This large owl is the most common and widely distributed owl in North America. It can be found anywhere in the Province, all year long as befits its title as the provincial bird of Alberta. It is common in the southern boreal forest, parkland and grasslands.
This fierce-looking owl owes its success to its adaptability. It is at home in forests, isolated stands of trees, wooded coulees and valleys, and even city parks. One of the best ways to find this owl is to listen for excited groups of crows mobbing a sleepy owl.
The great horned owl is an opportunistic predator, taking everything from insects to birds as large as crows, including hawks and other owls. Squirrels, mice and voles are common meals, but even nocturnal carnivores such as domestic cats and skunks might be taken. Some of these owls specialize in porcupines. Just about anything that moves and is smaller than a 'bread box' might be a meal for this predator.
Old heron, hawk and squirrel nests make ideal owl nests. Tree hollows or cliff ledges are also good choices. Feathers from the female owl's breast are all the refurbishing that is needed. This owl is one of the earliest birds to breed, often as early as late February. One to four round white eggs are laid and incubated mainly by the female for a month. The owlets make their first tentative flight when they are about seven weeks old.
Talk about Great Horned Owls on our moderated
message board. Get answers and share images. We are Alberta's largest and friendliest
online community of nature enthusiasts. Beginners and experts are
welcome. We are non-profit, non-commercial, ad free and spam free.
Where to find Great Horned Owls in Alberta
Great Horned Owls are uncommon in the Weaselhead/Glenmore area all year round. In other words, while there is almost certainly at least one of these owls in the park every day of the year, they are not seen or reported very often by park visitors. Watch for these birds sleeping by day in the dark and quiet groves of the south and east side of the park. Watch for them on dark winter days hunting ducks on and around the Glenmore Reservoir. Watch for them in their largest numbers during sudden early winter snowstorms when migrating waterfowl numbers are at their peak. Brent Johner
Please Report the Great Horned Owls You See in Alberta
Our readers are always interested in hearing about the wildlife you see in Alberta.
Great Horned Owls are nocturnal owls, meaning they sleep during the day and hunt during the night. Brent Johner
Interesting Facts about Great Horned Owls
Like Great Horned Owls, White-tailed Jackrabbits are also nocturnal. This makes these rabbits one of the favoured foods of the Great Horned Owl. Brent Johner
Great Horned Owl Stories from our Readers
No stories regarding Great Horned Owls have been submitted to the database yet.
KEN OAKES
for serving as the society's PRESIDENT this year