1. Small Mammals: Rodents such as mice, voles, rabbits, and squirrels form a significant part of the diet of great horned owls. They use their sharp talons to capture and kill these small animals.
2. Birds: The great horned owl is an opportunistic predator and preys on various bird species, including passerines (songbirds), waterfowl, shorebirds, and even other owls. They often hunt for birds at night when many avian species are less active.
3. Invertebrates: Great horned owls may occasionally feed on large insects, spiders, scorpions, or other invertebrates, especially when their primary prey is scarce.
4. Fish: Some great horned owls have been known to catch and eat fish from rivers, lakes, or streams, but this behavior is less common compared to their preference for hunting on land.
5. Reptiles and Amphibians: Although not their primary food source, the great horned owl may occasionally prey on snakes, lizards, frogs, or turtles.
6. Carrion: Like many other raptors, the great horned owl may occasionally eat carrion or scavenge on dead animals if other food sources are limited.
The great horned owl has exceptional hunting abilities, including keen eyesight, sensitive hearing, and silent flight, which enables it to successfully capture and consume a wide variety of prey species.