The Great Horned Owl: Classic Wildlife Listening

Diane Tipton, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Information Officer

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Wildlife viewing is regarded as a birthright in Montana, but are you missing out on wildlife listening?

This time of year, the great horned owl is one of the more challenging yet rewarding wildlife listening opportunities.

The great horned is the classic owl, with the legendary round, wise golden eyes, horn-like tufts of feathers on either side of its head and the amazing ability to turn its head almost completely around and upside down. At about three pounds, with up to a five-foot wingspread, the great horned owl is an awesome sight. But, great horned owls are rarely seen during daylight because they are mainly nocturnal—sleeping by day and hunting beginning at dusk.

This is where the listening comes in. While it may be rare to see a great horned owl, it is quite possible to hear one. These owls search for a mate and establish their territory beginning in December and begin nesting generally by February. You won’t mistake their classic call, "Hoo…Hoo…Hu, Hu, Hu."

While the great horned owl is common throughout North America and very adaptable, living in forests, isolated stands of trees, wooded coulees, valleys, and even city parks—the better the habitat—the more likely it is you’ll hear the great horned owl.

Good habitat can be found in locations with healthy rodent, rabbit and skunk populations, and with nearby water for the reptiles and amphibians that are also on the owl’s diet.

Great horned owls do not build their own nests, so watch for abandoned heron, hawk or squirrel nests—all prime real estate for these owls. Tree hollows and cliff ledges are likely nesting sites, too. The female great horned owl uses her breast feathers to do what little refurbishing of a pre-owned nest may be needed.

Another way to identify a good listening site is to watch for owl pellets. Because they cannot digest all of their prey, remains such as hair, bones or feathers are regurgitated as a pellet about half the size of a thumb. These owl pellets will be found on the ground underneath an owl’s favorite roosting spot.

If you’re lucky, you may have a great horned owl as a neighbor. If not, you can identify a spot on public lands where you can comfortably sit at night, or in the dawn or dusk to listen.  

There is no need to be shy-it is easy to do a reasonable hoot. If you want to practice before you try your hand at hooting, go to FWP’s web site for a recording of the great horned and other owls on FWP’s Montana Field Guide.

Wildlife listening can be enjoyed year round. There are numerous songbirds, ravens and hawks to listen for—or keep an ear tuned for the call of the coyote. In many parts of western Montana, it may also be possible to hear the howl of wolves.

In the spring, you can sometimes hear a deer fawn calling to its mother. Or, consider learning the songs of Montana frogs this summer by spending some late evenings near a wetland. Of course, autumn offers bugling elk and honking geese in formation.

Don’t forget you can also make a tax-deductible contribution to support wildlife viewing and listening on your 2004 income tax form. Just check the box marked by an eagle.

Wildlife viewing can’t be beat, but there is something magical, too, about listening to the sounds of wildlife.