Owls

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

The most powerful owl in North America, with large ear tufts, fierce yellow eyes, and a booming territorial hoot. A year-round resident in Kodiak's mixed forests, active year-round even in deep winter.

Where to look

Sitka spruce forests near Kodiak town, Fort Abercrombie, and wooded drainages throughout the island.

Habitat

Forests, edges, and open country.

Diet

Rabbits, hares, rodents, birds, and other large prey.

Natural history note

Great Horned Owls begin nesting in February, often in the middle of an Alaskan winter, and can take prey as large as Great Blue Herons.