Great horned owls typically build their nests in tall trees, although they may also use old nests of other birds or even rock crevices. The female owl does most of the nest building, while the male brings her materials such as sticks, twigs, and leaves. The nest is lined with softer material such as moss, feathers, and grass.
2. Egg-laying and Incubation
Great horned owls lay between 1 and 5 eggs, with 2-4 eggs being most common. The eggs are white and nearly spherical in shape. The female owl incubates the eggs for about 35 days. During this time, the male owl provides her with food and protects the nest.
3. Hatching and Care of the Young
The owlets hatch asynchronously, meaning that they hatch over a period of several days. The first owlet to hatch is called the "first-born" and is typically the largest and strongest. The altricial owlets are helpless at birth and rely on their parents for food and protection. The female owl broods the owlets for the first few weeks of life, while the male owl continues to provide food.
4. Feeding
Great horned owls are carnivores and feed primarily on small mammals such as mice, voles, and rabbits. They also eat birds, fish, and insects. The male owl typically does the hunting, while the female owl feeds the owlets. The owlets are fed regurgitated food, which consists of small pieces of meat and bone.
5. Fledging
The owlets begin to fledge, or leave the nest, at around 8 weeks old. They are still dependent on their parents for food for several months after fledging. The owlets learn to hunt by observing their parents and by practicing on their own.
6. Dispersal
Once the owlets are fully independent, they disperse from their parents' territory and establish their own territories. Great horned owls are territorial and typically mate for life.