| The great horned, being twice as 'husky' as most other owls, is the largest of the resident owls in southern Ohio, and is among the most formidable of avian predators.
A general feeder, the horned owl preys upon just about anything up to its own size. The cottontail rabbit is a staple in many areas and Norway rats are preferred wherever available. When pressed by hunger during bleak winters, it will occasionally take free ranging turkeys and geese. In contrast, they are very fond of June beetles in late spring. Like other general feeders, the prey they take reflects cyclical abundance and vulnerability.
This owl is our earliest nesting bird, with most females incubating their two eggs by late January. Owls do not build nests, the horned owls use tree snags when available or appropriate hawk nests. I have never known one to use a deep cavity like other species. The incubating females like to have a commanding view of their surroundings at all times. Artificial nest sites are readily accepted and are available to the owls in most Hamilton County Parks.
The young batch after thirty-seven days and are full grown at ten weeks but are not self-sufficient until autumn, relying on their parents to supplement unsuccessful hunting efforts. The adults mate for life and are never far apart.
Length 19-25 inches
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