joe

Great Horned Owl

(Bubo virginianus) 

Quick Facts 

  • Life Span: Oldest known wild owl was 28 years old. Oldest owl in captivity was 50 years old at the San Francisco Zoo.  
  • Weight: 2 – 5.5 pounds (910 – 2500 grams) 
  • Wingspan: 3 – 4.75 feet (1 – 1.5 meters) 
  • Activity: Nocturnal, especially at dusk and before dawn 
  • Native Geographic Region: Found almost throughout North America and much of South America. 
  • Habitat: Found in a wide variety of habitats, from tropical and boreal forest to deserts, to urban environments. 
  • Closest relatives: Other owls in the genus Bubo include the Snowy Owls and Eurasian Eagle-Owl. 
  • Conservation Status: Least concern