Bubo virginianus

The great-horned owl, North Carolina's largest breeding owl, begins its courtship activities in the fall. Light sleepers often are awakened by the booming call of these birds beginning in October and lasting through early December. The owls lay their eggs in late December and January. While laying eggs in the coldest months may seem odd, these are nocturnal birds, and these are the months with the longest nights. December is to this owl what June is to the cardinal. Most of the young fledge in April.

Cool Links:

Great Horned Owls - photos, calls, description, habitat, range map, feeding habits, breeding and mortality information. Part of The Owl Pages, an extensive on-line resource about owls worldwide.

Rebop Interviews a Great Horned Owl - A corn snake reporter conducts this highly unusual interview. Not to worry, according to the site "she has her spiny electrically charged predator protection suit when she interviews" the owl.

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