The Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl is the largest owl found in Indiana; growing 1 1/2 to 2 feet tall with a wingspan from 3 to 5 feet across. Their name originates from the long, “horn-like” feathers on their heads. These large owls can be found throughout North and South America. Their mottled color tone varies by region, from a dark soot pattern to a white pattern.

Like many owls, they are passive during the daylight hours and active at night. Most of their activity peaks after sunset and before sunrise. These owls hunt mainly from a high vantage point scanning the area for prey. Their eyes cannot move in their sockets, but instead their heads swivel more than 180 degrees to look in any direction. Their diet consists of mostly small mammals and birds, but can include creatures 2-3 times their size. With short broad wings allowing for great maneuverability and extremely soft feathers providing nearly silent flight Great Horned Owls are excellent hunters.

Great Horned Owls can live up to 13 years in the wild. They are known for their deep “hooting” call, usually 4-5 stuttering hoots. Many people enjoy replicating their call and then watching the owl come to investigate the sound.