GREAT HORNED OWL 



By T. GILBERT PEARSON 



^t)t J^ational Histsfoctatton of Hububon Societies: 



KDUCATIONAL LEAFLET NO. 105 



Perhaps no creature of the wilderness is so dreaded by birds and small 

 mammals as the Great Horned Owl. To them it is the great tiger of the night 

 that on absolutely silent wings may appear at any moment. When its long, 

 sharp claws sink into the back and neck of its victim, there is nothing more to 

 be said or done — the end comes swiftly. 



Over the greater part of North America it is the largest of the Owls com- 

 monly met with. From the end of its bill to the tip of its tail, the average 

 specimen measures 2 feet, and the distance across its extended wings from tip 

 to tip is about 4^ feet. Because of its abundant covering of long, soft feathers 

 it has the appearance of being larger than its weight reveals. However, like 

 many large birds, individuals vary much in size. Thus they are known to range 

 in weight from 3 to 4^ pounds. 



The Great Horned Owl is a bird of heavy timber lands and is seldom seen 

 at a very great distance from the woods. Like most Owls, it is nocturnal in its 

 habits, and, except on dark or cloudy days or in deep shady forests, rarely 

 comes forth in the daytime. Shortly after sundown its deep bass calls can be 



YOUNG GREAT HORNED OWL JUST AFTER LEAVING NEST 

 Photographed by P. B. PhiUpp 



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