The large, familiar "hoot" owl, widespread in North America. Adult is dark brown overall, thickly barred underneath and patterned on the back and wings, with yellow eyes, white throat, and obvious ear tufts. Some regional plumage variation; northern birds are relatively pale, western birds splotchy and dark, and eastern birds relatively colorful with buffy and orange tones in the face and underparts. Long-eared Owl is smaller, with streaking underneath.

Length: 55 (cm) Wingspan: 111 (cm)

Voice:

Classic series of hoots, male lower-pitched than female. Also rasping begging call.

Habitat:

Wide variety of woodlands, open areas, deserts, and marshes, with at least a few trees.

Behavior:

Nocturnal. Roosts by day in dense foliage. Nests in old hawk nest or opening in cliff. Breeding season begins in late winter.

Feeding:

Fierce hunter; captures a wide variety of prey: rodents, small mammals, birds including other species of owls and hawks, fish, amphibians, household pets, skunks, rabbits, and porcupines.