There are no flock members in this family.

Bubo virginianus- Great Horned Owl

View range map of Great Horned Owl here.

The Great Horned Owl is one of the most widespread and common owls in North America. This large adaptable bird can survive in any habitat except arctic tundra, by varying its diet and nesting sites accordingly. This bird has exceptional hearing, aided by the facial disks which channel sound. Its soft feathers make flight almost silent. Its night vision is excellent. The Great Horned Owl uses a wide variety of habitats including open woodlands, boreal forests, and deserts, suburban, urban and agricultural areas. This species had a broad diet including small mammals, rabbits, geese, small birds and reptiles. The Great Horned Owl hunts at night, pouncing on prey directly from a perch, usually over open areas. Nest sites are diverse for this species, including trees, cliffs, and buildings or directly on the ground. The Great Horned Owl does not construct its own nest, instead using the nest of another species. Pairs form for at least five year, possibly for life. Usually 2 eggs are laid, but sometimes as many as 5. The female incubates the eggs for between 30-37 days, during which time the male brings her food throughout the night. She will brood the owlets for about two weeks after hatching, and feed them small pieces of meat which the male brings to the nest. The owlets begin to leave the nest and perch on adjacent tree branches at 2 weeks of age, but will not fledge until they are about 7 weeks old. The parents may continue to provide some food to the owlets for several months. Historically this species was hunted, but is now thriving. Artificial nest sites have helped this species in locations where there are few natural nest sites.