Great Horned Owls
Scientific Name: Bubo virginianus
The Great horned owl is found all throughout North America. Habitats you may find them in range from subarctic tundra to suburban neighborhoods.
They are incredibly fierce predators, preying on animals such as rabbits, skunks, ducks, and other owls. Great horned owls are able to carry their own body weight, unlike many other birds of prey that can only carry a third of their body weight. These owls typically hunt in the twilight hours of the day - sunset and sunrise. This makes them crepuscular hunters. Fun fact: they do not have a great sense of smell, so they are not afraid to make meals out of skunks!
The great horned owl gets its name from the horn-like feathers on their heads. These feathers, otherwise known as plumicorns, are used for communicating the owl’s many moods, as well as attracting potential mates.
Great horned owls will live up to 20-30 years in the wild and potentially much longer while in human care.
The Great horned owl is found all throughout North America. Habitats you may find them in range from subarctic tundra to suburban neighborhoods.
They are incredibly fierce predators, preying on animals such as rabbits, skunks, ducks, and other owls. Great horned owls are able to carry their own body weight, unlike many other birds of prey that can only carry a third of their body weight. These owls typically hunt in the twilight hours of the day - sunset and sunrise. This makes them crepuscular hunters. Fun fact: they do not have a great sense of smell, so they are not afraid to make meals out of skunks!
The great horned owl gets its name from the horn-like feathers on their heads. These feathers, otherwise known as plumicorns, are used for communicating the owl’s many moods, as well as attracting potential mates.
Great horned owls will live up to 20-30 years in the wild and potentially much longer while in human care.
Franklin
Franklin was found in a field on the Pasco/Hernando County border, having suffered a wing injury. The Busch Gardens Veterinary Staff put steel rods in place to help set the humerus bone of the wing, though the injury did not heal as hoped. Franklin has since become an educational ambassador. His name was chosen in honor of Franklin Arthur, a long-time volunteer here at the nature park. Franklin came to us in May of 2012, his official age undetermined. The enclosure for the Great Horned Owls was sponsored by the Clearwater Audubon Society and built by Casey Sammel as his Eagle Project. |
Eleanor - Great Horned Owl
Prior to coming to McGough in September of 2012, Eleanor was rescued on Fox Hollow Golf Course in North Pinellas County. She was treated at Busch Gardens Animal Care Center for eye injuries which could have been caused by the talons of another owl or bird of prey - or - some other unknown cause. As a result, she has limited vision. She can differentiate light and shadows, but now relies on other senses to navigate her enclosure. |