Go Find It!

Great horned owls are found statewide in a variety of habitats, from forests to city backyards. For more on these midnight mouse munchers, swoop down to mdc.mo.gov/field-guide.

Great Horned Owl

Fake Horns

The pointy things atop this owl’s head aren’t horns. They aren’t ears, either. They’re tufts of feathers.

After Dark Duet

Owl couples call to each other just after sunset. The female hoots hoo HOO, hoo, hooo, and her mate answers with deeper hoots.

Secondhand Homes

Great horned owls often lay their eggs in a nest that was built by another animal, such as a hawk, heron, or squirrel.

Mocked by the Flock

Songbirds often swoop and squawk at owls to alert their feathered friends to the predator’s whereabouts.

Great Big Appetite

Great horned owls aren’t picky eaters. Rodents, rabbits, raptors, and everything in between are on the menu.