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