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What is a great horned owl?
Do great horned owls build nests?
Where do great horned owls nest?
Do horned owls nest in winter?
Great horned owls do not build their own nests, and if an existing nest in a tree is not available, they will even nest on ledges and cliffs, in and on buildings, or even just on the ground. Before we judge them too harshly, consider the great success of these wise old owls!
Nest: Typically uses old nest of other large bird, such as hawk, eagle, crow, heron, usually 20-60' above ground; also may nest on cliff ledge, in cave, in broken-off tree stump, sometimes on ground. Adds little or no nest material, aside from feathers at times.
With its long, earlike tufts, intimidating yellow-eyed stare, and deep hooting voice, the Great Horned Owl is the quintessential owl of storybooks. 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.
Nesting behavior for the great horned owl appears to be more closely related to prey availability than it does to seasonal conditions. There has been some evidence that if prey availability is low enough then the species may forgo mating entirely for a season.
Jan 6, 2020 · A female Great Horned Owl is incubating two eggs. A light snow falls on her back, as her mate roosts unseen in a nearby conifer. Since December, this pair has been hooting back and forth regularly at night.
- Birdnote
May 15, 2015 · The Great Horned Owl begins nesting earlier than most other birds in the U.S. and by spring, young likely have hatched or are ready to hatch. Here, I share photographs and the story of one pair from the incubation to fledging of this cosmopolitan bird.
Jan 24, 2022 · Often a tree nest deteriorates so much during a season’s use by a Great Horned Owl that few can be used again in a subsequent season. However, a sturdy nest that stands up to a year’s wear and tear may be reused again.
