Great Horned Owl

North Carolina Wildlife Profile–Great Horned Owl (N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission)
The two prominent ear tufts of feathers, resembling horns, give this owl its common name.

All About Birds – Great Horned Owl (Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
This powerful predator can take down birds and mammals even larger than itself, but it also dines on daintier fare such as tiny scorpions, mice, and frogs.

Great Horned Owl Songs and Calls (Audubon)
Great Horned Owls begin nesting very early in the north, and their deep hoots may be heard rolling across the forest on mid-winter nights.

Birds of North Carolina–Great Horned Owl  (Carolina Bird Club)
This nocturnal species favors open to medium-growth pine forests, or mixed forests, preferably in dry to mesic areas

Species Profile: Great Horned Owl (North Carolina Bird Atlas)
Great Horned Owls are found most frequently in fragmented patches of fields, woodlots, and suburbs rather than unbroken forests. During the daytime, they tend to roost in sheltered areas such as dense evergreen stands. A flock of crows mobbing the top of a pine tree may be a good indication they have discovered a roosting Great Horned Owl.