3 Facts about The Great Horned Owl!

Added: 2026-06-03

[00:00:00]Let's talk for a minute about the great horned owl. If you've ever heard one calling at night, you know they have one of the most recognizable owl sounds in North America, but there's a lot more going on with these owls than just hooting.

[00:00:12]Here are some fun facts about great horned owls. Did you know great horned owls do not actually have real horns?

[00:00:18]These large feather tufts on top of their head are just called pluma corns.

[00:00:22]Scientists think they may help with camouflage and communication with other owls. A second fact is that great horned owls are incredibly early nesters. Some pairs begin nesting in the dead of winter, sometimes while snow is still on the ground. Instead of building their own nests, they usually take over old hawk, crow, or squirrel nests. And one final fact is that great horned owls have specifically adapted feathers that allow them to fly almost silently. The edges of their wing feathers help break up air flow, which helps them sneak up on prey without even being heard. Do you know any other fun facts about great horned owls? Let us know in the comments.