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Range and Habitat: The Great Horned Owl has a remarkable
range of habitats. It is found throughout the boreal forests of
Canada and Alaska, the temperate woods of Minnesota, and the tropical
rain forests and mangroves of North and South America. It is not
particular about its habitat, living in forest, mountain and steppe
areas. A permanent Minnesota resident.
Habits and Adaptations: A nocturnal predator, but forages
during daytime during the spring and summer when more food is
needed for the young. Resides in hollows of trees, rock niches,
abandoned nests of crows, hawks or eagles; occasionally builds
its own.
Diet: Feeds on smaller vertebrates: rodents, mice, hares;
also insects and worms; sometimes takes domestic poultry.
Breeding and Maturation: Very early breeder throughout
its range. The mating season begins in February in Minnesota.
The eggs are laid at intervals of several days, and are incubated
for 34 to 36 days. The young are ready to fly at the age of nine
weeks but are led by the parents for some time, often into the
fall. One or two chicks are raised per year.
Miscellaneous: Great ability to see in the dark; tremendous
head mobility; highly developed hearing; is a good friend to farmers
because of expertise in catching rodents. Great Horned Owls hoot
most frequently during the courtship season in mid-winter.
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