WILD ABOUT TEXAS: Great horned owls elicit mystery, fear in people, prey

SAN ANGELO, Texas - A multitude of animals elicit thoughts of mystery and fear among people. These include animals such as spiders, scorpions and snakes. However, one creature that lives in a shroud of mystery is found right here in West Texas. Many people know about the great horned owl, but few are truly familiar with their habits.

The great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) is a large bird of prey that is found throughout most of North and South America, from Canada to Argentina. In fact, it has the largest range of any of the owl family Strigidae, also known as the true owls.

This particular species of owl is a habitat generalist, able to live in just about any type of habitat that supports tree life, including mesquite trees of the Panhandle, the live-oaks of the Edwards Plateau and the pines of the Trans-Pecos mountains. The only requirement is that the trees provide enough cover to support a place to nest and to be a center point for nocturnal forays.

At first glance, great horned owls appear to be drab in color. Upon further inspection, however, it is obvious that the colors and patterns are arranged in a very detailed manner. The under parts, particularly the breast area, are light and are marked with an assortment of horizontally placed black lines that vary from thin to thick. The upper parts are brown, with an intricate array of dark and light swirls and circles.

The face can be a variety of colors — gray, brown and even reddish on some individuals. The face is set apart with an outline of black semicircles on each side of the head. The eyes are large, almost as large as the eyes of a human, and are a deep yellow. The beak is dark, curved and extremely sharp. The scaly legs and feet are feathered all the way to the long, powerful talons.

As the name implies, there are two large tufts of feathers at the top on each side of the head. These tufts are not true horns, nor are they ears. The reason for these tufts is unknown, but their presence enables a quick identification for anyone who observes this majestic bird. As stated earlier, great horned owls are large, and females are the larger of the two sexes. An adult specimen can approach a body height of 28 inches with a wingspan of just over 5 feet. Large adults can weigh up to 3 pounds.

Great horned owls typically breed earlier than most other native birds, with selection of a mate taking place as early as December. In fact, many potential mates are heard calling during the fall months, generally beginning in October. The call is unmistakable, being a low-pitched "who-who-whoo-whoo". On rare occasions, this call pattern is five syllables.

Breeding takes place in late January or early February, and the one to five (generally three) eggs are laid approximately a month later. The amount of time for incubation varies, but it generally takes about a month. The young stay in the nest for an additional six weeks, fed by both parents.

This species of owl is known for its feeding propensities, consuming large amounts of many harmful mammals such as mice, rats and rabbits. Its large eyes are capable of seeing into the pitch black of dark nights, and its hearing may actually be a stronger asset than its nocturnal sight.

Great horned owls are capable of swiveling their heads at 270 degree angles, scouring the ground for potential prey. Other than the food items already mentioned, they also have been known to feed on raccoons, opossums, weasels and armadillos. Reptiles such as snakes make up a small portion of their diet, but surprisingly, other birds make up a large percentage of their prey.

Other than man, there are no potential predators of this bird of prey other than members of its own species.

Michael Price is the director of the San Angelo Nature Center. Contact him at michael.price@sanangelotexas.us.

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