Salt Grass Flats - Great Horned Owl

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The Sibley Guide to Birds contains marvelous illustrations originally drawn by the author using watercolors. This is a great identification guide, not only for adult birds, but juveniles, also.

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The National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds Eastern Region shows birds in beautiful color photographs and includes in-depth information on each bird.

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Birds of North America (Kaufman Focus Guides) features digitally enhanced photographic images to show the characteristics that are sometimes not apparent in photographs.

Great Horned Owl at Dusk near San Bernard NWR on the Texas Gulf Coast (11-25-2001)

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus
Wingspan: 30 - 60"
Length: 18 - 25"
Weight: 3 pounds

M/F outwardly similar
Female slightly larger

     As large as Great Horned Owls are, they are surprisingly difficult to spot. Perched high on a pole at dusk is common behavior as they awaken to begin their day of hunting.

     Great Horned Owls have extremely acute hearing which they use to locate prey. They fly silently and swiftly, up to 40 miles per hour, and swoop down to snatch up their prey with powerful feet and talons.

     Great Horned Owls feed on a variety of birds and mammals and apparently have a fondness for skunks, as their feathers and nest often smell strongly of the striped delicacy.

Great Horned Owl - Note the wire wrapping on the pole...

Great Horned Owl - Here's looking at you, Kid!

Great Horned Owls are the largest "eared" owl and can be found in forests and deserts throughout North America. Their deep, muffled hoot can be heard up to a mile away.

Great Horned Owl - near San Bernard NWR on the Texas Gulf Coast - 11-25-2001

Starting as early as late January, these are the earliest birds to nest. They nest high in a trees, often taking over nests of red-tailed hawks, herons or bald eagles. Both parents sit the nest, incubation taking 26 - 30 days. The young first fly in 9 to 10 weeks.

Great Horned Owl - Looking back into the sunset. Near San Bernard NWR 11-25-2001

If you're fortunate enough to spot one of these beautiful owls, park off the road and turn off the engine. Listen carefully. Pairs hoot a six-noted hoot in deep, muffled tones. If it's a clear moonlit evening, their hoots can be heard as far away as a mile.