The symbolism of great horned owls has always been linked to wisdom, knowledge, and the afterlife. In the wild, they are formidable predators and fiercely protective of their offspring, as depicted by a maternal owl in the Instagram post below from Raptor Rehab of Kentucky.
About Great Horned Owls:
Great horned owls are creatures to be admired from a distance due to their reputation as one of the most dangerous birds in the world. Despite only weighing three pounds, these owls boast a wingspan that can reach nearly five feet. Their name stems from the tufts of feathers resembling horns on either side of their heads, adding to their intimidating appearance.
Skilled hunters, great horned owls blend in with their surroundings with their brown, gray, and white plumage, aiding in camouflage amidst trees and foliage. They are known to aggressively defend their nests, partners, and owlets when threatened, even attacking unsuspecting hikers or joggers who stumble upon their territories. Although widespread in North America, sightings are rare due to their nocturnal habits.
Communication Signs:
The video above showcases an adult female owl caring for her owlets, displaying the protective nature of great horned owls. These birds are territorial, with some territories spanning two square miles. Predators like foxes, coyotes, crows, ravens, and other raptors pose threats, necessitating the owls to defend their nests vigorously.
To safeguard their young, great horned owls employ various defensive tactics. They spread their wings to appear larger, flap defensively, and emit a clicking sound by snapping their beaks, signaling a warning to intruders to back off. The beak-clicking serves as a form of self-defense and communication, with owlets adopting this behavior to signal danger.
Distinctive Sounds of Owls:
Apart from beak-clicking, owls can also produce clicking sounds using their tongues, indicating distress and issuing warnings. Depending on the situation, owls may emit screeches, screams, purrs, or snorts. Great horned owls are also known to clap their wings to declare territory, often announcing their presence audibly before being seen.
During nighttime, great horned owls may screech or scream, usually due to hunger in owlets or to repel threats from predators near their nest. This behavior is typically preceded by beak- or tongue-clicking, serving as a warning before taking defensive actions. The owls may also bark in response to perceived threats, a high-pitched sound that alerts their nest to potential dangers.
Great horned owls are incredibly vocal creatures, often using their hooting sounds to communicate a variety of messages such as defending their territory, signaling to other owls, and attracting mates. This video showcases the diverse range of their communication abilities and highlights how swiftly they can protect their offspring by using these vocalizations. Check out “Why Owls Make This Unusual Sound” for more fascinating insights on A-Z Animals.
