The Great Horned Owl is the most widespread owl in the Americas, powerful enough to take prey as large as Great Blue Herons and domestic cats. Its prominent ear tufts are not ears but display feathers; its actual ears are asymmetric slits hidden under facial disc feathers. It begins nesting in January or February, often in the abandoned stick nests of hawks or crows.
Best time to see a Great Horned Owl
The best time to see a Great Horned Owl is February–July, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 68,803 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Great Horned Owl? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Great Horned Owl sightings near you
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