What Do Great Horned Owls Eat?

Great horned owl (Virginia Inguinal Swollen Lymph Nodes), also known as the tiger owl and owl, is probably one of the best-known owl species. They are widely distributed in North America. You may have heard their low, melancholy calls while sitting on the porch at dusk or walking through the forest. Maybe you’ve even been lucky enough to witness a great horned owl swooping down to catch its prey.

The great horned owl is a formidable predator. They can take prey larger than themselves, including other birds of prey. The great horned owl’s main diet is mammals, ranging from small rodents to skunks, rabbits or opossums.

These skilled hunters are capable of catching prey weighing up to fifteen pounds! Though they only weigh around three pounds. If you’re ready to discover more about these fascinating creatures, read on.

Great horned owl flies with hunted rodent

What is the great horned owl’s favorite food?

The great horned owl’s favorite food is probably the one it eats the most – mammals. Mammals such as mice, rats, rabbits, and ground squirrels make up the bulk of this owl’s diet. They will also eat other birds, including waterfowl, hawks and smaller owls.

Great horned owls that live in areas near abundant water sources typically eat more amphibians and fish than owls in other areas. Insects, scorpions and reptiles are also on the menu to complete this predator’s balanced diet.

What do great horned owls eat in winter?

Great horned owls certainly have fewer food resources in winter, especially in the colder northern regions of their habitat. However, these creatures are extremely adaptable. They still find what they need to survive.

During the colder months, a great horned owl will prey primarily on mammals that are still active in winter, including small rodents, rabbits and hares. They may also hunt other birds.

Like most owls, the great horned owl is nocturnal. They usually stay awake all night, hunting most at dusk and dawn. That is, owls adjust their foraging habitat when sufficient winter food sources cannot be found during their usual hunting times. To ensure they can sustain themselves through the winter, the owls will switch to being active during the day.

Great horned owl perched on a post in winter looking for prey

How does the great horned owl forage and hunt?

Great horned owls are excellent hunters with impeccable eyesight and hearing. They often hunt in perches such as tree branches or fence posts, or in slow, low-flying flights over fields. Occasionally, though, you might see one walking on the ground or even wading in water for prey.

Another trait that makes great horned owls such accomplished hunters is their ability to fly quietly. Their wings have serrated edges that allow air to pass through without the typical swishing sound you may have noticed when a hawk or crow flies overhead.

The great horned owl’s wings are also large compared to its body. This allows them to glide slowly and silently through the air while hunting.

Great Horned Owl in flight

What time of day do great horned owls hunt?

Typically, great horned owls hunt at dusk, dawn and throughout the night. The only season in which this habitat may change is during winter. Then, the owl might be seen hunting during the day when temperatures are warmer and prey is more active.

What do baby great horned owls eat?

Great horned owl babies will eat whatever their parents feed them. This usually includes mammals, reptiles and other birds. Occasionally, the parents will feed their larvae, insects or fish.

Great horned owl with two chicks in nest

Is there something to eat a great horned owl?

Not surprisingly, adult great horned owls don’t have as many predators. They are a powerful predator in their own right. But that’s not to say they don’t have something to look out for. Occasionally they are attacked by equally ferocious larger birds, such as golden eagles or goshawks.

Larger mammals, including coyotes, bobcats, and foxes, may also kill one if injured on the ground or while struggling with prey.

Great horned owls, on the other hand, are more vulnerable than adults. They are frequent prey of domestic and feral cats, foxes, weasels, skunks and possums. Common crows may even chase great horned owl eggs.

Great horned owl perched on tree stump

How do you attract a great horned owl?

Great horned owls are always a pleasing sight. Plus, their low, melodious call adds to the cozy ambience of sitting by the fire on calm winter nights. The desire to attract these creatures to your yard is certainly understandable. It is important to note that doing this is not as easy as pulling the songbird to the feeder.

To attract a great horned owl, your property (or the land surrounding your yard) should be expansive, with a mix of forest and open grass or meadows. They prefer to avoid overdeveloped areas.

Owls need territories where they can nest and hunt. Hunting usually takes place in open areas where owls can easily pounce on their prey. Nests are built in areas with more cover. Common nesting structures include tree cavities, cliff ledges, or abandoned buildings. These owls also occasionally use artificial nest boxes, which you can try if your property meets other habitat requirements.

Great horned owl attacking prey

Is it a good idea to attract great horned owls to my yard?

Before you decide to attract a great horned owl, there are a few things to consider. It’s important to remember that these birds are skilled predators first and foremost. They can catch and eat prey weighing up to 15 pounds, including domestic cats and dogs.

If you have outdoor cats or small dogs that often roam around your home unattended, attracting a great horned owl may not be the best decision. Your pets or small domestic animals are easy prey for owls. The presence of a great horned owl may also deter other animal visitors you like to see, especially those that are most active at dusk and dawn.

In the end, having a resident great horned owl won’t be to everyone’s disadvantage. You just have to decide if it will be a welcome neighbor before you invite it in.