They use their sharp eyesight, acute hearing, and specially edged feathers for nearly silent flight to hunt and capture prey stealthily at night. Great horned owls do not migrate. Oddly enough, the Great Horned Owl is the most serious predatory threat to the Barred Owl. While some illegal shooting and trapping of these owls takes place, the future of the great horned owl appears to be secure. The owl then "upchucks" this pellet. Try imitating the call with your own voice and then wait quietly. While great horned owls do mate in the winter, they are active year round. Owls pair up for life, and call to each other to reinforce the pair bond. Weighing between 2 pounds and 5.5 pounds, this owl can be found locally in wooded areas near open fields. If you’re lucky, a Barred Owl will fly in to investigate you. Bryerton said great horned owls reside in many of Will County’s forest preserves. It is mottled brown on the upper parts and streaked and mottled on its underside with a white throat. Thanks for your comment. Being able to adapt to almost any environment, they are found all across North America and worldwide; grasslands, forests, parklands, mountains. This powerful predator can take down birds and mammals even larger than itself, but it also dines on daintier fare such as tiny scorpions, mice, and frogs. Image: Barred Owl. I have heard wild hooting throughout the spring. While they are found in rocky areas great horned owls may not choose to live in the middle of the desert or a treeless tundra—a snowy owl’s habitat. By Dianne Taggart GREAT HORNED OWL The Great Horned Owl is Long Island’s largest resident owl. The ear tufts are spaced far apart and it has yellow eyes. These owls live in both open and wooded areas. They are found in remote wilderness as well as in rural areas and cities. Great horned owls have a blend of brown and white feathers, and striking yellow eyes. Great horned owls are fierce predators with an appetite for skunks (an unusual yet regular part of their diet), birds (hawks and waterfowl), and mammals (usually mouse to rabbit-sized). Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) Family: True Owls (Strigidae) Size: 22 to 25 inches long, wingspan 55 inches. Appearance: This large owl’s face can be red, brown, or gray. Great horned owls are related to the eagle owl … They can rotate their heads 270 degrees, thanks to extra vertebra in their necks. Population and management. Because of this adaptability their populations are stable and may actually be a danger to some endangered birds […] So you can hear them at any time of year. With its long, earlike tufts, intimidating yellow-eyed stare, and deep hooting voice, the Great Horned Owl is the quintessential owl of storybooks.