06/01/2026
The great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) is one of Canada’s most recognizable and powerful birds of prey. Found across nearly every province and territory, these owls live in forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, and even near towns and farms.
● Great horned owls are named for the large feather tufts on their heads, which look like horns but are actually called “plumicorns.”
● They are incredible hunters with extremely strong talons that can exert crushing pressure powerful enough to kill prey instantly.
● Their hearing is highly advanced, allowing them to locate animals under snow, leaves, or dense vegetation in near-total darkness.
● Unlike many birds, they do not build their own nests. Instead, they often take over abandoned nests made by hawks, ravens, or squirrels.
Great horned owls are found throughout Canada, from southern farmland to northern forests. They are highly adaptable and can survive in many different environments as long as food is available.
Their silent flight is made possible by specialized feathers that reduce noise and turbulence while flying. Combined with excellent night vision and stealth, this makes the great horned owl one of the most effective nighttime predators in North America.