Bird Watcher's Digest: Home Bird Watcher's Digest Magazine The Backyard Birds Newsletter The Bird Watcher's Digest App Bird Watcher's Digest Nature Shop

Bird Identification

in

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus L 22" (56cm)

Photo by Maslowski Wildlife Productions.

Listen to a great horned owl.

The great horned owl is one of the most widespread and abundant owls in the world. It is easily recognized by its massive size, ear tufts, and white throat. A generalist, the great horned can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including agricultural areas, deserts, marshes, and most woodlands. Its primary needs are large trees and old crow and hawk nests. It is a perch and drop hunter that favors wood edges where it can watch for medium-sized mammals such as rabbits. It is one of the earliest nesters, laying eggs in January over much of its range. Its most common call, heard during courtship in winter, is a series of five deep, resonant hoots. For males, the pattern is hoo hoo-hoo hoo hoo, the last two notes spaced out. For females the pattern is hoo hoo-hoo-hoo hoo, the middle three notes rather rapid.

This sound file requires RealPlayer. Bird song courtesy of Lang Elliott, NatureSound Studio.

Wading Birds

SECTION FEATURES - FESTIVAL

You Might Like

Better Together: Identifying and Feeding Birds & Hummingbirds and Butterflies

Regularly $29.90, buy these two great books together for only $25! These readable, friendly guides are intended for bird watchers and non-bird watchers alike—for anyone who wants to enjoy nature right in his or her own backyard.

Buy now »

Charley Harper Puzzle—Monteverde

This thoughtfully conceived and engagingly intricate 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle is sure to delight novice and veteran puzzle-workers and bird-watchers alike. An identification guide on the back of the box helps identify each of the species represented in this colorful and complex image. Only $17.95 in our store!

Buy now »

The Young Birder's Guide to Birds of Eastern North America

This lively guide is an invitation to kids to get outside and look at birds. Unlike field guides for adults, which can be overwhelming, this one provides just the right amount of information to be useful and fun. Loaded with color photographs, drawings, interesting facts, range maps and an easy-to-use species checklist, it's the perfect companion for hours of birdwatching fun. Only $14.95 in our store!

Buy now »