The great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) is one of the most widespread and common owl species found across North America. Its range extends from the Arctic tundra all the way down to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. This adaptable bird can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, wetlands, parks, and even urban areas. But are great horned owls found in the state of Georgia? Keep reading to find out.
Overview of the Great Horned Owl
Before diving into the specifics of great horned owl distribution in Georgia, let’s first review some key facts about this species:
Description
– The great horned owl is a large, stocky owl with prominent ear tufts, a white throat, and brownish stripes on its belly. It has yellow eyes and a powerful hooked beak.
– These owls have a wingspan of 3-5 feet and weigh 2-4 pounds. Females are larger than males.
– Plumage color can range from mottled grayish-brown to nearly black. Some individuals appear more reddish-brown. The owls blend seamlessly into tree bark.
– Juveniles have downy white feathers on their heads and breasts before molting into adult plumage.
Habitat
– Great horned owls occupy a wide range of habitats, including mixed forests, swamps, deserts, farmland, parks, and urban areas.
– They require tall trees, abandoned buildings, or cliff ledges for nesting and roosting. Access to open areas for hunting is also key.
Diet
– Extremely diverse diet – eats mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. Key prey includes rabbits, hares, squirrels, rats, mice and voles.
– Will also eat skunks, ducks, geese, and small pets. Owls living near waterways prey on fish and frogs.
– Hunting occurs mainly at night by scanning from a perch and swooping down on prey. Will also snatch up prey while flying low over ground.
Breeding
– Nesting season lasts from February through June, with peak activity in March and April.
– Nests are large platforms of sticks, often lined with vegetation and feathers. Nest sites include tree cavities, old hawk/heron nests, rocky outcrops.
– Females lay 1-4 eggs that hatch after 30-37 days. Young fledge at 6-7 weeks.
Now that we’ve covered some background on the great horned owl, let’s focus our attention on this species in Georgia.
Presence of Great Horned Owls in Georgia
Great horned owls are common year-round residents throughout the state of Georgia. Here are some key details about their status:
Statewide Distribution
– Found in all regions and habitats in Georgia, including:
- Forests – deciduous, coniferous, mixed
- Swamps and marshes
- Fields and farmland
- Suburban parks and backyards
- Cities – nest on buildings and bridges
– Occurs at all elevations, from sea level up to the north Georgia mountains.
Abundance
– Considered a common to fairly common resident.
– Not tracked or monitored systematically across the state.
– Likely several thousand breeding pairs statewide.
Population Trends
– Populations appear stable long-term.
– Flexible habitat use and diverse diet allow great horned owls to adapt to human changes to the landscape.
– Threats include vehicle collisions, loss of very large nesting trees, and secondary poisoning from rodenticides.
Key Locations
– Found statewide, but may be easier to spot in more open habitats like:
- Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
- Chattahoochee National Forest
- Cumberland Island National Seashore
– Also found year-round in urban/suburban areas like Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, etc.
Seasonal Patterns
– Resident year-round, does not migrate.
– Nesting activity peaks February-April. Recently fledged young may be seen May-July.
– More vocal and territorial in late fall/winter during courtship and pair bonding.
Spotting Great Horned Owls in Georgia
Now let’s go over some tips for spotting great horned owls in the wild in Georgia:
Where to Look
– Roosting in large trees (oak, pine, cypress)
– Perched on snags, dead branches, telephone poles
– Sitting on nests in tree cavities, abandoned hawk/heron nests
– Hunting over open fields, marshes, forest clearings
When to Search
– Dawn and dusk offer best chances.
– Listen for deep hoots at night – indicates territorial owls.
– Scan nest sites February-July for possible young.
What to Listen For
– Deep, resonant hoots – “Who’s awake? Me too.”
– Short barking calls
– Young beg loudly with raspy screeches.
Signs of Presence
– Large stick nests in trees or on structures.
– Pellets under roost sites.
– Feathers and remains of prey.
Tips for Success
– Use squeaking toy mouse to imitate prey. May elicit responses.
– Check known nesting spots at dawn and dusk.
– Drive back roads at night scanning fence posts and trees.
– Listen for calls near dawn.
Legal Status in Georgia
The great horned owl is classified as a protected non-game species in Georgia. Here’s a quick overview of its legal status:
State Classification
– Protected non-game species
Laws & Regulations
– It is illegal to harm, harass, or kill great horned owls.
– Nests and eggs may not be disturbed except with special permits for research purposes.
– Capture requires a special permit from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Threats
– Habitat loss
– Vehicle collisions
– Secondary poisoning from rodenticides
– Illegal shooting (rare)
Great Horned Owl Conservation in Georgia
A variety of conservation initiatives aim to protect Georgia’s great horned owl populations:
Habitat Protection
– Acquisition and management of public lands with suitable owl habitat – Okefenokee NWR, Chattahoochee NF, state parks, etc.
– Conservation easements on private lands.
Nest Boxes
– Installation of nest boxes provides additional nesting sites.
Public Education
– Teaching Georgia residents about living with owls, appreciating wildlife, and following laws/regulations.
Wildlife Rehabilitation
– Care and rehabilitation of injured owls at wildlife centers. Release back to wild.
Research
– Banding and tracking studies reveal new info about populations, behavior and ecology. Guides future conservation efforts.
Fun Facts About Georgia’s Great Horned Owls
Here are some interesting tidbits about the great horned owls found in the state:
Nicknames
– Also known as the Tiger Owl, Hoot Owl, and Cat Owl
Impressive Attributes
– Can turn heads 270 degrees in either direction
– Talons can exert 500 psi of pressure
– Eyes fixed in sockets – must turn head to change view
Dietary Flexibility
– Documented preying on over 500 species including skunks, herons, geese, and domestic cats!
One Tough Owl
– Feathers insulate against Georgia’s hot summers and cold winters
– Survives in swamps, forests, cities – highly adaptable
Famous Georgia Owls
– Owl Arthur – a viral video star with over 10 million views!
– Pudgy – beloved visitor at Atlanta’s Fernbank Museum
Conclusion
In summary, the great horned owl is indeed found throughout the state of Georgia. This adaptable predator occupies diverse habitats from the coast to the mountains, and it can even be spotted in urban areas. Great horned owls are protected in Georgia, where conservation efforts aim to maintain populations through habitat management, education initiatives, and the rehabilitation of injured birds. So next time you’re out hiking in the Georgia woods, listen closely after dark – you just might hear the signature hooting of this magnificent owl!
