Raptors
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
The great horned owl, also known as the tiger owl or the hoot owl, is a large owl native to the Americas. It is an extremely adaptable bird with a vast range and is the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas.
Big owl with feathered ear tufts, yellow eyes and a white throat patch.
- Scientific name
- Bubo virginianus
- Group
- Raptors
- Main color
- Brown
- Conservation (IUCN)
- Least concern
Size and shape
Adult great horned owls range in length from 43 to 64 cm (17 to 25 in), with an average of 55 cm (22 in), and possess a wingspan of 91 to 153 cm (3 ft 0 in to 5 ft 0 in), with an average of 122 cm (48 in).
Diet
Mammals (more than 200 species) and birds (nearly 300 species) make up the majority of their diet.
Range and habitat
The breeding habitat of the great horned owl extends high into the subarctic of North America, where they are found up to the northwestern and southern Mackenzie Mountains, Keewatin, Ontario, northern Manitoba, Fort Chimo in Ungava, Okak, Newfoundland and Labrador, Anticosti Island and Prince Edward Island.
Lifespan
In captivity, the record for the longest lived great horned owl was 50 years.
Voice
The great horned owl's song is normally a low-pitched but loud ho-ho-hoo hoo hoo (or also transcribed as bu-bubu booh, who-hoo-ho-oo or who-ho-o-o, whoo-hoo-o-o, whoo) and can last for four or five syllables.
More photos
Great Horned Owl FAQ
How big is the Great Horned Owl?
Adult great horned owls range in length from 43 to 64 cm (17 to 25 in), with an average of 55 cm (22 in), and possess a wingspan of 91 to 153 cm (3 ft 0 in to 5 ft 0 in), with an average of 122 cm (48 in).
What does the Great Horned Owl eat?
Mammals (more than 200 species) and birds (nearly 300 species) make up the majority of their diet.
How long does the Great Horned Owl live?
In captivity, the record for the longest lived great horned owl was 50 years.
How do I identify a Great Horned Owl?
Big owl with feathered ear tufts, yellow eyes and a white throat patch.
Where does the Great Horned Owl live?
The breeding habitat of the great horned owl extends high into the subarctic of North America, where they are found up to the northwestern and southern Mackenzie Mountains, Keewatin, Ontario, northern Manitoba, Fort Chimo in Ungava, Okak, Newfoundland and Labrador, Anticosti Island and Prince Edward Island.
Is the Great Horned Owl endangered?
No. The IUCN Red List rates the Great Horned Owl as least concern (status read from Wikidata).
Facts on this page are summarized from the Wikipedia article on the Great Horned Owl (read October 27, 2026) and conservation status from Wikidata. Quick ID notes are Birdstagram's own summary.