Great Horned Owl

Size: 18-25 inches

This owl's large talons, binocular vision, and specialized hearing allow it to hunt for rodents, birds, and other animals. It can fly silently and sneak up on animals at night.

Sounds: hoo-hoo-hoo hoo-hoo “I’m awake. Are youuuu?”

Food: rabbits, rodents, birds (including barn owls), reptiles, amphibians, scorpions.

Nest: uses old hawk or crow nest

In Marin: year round

Males are bigger than females.

Nocturnal.





Photo courtesy of George W. Robinson, California Academy of Sciences
© 1999 California Academy of Sciences