Adult: A large owl, mottled gray-brown above. Buff below, with lateral black streaking. White throat, which sometimes is "V" shaped. Yellow eyes. Ear tufts give the head a wide appearance and probably add to the terror with which its victims contemplate it. The Great Horned Owl can capture prey as large as a large wading bird, ospreys, other owls, hawks, and cats. Even porcupines!  

Immature: Like adult but with smaller ear tufts. Less white on throat.    

Habitat: Forest habitats, open country and residential areas. 

A Florida resident.

Text by Mary Jean Rogers, West Volusia Audubon.  

Click the thumbnails below for larger image.