Great Horned Owl

The great horned owl is an opportunistic predator, hunting everything from insects to birds as large as crows, hawks and other owls. Squirrels, mice and voles are common meals, but even skunks and domestic cats might be taken. Great horned owls are very adaptable and can be found throughout North America. This owl is an early nester and often starts laying eggs in January or February, using an abandoned nest of a jay, red-tailed hawk, crow, or squirrel. Depending on the habitat, it will also nest in caves, hollows of broken off snags, and cliffs. Great horned owls advertise their territories with characteristic deep, muffled hooting in a rhythmic series of hoo hoodoo hoooo hoo.