GREAT HORNED OWL

These magnificent "Tigers in the Sky" get their names from the tufts of feathers found on their head that resemble horns. Their feathers are black, brown, orange, and white and the birds have a pair of large, yellow eyes.

Great Horned Owls nest early during December and January. The female will usually lay five eggs in February. One egg every day for five days. The eggs have an incubation period of 28 days.

These birds are born helpless and blind but grow very rapidly. After ten days their eyes are open and at four weeks they are nearly one-third grown.

The birds will usually begin flight after 11 or 12 weeks. However, most immature Great Horn Owls will fall out of the nest at six or seven weeks. The parents will feed and watch over the young until it flies away.

The nickname "tiger in the sky" comes from the birds' ferocious attitude. They are one of the few cannabalistic species. They have also been known to eat barnyard cats.

Click here to listen to a Great Horned Owl call.

For more information on owls, visit www.owlpages.com