• Skip to Content
  • Skip to Main Navigation
  • Skip to Local Navigation
  • Skip to Search
  • Skip to Sitemap
  • Skip to Footer

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus ORDER: STRIGIFORMES FAMILY: STRIGIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

  • Similar Species
  • Related Species
  • Go to:
Great Horned Owl Photo

© Michael J. Hopiak/CLO

Found from the Arctic tundra to the tropical rainforest, from the desert to suburban backyards, the Great Horned Owl is one of the most widespread and common owls in North America.

eBird, submit your observations

Calls

  • Adult song, Juvenile call
    Recorded by William R. Evans
    • Courtesy of Macaulay Library
    © Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Call a deep hooting "hoo-h'HOO--hoo-hoo." Young make a loud, raspy screech.

Join the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Become a force for nature
Search the Macaulay Library online archive for more sounds and videos