1. Nest Building and Location:
- Great horned owls construct large nests using sticks and other materials in tall trees or on cliffs.
- The female owl selects the nesting site and prepares the nest for egg-laying.
- The male owl helps in nest construction and defense against predators.
2. Egg Laying and Incubation:
- Typically, the female great horned owl lays 1-4 eggs at regular intervals.
- She diligently incubates the eggs, rarely leaving the nest for brief periods.
- The male owl provides her with food during the incubation period.
3. Parental Roles:
- Both parents share parental responsibilities. The male owl primarily focuses on hunting and bringing prey to the nest.
- The female owl stays with the eggs or young owlets, providing constant warmth and protection.
4. Feeding the Young:
- Once hatched, the owlets are completely dependent on their parents for food.
- The male owl continues to hunt, tearing the prey into smaller pieces and feeding it to the female.
- The female owl then transfers the food to the owlets by gently placing it in their beaks.
5. Growth and Development:
- The owlets grow rapidly and start developing feathers within a few weeks.
- They initially stay in the nest and gradually venture out on short flights under the watchful eyes of their parents.
6. Learning to Hunt:
- As the owlets mature, the parents start bringing live prey to the nest for them to practice hunting skills.
- They observe and imitate their parents' hunting techniques and gradually become proficient.
7. Fledging:
- Great horned owls become independent and fledge from the nest around 2-4 months of age.
- Even after fledging, the parents continue to provide them with food and guidance for survival.
8. Sibling Rivalry:
- Great horned owls may exhibit brood reduction in which the youngest owlet may not receive sufficient food and can eventually die. This behavior helps ensure that the strongest and healthiest owlets survive.
Caring for young owlets requires a substantial investment of time and energy from both parents. Great horned owls are known for their excellent parental skills and play a vital role in securing the survival of their offspring in the wild.