What does the Great Horned Owl eat?

The Great Horned Owl's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Carnivore (primarily mammals and birds, but highly opportunistic)

How it forages

Nocturnal ambush predator. Hunts from a perch, swooping down silently on prey. Diet is incredibly diverse, including rabbits, hares, rodents, squirrels, skunks, opossums, ducks, geese, other owls, hawks, snakes, and even insects. Known for its ability to take prey larger than itself.

When it feeds

Nocturnal, most active from dusk to dawn. May hunt during the day, especially when food is scarce or during nesting season.

Explore the Great Horned Owl