As January unfolds and winter’s stillness takes hold, one of the most iconic birds of North America, the Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus), takes center stage. Known for their hauntingly beautiful calls and piercing yellow eyes, these owls are a fascinating presence in Colorado’s landscapes and beyond. Let’s delve into the remarkable traits and behaviors that make Great Horned Owls a captivating subject for bird enthusiasts.

                                              Great Horned Owl on a pine stump with snow falling (photo from Wild Birds Unlimited)

The Call of the Wild

Great Horned Owls are often heard before they are seen, especially during their active winter mating season. Their deep, resonant hoots are unmistakable and typically follow a rhythm of “hoo-hÓo-hoo-hoo.” These calls serve multiple purposes, including marking territory and strengthening pair bonds. Listening for their hoots on quiet winter nights is one of the best ways to locate these elusive raptors, as their incredible camouflage and silent flight make them difficult to spot otherwise!

Unlike many other birds, Great Horned Owls begin their courtship and nesting during the winter months. Mating pairs engage in duets, with males and females calling to each other to establish their bond. By January or February, the female typically lays 1-4 eggs in a nest.

Great Horned Owls are resourceful nesters and often repurpose old nests built by other large birds, such as hawks or crows. They’ve even been known to nest on cliff ledges, tree hollows, or abandoned buildings. The eggs hatch after about a month of incubation, and the young owlets, fledge approximately 6-9 weeks later. However, the parents continue to care for their fledglings for several months.

                                                    A fledgling Great Horned Owl (Photo by Amber Dawn from Pixabay)

Silent Flight

One of the most fascinating adaptations of Great Horned Owls is their ability to fly almost silently. This remarkable feature is due to specialized feathers with unique structures. The leading edges of their primary feathers have a comb-like fringe that reduces turbulence, while the soft, velvety texture of their feathers muffles sound. This adaptation allows the owl to approach prey without detection, making them highly efficient hunters. Silent flight not only helps in hunting but also prevents alerting other predators to their presence.

The Truth About Owl Ears and Tufts

Speaking of unique feathers, despite popular belief the prominent tufts on a Great Horned Owl’s head are not its ears. These tufts, often called "plumicorns," serve purposes such as communication and camouflage. They can make the owl appear larger and help it blend into its surroundings by breaking up its outline among branches. The actual ears of a Great Horned Owl are located on the sides of its head and are asymmetrical. This unique positioning helps the owl precisely pinpoint sounds, even in complete darkness, by comparing the time it takes for sound to reach each ear. Their incredible hearing, combined with their keen eyesight, makes them formidable nocturnal hunters.

Habitat and Distribution

Great Horned Owls are one of the most adaptable raptors in North America, thriving in a wide range of habitats. They can be found in forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, and urban areas. Their adaptability has earned them the nickname “tigers of the sky” due to their predatory prowess and wide territorial range. In Colorado, they are a year-round resident and can often be spotted perched silently in trees or heard calling during the night.

 

Whether you’re out for an evening hike or simply listening from your backyard, keep an ear out for the eerie yet enchanting hoots of the Great Horned Owl. They are a reminder of the vibrant wildlife that thrives even in the heart of winter.