Birds of North Carolina
their Distribution and Abundance
Scientific Name:
Common Name:
 Family (Alpha):
STRIGIDAE Members: Great Horned Owl 335
General Comments
This is the largest of the breeding owls in the state, and as with the Eastern Screech-Owl, the Great Horned Owl nests in all 100 counties. The species still fares well in the presence of man, though much habitat has been lost to development. This nocturnal species favors open to medium-growth pine forests, or mixed forests, preferably in dry to mesic areas, leaving the wetlands to the Barred Owl; thus, it is the nocturnal counterpart of the Red-tailed Hawk. As with the hawk, most territories contain extensive fields, and owls can sometimes be seen at dusk perched on stubs, bare trees, or poles in fields. Despite their proclivity toward drier areas, Great Horned Owls are often found in pine stands adjacent to tidal marshes and other such wetlands. It appears to be completely non-migratory.
Breeding Status
Breeder
NC BRC List
Definitive
State Status
none
U.S. Status
Definitive
State Rank
S5
Global Rank
G5
Coastal Plain
Permanent resident. Generally fairly common across the province, both along the coast and inland to the Fall Line. Peak counts: 34, Roanoke Rapids CBC, 1 Jan 1984.
Piedmont
Permanent resident. Uncommon to fairly common across the province. Peak counts:
Mountain
Permanent resident. Uncommon over most of the province, but perhaps fairly common in some areas. Ranges up to about 5,000 feet. Peak counts:
Finding Tips
Great Horned Owls call mainly during the colder months, mostly from Nov or Dec into Mar. At this time, one can often hear them calling at twilight, especially near dawn. They call less frequently in the middle of the night. A pair will often duet, with the high-pitched female's call alternating with the low-pitched male's call. To see a Great Horned, your best bet is to look during twilight conditions around fields, clearcuts, and other open areas. The owls often perch in tall dead trees, and they may also perch on telephone poles. You can see their silhouette, and then spotlight them with a flashlight.