🦉 Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

Bird2 forward / 2 back toesTalon spread 4–8 in; wing marks 3–4 ft across
About

Rarely walks, but leaves dramatic wing prints and talon strikes in snow.

Track

Talon spread 4–8 in; wing marks 3–4 ft across. Two toes forward, two back (zygodactyl) when it does walk. Wing-tip sweeps in snow around a strike. Small mammal trail ends abruptly. Pellets beneath roost trees.

Where they live

Almost any wooded or edge habitat, including cities. All of the Americas.

When they're active

Nocturnal

What they eat

Rabbits, rodents, skunks, other birds

Fun fact

They're one of the few animals that regularly eat skunks — poor sense of smell helps.

Should I be concerned?

Will dive at people near a nest in spring. Wear a hat and move along.

📸 Identify a Track