Great Horned Owl - Bubo virginianus
A large owl, hard to mistake. Tufts appear to sit wide on the head. Eyes yellow, bill black, throat white. Facial disk variable in color, but usually dark rust to brown. Ventrally, heavy dark brown horizontal barring from the chest to the lower abdomen. Dorsally, the same colors exist as ventrally; however, there is more mottling. Because of its wide distribution and adaptability to any habitat, plumage color varies greatly, depending on location. SIZE: 20 to 25 inches. WEIGHT: 46 to 61 ounces (three to four pounds). VOICE: A booming, "Whoo, whoo, whoo whooo, whooo-whooo" loud and unmistakable.
Montana resident year-round; however, birds living in the northern part of the species' range may migrate south. Some fall and winter migration into and through MT occurs from birds farther north.
Habitat
Occurs from river bottoms to timberline throughout the state.
Read MoreMontana resident year-round; however, birds living in the northern part of the species' range may migrate south. Some fall and winter migration into and through MT occurs from birds farther north.
Habitat
Occurs from river bottoms to timberline throughout the state.
Taken Oct 22, 2010 on Mission Creek in the National Bison Range Wildlife Refuge.
jim kitis
on October 24, 2010are these owls ac tive during the day normally unlike other owls who only come in at night or did you spook it to do that?