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Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus ORDER: STRIGIFORMES FAMILY: STRIGIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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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.

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Songs

  • Territorial hooting
  • Territorial hooting duet
  • Male female territorial hooting and squawks
  • Courtesy of Macaulay Library
    © Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Calls

  • Adult song, Juvenile call
  • Female squawk
  • Female chitter call and squawk
  • Bark-like call
  • Calls during nest defense
  • Courtesy of Macaulay Library
    © Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

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

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Search the Macaulay Library online archive for more sounds and videos