Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Strigiformes
Family : Strigidae
Genus : Bubo
Scientific name : Bubo virginianus
Protection status : Least Concern
Diet : Owls are carnivores
Habitat : Forests, woodlands and shrublands.
Life span : 5 to 15 years
The Great Horned Owls
are the largest owls in North America. They are also referred to as Cat Owls.
They are nocturnal hunters. They can be easily identified by their large piercing
eyes and their horn shaped ears.
These predatory birds are fearless and aggressive by nature and frequently attack prey that are large
and heavy, including cats, rabbits, porcupines and even skunks. If their
nesting areas are threatened, these birds will counterattack even when they are
faced with large dogs or even humans. The male owls are smaller than their
female counterparts and have a much lower-pitched call.