. They hunt rabbits, skunks, and even other owls. Their talons can squeeze with 300 pounds of force. Great horned owls are one of the few animals that regularly eat skunks because they have almost no sense of smell.

Year-Round Residents

Unlike many birds, great horned owls do not migrate. They stay in the same area year-round. They nest very early in the year, sometimes when there is still snow on the ground. Great horned owls often take over nests built by other large birds like hawks.

Fun Facts

• Great horned owls are one of the few animals that eat skunks.
• Their ear tufts are not actually ears. Their real ears are hidden on the sides of their head.
• Great horned owls can turn their heads up to 270 degrees.

Did You Know?

Great horned owls have such powerful talons that once they grab something, it takes 28 pounds of force to open their grip. They can carry prey that weighs more than they do!