Appearance
Great horned owls are the largest of Florida’s owl species. As their name suggests, they have two large tufts of feathers on top of their head, making it look like they have horns. Their feathers are mostly dark brown, but lighter brown and white barring helps them stay camouflaged against tree bark. They also have distinct bright yellow eyes. As with most other birds of prey, female owls are usually larger than males.
Habitat
They are found in a wide variety of habitats across North America but tend to be most seen in areas where woodlands and open landscapes meet. In Florida they can be found in deciduous forests, swamps, prairies, pine uplands, agricultural fields and pastures.
Behavior
Great horned owls are remarkable hunters. Like all owls, they are gifted with excellent night vision, exceptional hearing, and are nearly silent in flight. Their ferocious grip strength (comparable to a bald eagle’s) equips them for hunting large prey like raccoons, hawks, and other owls, though the bulk of their diet comes from rodents, rabbits, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and crustaceans. Their yellow irises potentially help with hunting at dawn and dusk.
Nesting can begin as early as December, with owls adopting a stick nest previously built by hawks, crows, herons, or squirrels. Sometimes this can be in tree cavities, deserted structures, cliff ledges, or even the ground. Mated pairs defend their territory against rival owls and nest predators such as crows and raccoons. Males and females alternate in tending the nest, incubating the eggs for about 30 to 37 days. Owlets take about 42 days to fledge from the nest.
Living with owls
Great horned owls, like most raptors, provide natural pest control in our communities by helping to keep rodent populations in balance. Unfortunately, rodents in suburban and urban areas might expose owls to rodenticide poisoning. If rodenticides are used, it is recommended to take care and follow these guidelines.
Great horned owls are protective parents, so if owls are nesting nearby it is generally best to give them space. Sometimes, if an owl nest is close to a yard or neighborhood sidewalk, parent owls may feel protective of their nests and swoop at people or pets. In some cases, young owls learning how to fly may end up on the ground for extended periods. While this may look like the owl is in danger, parent owls are typically watching nearby and ready to swoop on any perceived predators. If the owlet appears to be active and able to flap its wings unhindered, people are recommended to keep their distance. If the owl appears to be injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. Great horned owls may also, if given the opportunity, consider small unattended pets to be potential prey. Staying close to your pets while they’re outside, especially at night, prevents this type of encounter. Great horned owls may also, if given the opportunity, consider small unattended pets to be potential prey. Staying close to your pets while they’re outside, especially at night, prevents this type of encounter. Owls, their young, and their active nests are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. For more tips on preventing and resolving conflicts with owls and other raptors, see the material below.
Owls can be an enjoyable neighborhood visitor to observe. To sustainably support owls and other wildlife in your yard, follow FWC’s guide to creating wildlife habitat at home.