- Size: Great horned owls are one of the largest owls in North America, with a wingspan of up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) and a length of up to 2 feet (60 centimeters).
- Weight: Adult great horned owls can weigh up to 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms).
- Habitat: These owls can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and even urban areas.
- Diet: Great horned owls are predators and primarily hunt small mammals such as rodents, rabbits, and hares. They also occasionally prey on birds, fish, and even insects.
- Hunting: Great horned owls have exceptional night vision and hearing, which helps them hunt effectively in low light conditions. They typically hunt by perching on a high branch and scanning the ground for prey, then swooping down silently to capture it.
- Nesting: Great horned owls build their nests in trees, cliffs, or other suitable structures. The nests are made of sticks, twigs, and other materials, and are lined with feathers and other soft materials.
- Eggs: Female great horned owls typically lay 2 to 4 eggs per clutch. The eggs are incubated by the female for about 28 days, and the chicks hatch altricial, meaning they are born helpless and rely on their parents for food and care.
- Parenting: Both parents take part in raising the chicks. The male owl provides food for the family, while the female stays in the nest to protect and care for the young owls.
- Lifespan: Great horned owls can live for up to 25 years in the wild, although their typical lifespan is closer to 13 years.
- Conservation status: Great horned owls are not considered threatened or endangered, but their populations can be affected by habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities.
Overall, the great horned owl is a fascinating and powerful predator that plays an important role in its ecosystem.