critter of the week great horned owl

Species: Great horned owl

Scientific name: Bubo virgianus

Nicknames: Hoot owl

Claim to fame: The great horned owl is the best-known and most common species of owl found in this area. This species has feathered tufts on its head, a flecked brownish color, the large head and all the other characteristics people associate with owls. In late November and December is when males begin to hoot, signaling that courtship and mating for these birds have begun.

Species status: Of the eight species of owls that either are year-round residents of Missouri or seasonal visitors to this state, the great horned owl is the species whose population is most stable in this region. These owls can be found in both rural and urban environments.

First discovered: The first scientific description of the great horned owl was written by the German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1788.=read more