The Great Horned Owl
Report by Ms. Welch
Habitat
The Great Horned Owl has the ability to live in many different locations throughout the world and in many different habitats.
They are mainly found in the continents of North America and South America, and also can live in the Arctic! However, in the very northern parts of the continents, the Great Horned Owl migrates south for the winter and comes back in the spring.
Because the owl is so adabible, you can find it in many different habitats. For example, the Great Horned Owl can live in deserts, forests, and even cities, although you will mainly find them in forests and woodland areas high up in the trees.
Food
The Great Horned Owl is considered a carnivor.
It eats mammals such as rabbits, mice, and squirrels. These animals are also considered nocturnal, so they are considered the owl's meal of choice.
The Great Horned Owl also has been know to eat other birds! Birds such as ducks, quail, and geese are noted to be other meal choices.
Characteristis
With its many interesting characteristics, the Great Horned Owl can be noticed several different ways.
First of all, this great owl is quite large! It is considered the largest owl in North America. It is 18-25 inches long with a wing span of 52-55 inches. The owl weights about 3 pounds.
The owl has a mass of color throughout its body. Coloring includes feathers of gray, brown, and black with white feathers on its chest. The owl's eyes are a bright yellow with black pupils.
The most noted characteristic that helps us identify this owl is the horn-like shapes on top of its head. However, they are not horns or ears, they are actually feathers called tufts. These feathers are how the owl has received its named, because of the feathers that look like horns.
Breeding
Breeding for the Great Horned is necessary for the animal's survival.
Because of its adaptability, the owl is able to nest in many different places. Some places it has been known to nest are in old sticks, on the sides of mountains and cliffs, and even old nests of other birds that have abandoned them.
This owl lays between 1-3 eggs at a time, which is called a clutch. The incubation time for the eggs lasts between 28-35 days. Both the mom and dad incubate the eggs.
Once the eggs have hatched, the babies stay in the nest for about 5-6 weeks. After about 6 weeks, although they cannot fly at this time, the owls climb onto branches close to the nest. At about 10 weeks old, these owls start to fly.
Interesting Fact
The Great Horned Owl has many other amazing abilities that make this owl so special and interesting!
When the owl does not get a chance to finish large meals, they will let the remaining food sit out and freeze. Once it is ready to finish its meal, the owl will use its own body heat to thaw out the left-overs and finish its meal.
The owl is known to have very powerful claws on its feet called talons. With the use of its talons, the owl is able to catch prey twice its size!
The Great Horned Owl is a very protective animal! When protecting their young, these owls have been noted to attack anything that comes near the offspring, even people!
Resources
Habitat
http://www.kidzone.ws/animals/birds/great_horned_owl.htm
Food/Characteristics:
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/birds/printouts/Hornedowlprintout.shtml
Interesting Facts: